Independent retailers nationwide are basking in the glow of the attention focused our way by Small Business Week. A full roster of activities in major cities around the country is being sponsored by the SBA, and many local organizations are saluting the top small businesses in their area. Google is even providing a place for us to “hang out” virtually all week with panels of experts in different topics.

We all want our customers to know the value of small businesses like ours. But this week is a reminder that we have choices to make that can impact other small businesses.  I’m always struck by the number of service providers who attend our Buy Local meetings here in Madison, WI. These are all individuals whose business success depends on our support.

Take a look at your budget to see where you can spend dollars locally.  Web development, insurance, credit card processing, and advertising are all services that you may be able to acquire from someone in your area.  Even if the prices are slightly higher (and they may not be) there are many benefits to forging personal relationships for better service.

How about the products you sell, and the products you need to operate your business?  We try to work with local craftspeople to develop wholesale items that work in our shop, and we also know that patronizing non-franchise hardware stores, office supply companies and other local retailers can make a difference. Not every dollar we spend is with a small business, of course, however we try to keep this issue in mind when deciding where to buy.

But the biggest impact we can have in supporting small businesses is by working with our local reps, many of whom are independent contractors.  Most of our reps’ income is dependent upon our placing our orders though them. And by honoring the value of their time and travel expenses to make good use of appointments, we help them make a living. In exchange they bring us their experience and product knowledge, and help us be better retailers.  In honor of Small Business Week, let’s pledge to support our sales reps, as well as the sales agencies and regional marts that they are associated with. We’ll all be stronger for it.

Happy Retailing,

Carol “Orange” Schroeder