For more than 28 million small business owners, today is an important day; it’s Small Business Saturday. We all are aware of the deals at the big box stores on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but on Small Business Saturday, the focus turns to the small businesses in our communities. And, it’s important to support your local small businesses.
- Since the 1970’s, small businesses 55% of all new jobs in the U.S.
- Small businesses account for 54% of all sales in the U.S.
- Small businesses account for 40% of all retail sales in the U.S.
- As big businesses downsize, small businesses are growing and providing more jobs for their communities.
- Source: www.sba.gov
As you can see, small businesses are important to our economy, but it’s also important to support them because the owners of the companies work tirelessly to provide unique products and services. Unlike Big Business, small businesses are run by individuals with a passion for what they do, not just a focus on creating shareholder value. Small business owners have to be passionate about their business because of the amount of time and effort they put into their business. There’s a saying that small business owners work 100 hours a week to avoid working 40 hours a week for someone else. I don’t know if every small business owner is trying to avoid working for someone else, but I do know the 100 hours a week is pretty accurate…I see it first hand every day with my wife, and live it myself.
My wife is a small business owner; she owns a boutique for boys clothing. She works extremely hard in her store making sure her customers have the best shopping experience possible. She also makes sure that same in-store experience is received by her online shoppers, and that online purchases are mailed same-day (or next-day at the latest). She also manages the store’s social media, responds to all emails, and does all of the purchasing for the store. As proud of my wife as I am, I know that there are over 28 million other hard working small business owners like her, and I want to see them all succeed.
I want to see small business owners rewarded for their hard work. I want to see them rewarded for the risks they took. I want to see them rewarded for sharing their passion with others. I want to see them rewarded for the sacrifices they make. And I want to see them rewarded because it’s good for our communities. So, as you are doing you holiday shopping today, make sure to seek out at least one small business. Chances are it won’t be the last time you shop with them; don’t just shop small on the Saturday following Thanksgiving…those small business owners are working hard year-round!
And to the small business owners out there, keep fighting the good fight!
Shameless plug for my wife’s business: if you have boys from newborn to age 6 to shop for, visit www.romanandleo.com for the trendiest styles.
Disclaimer: Nothing on this blog should be considered advice, or recommendations. If you have questions pertaining your individual situation you should consult your financial advisor. For all of the disclaimers, please see my disclaimers page.
