A few weeks ago, Angeline and I had a conversation about what I am doing with this blog. You see, when I started blogging in 2010, it was as a hobby and I only spent a few hours a week writing and networking.
Over the course of the last two and a half years, my blog has grown from that little hobby into a full time job.
That’s right: a full time job. My blog? It’s now my business…which makes me a small business owner. I had to explain to her why I spend so much time working on blog posts and networking, because she didn’t quite understand why I spend so much time on the computer.
After I explained to her all that I do, and how my small business – my blog – was financing our dinners out, her new clothes, field trips, our travels and paying off our family’s debt (including my car!), she understood how important my blog is and how amazing it is for me to own my own business.
As a small business owner myself and after working for a payroll and human resources company that specialized in supporting small businesses for seven years, I know how important it is to support small businesses.
Did you know that 75% of new businesses close within the first year?
It makes me so sad when I see a brand new store or restaurant close down…when these establishments close, it is not a big corporation that is just closing their doors – it is a man or woman just like you or me, who has spent their hard-earned money (probably their life savings), and countless hours trying to make their dreams come true. Because they are individual people, when their businesses close down, they suffer tremendous personal loss: when their income stops, many times they lose their cars, their homes…it is a horrible, horrible trickle down effect.
We try to help small businesses in Miami in any way we can: we like them on Facebook, leave reviews on Yelp and check in on Foursquare to raise their social media profile – and we make a point to support them financially by shopping in their stores or eating in their restaurants.
American Express also supports small businesses, have you heard about Small Business Saturday?
American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year – between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
In 2011, over 100 million people went shopping at independently-owned small businesses on Small Business Saturday!!
We love a little candy and sweets shop in our neighborhood, as well as a few clothing boutiques, but during the holidays, we make sure to pay a visit to these adorable little craft shops and a novelty toy shop. You can find old fashioned, handmade toys as well as a ton of gorgeous handmade crafts and home decor. I love these shops because not only do I get to support small business owners, but we also get to support local craftsmen!
I will be paying a visit to my favorite local small businesses on Small Business Saturday – November 24th – and hopefully discovering some new shops as well!
Where will you be shopping on Small Business Saturday?
I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for American Express. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.
Kelly says
November 9, 2012 at 6:05 pmI’m going to try to get all of the Christmas presents for the kiddos in my family on this day.
A Time Out for Mommy- Elaina says
November 9, 2012 at 10:26 pmThere are lots of small businesses around here and we shop them regularly!
Maureen says
November 9, 2012 at 10:37 pmI have a friend who owns a small business making eco-friendly cleaners. I will be supporting him on Small Biz Saturday!!
Rachel says
November 10, 2012 at 12:51 amI try to support small businesses every single day, if I can (whether through social media or actual shopping); like you, I’m always sad to see one go under.
Stefani says
November 10, 2012 at 1:32 amI try to support small businesses in my area when I can, especially this donut shop that I LOVE.
Alison says
November 10, 2012 at 7:25 amI love to support small businesses in my area when I can as well! There is a great place about 30 minutes away that has baby carriers as well as cloth diapers and all that good stuff. I loved shopping there!
nicole says
November 10, 2012 at 8:20 amLove Small Buisness Saturday. I think I’ll probably show at Miami Twice or something this year.
Robin says
November 10, 2012 at 8:37 amLOVE this and I’ll definitley be out there on Small Business Saturday!!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
November 11, 2012 at 5:17 pmThis is a great idea!! I love all the smaller stores!
natasha says
November 11, 2012 at 5:32 pmSuch a good thing to do!
debra pearlstein says
November 11, 2012 at 7:59 pmI love supporting small or local businesses whether online or in person. I applaud you for your small business – you’re doing a great job!
deb says
November 13, 2012 at 8:23 amI try to shop small businesses as much as I can. Sometimes its just not possible because I still have to be conscious of cost. I love Small Business Saturday though and think its a great idea.
Alissa says
November 13, 2012 at 8:46 amLove Small Business Saturday! Will be shopping at my favorite local consignment shops.
Amy says
November 13, 2012 at 8:48 amWe’ll be traveling that day, but there are a few shops that I’ve seen around that I really want to stop at before Christmas.
Melissa says
November 13, 2012 at 9:57 amI absolutely love SBS! We visit small Children’s clothing/toy stores!
Kasandria Reasoner says
November 13, 2012 at 5:10 pmI participate in SBS every year LOVE it! Great way to find new local stores.
Kas
Hanan says
November 13, 2012 at 6:32 pmI think this is something more people should really look into. This year, we’re going to shop local!!
Megan says
November 13, 2012 at 6:36 pmThe only places that I shop are small businesses downtown here. I love walking in and being addressed by name 🙂
Tesa says
November 13, 2012 at 9:06 pmShop local and keep your community strong!
Lolo says
November 14, 2012 at 1:53 amI love supporting small businesses.
Kristina Vanni says
November 14, 2012 at 4:00 pmI think it is very important to support small businesses! Thanks for posting this!