7 Ways to Support Small Business During a Pandemic
There is a lot of information out there about how and why to support small business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chances are, that it’s top of mind for many because you might own one, you have friends that own one, perhaps your neighbor works for one or even, all of the above. That’s because there are more than 30 million small businesses in America. In fact, businesses with fewer than 500 employees (what constitutes a small business) accounts for 48% of American jobs and 43.5% of the GDP. In quarantine, our small business owners are cash strapped, laying off workers, and uncertain of the future. I will spare you the “in unprecedented times” and tell you how you can best support those businesses from the comfort of your own home.
Don’t demand a refund for services the business can provide to you in the future. Yes, you had to cancel your child’s birthday party or that family photo shoot and that sucks but those business owners may have used your deposit to pay the rent on the venue or pay their employees. Call the business and ask for a credit toward future services.
Think outside of the box. While photographers can’t see you in person right now, they may have a print shop as part of their business. Consider taking this time to make photo albums from vacation photos or finally get moving on that baby book that you’ve been promising yourself you’d do for three years. Perhaps you have a business that needs product or online service photography? TK Photography is great at this!
Pay attention. Small business owners are savvy and in many cases, have learned how to pivot. Look for the pivot! Maybe your child’s enrichment class went virtual (Bubbles Academy, School of Rock, Bucktown Music, Art Supply Junkie) or your ALL Moms fitness classes have gone online and even offers additional playdates and connections. Keep an eye out for businesses supporting other businesses, like Pearachute. Your Sunday Boozy Brunch may have even grown in size and added some local celebs and cooking/cocktail tutorials.
Think about how you can leverage small business to improve your life through quarantine. Maybe you just can’t be a homeschool teacher (for whatever reason). There are thousands of tutors out there looking to help your child(ren) with e-learning. Think about what else you need help with? Been meaning to redecorate that living room? Check out Havenly and hire an online interior designer.
Be liberal with your social media likes, shares, comments, retweets, etc. Show others that you support a product or business with a little virtual word of mouth. It can go a VERY long way. Also, consider leaving a review on Google, Niche, or any other place that you can think of.
Order online. Think about businesses that are impacted by outdoor festival/farmer’s market cancellations. Think about restaurants, bakeries, wine and flower shops, boutiques etc. Can you order some amazing lotion for your hands that you’ve washed about a thousand times a day? Don’t know what #selfcare looks like in quarantine? Think about amazing places that have just launched robust online stores. One of our favorites is Lena Rose.
Buy gifts cards. For yourself, for a friend, for a family in need. Money made from gift card sales may provide a business with the critical funds it needs just to survive another day, week, or month. Many businesses are even offering deals on gift cards right now.
As far as restaurants go, give them a call. There seems to be mixed emotions on third-party delivery apps. Some are charging some pretty astronomical fees that come directly out of the businesses pocket BUT some businesses are saying that they wouldn’t be able to stay open without them. In fact, we’ve heard some businesses are seeing dramatic increases in sales because of these delivery apps. If you aren’t sure, just give them a ring and see if they prefer you to go through Grubhub, Uber Eats, Door Dash, etc. or perhaps even a curbside pick up works for you.
Regardless (and to be blunt), this whole situation sucks for a lot of people. Do good where you can and we’ll make it through together. Most importantly, stay well.
When you’re done supporting small biz, be sure to check out 6 Tips for Virtual Meetings.
