8 Simple Ways to Support Small Businesses
By Brent Brake | Dellon Sales Co. | Albertson, NY
There’s no doubt that small business owners have been among the worst hit by the impact of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to embrace.
As small business struggle to stay the course during the corona virus outbreak, many business groups and others are suggesting ways that patrons can help keep them keep afloat. That’s why it’s so important to support small businesses right now. And luckily, there are plenty of ways to do it — Here are a few steps you can take and some resources you can consider to help keep your team and your business safe in the coming weeks.
1. Communicate With Clients and Customers
Whatever industry you’re in, now is a really important time to reach out to customers and clients. This is important for your existing customers, but particularly for new customers too. This doesn’t need to be a sales pitch – just checking in to see how they are doing and what they need right now is really valuable. Even if you don’t have the answers right now, you might have someone else in your network who can help which will strengthen your relationship with them in the future. It’s about listening and offering real value and expertise right now. Consider all of the ways you get get your information in fronts of customers—email, broadcast fax, social media, fliers, phone calls, networking.
2. Connect With Your Community
This has been valuable for me! Join groups that share a common interest and goal. In times like this more and more entrepreneurs are seeing the importance of connecting with others in the same industry for support. Social networking platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Align offer a great opportunity to connect with others and start growing a strong community of peers. Find people in a similar situation to you, don’t be afraid to reach out, start a helpful discussion or thread, and invite others to join – you will be surprised at how quickly you find your people.
3. Know What Financial Support You Have Access To
Reach out to financial institutions. A lot of people are, understandably, stressed about money right now. Read up on the latest resources that may be available to you. Whether that be an extra marketing push, or investment in new technology to take your services online. Unfortunately, there are still businesses falling through the cracks of current funding schemes, so it is important to do your own research and keep an eye out for new initiatives or local council options relevant to you.
4. Buy Gift Cards
This could help a retailer or other small business stay alive and keep their staff working and paid. Buying gift cards gives small businesses a cash infusion now to make it through hard times.
5. Write Reviews Online
Leave a positive review online—we’ve all headed to Google, Yelp, and other review services to get the lowdown on small businesses. These reviews have incredibly tangible impacts on a business. Take a few minutes and leave your favorite small businesses a positive review.
6. Buy Now, Pick Up Later
If you were planning to buy a manufactured product such as an electronic device or book, call to see if you can pay for it now and pick it up at a later date. If you are planning a project at home, start planning it now, invest in your designer or builder. This can provide small businesses with an infusion of cash.
7. Share Social Media Posts
It’s that simple! This could help a retailer or other small business stay alive and keep their staff working and paid. If you see a great local post on social media, share it, and like it!
8. Post About Your Favorite Local Business on Social Media
Share on your Instagram story or Facebook feed which retailers you’re shopping at to encourage friends, family, and any fringe followers to do the same. Even if you don’t have any money of your own right now, moral support like comments on social media goes a long way. It means a lot to these hardworking business owners and employees right now.
BOTTOM LINE:
If you are in a position to support a small business, please do what you can to help our small businesses, the men and women who are the backbone of our economy. Whether it’s buying gift cards, shopping online, or tuning into virtual classes!
Dellon Sales is a 4th generation manufacturers’ representative firm in the plumbing supply business, serving New York and New Jersey. Dellon Sales is currently owned by Scott Dellon, CEO, and his son David Dellon, President. Dellon Sales co. is an active part of the ASA, AIM/R, DPHA, NKBA, and a verity of other local industry organizations.
Brent Brake is an experienced division marketing manager with a demonstrated history of working in the wholesale industry. Brent is skilled in retail, sales management, purchasing, and construction; she has worked in the industry for over 25 years. Brent has shared “My work has allowed me to express my creativity, marketing skills, and business savvy. I’m not sure if there is another profession with quite so much variety.”