10 Ways To Support A Local Business For Free!
Fresh off our big win at Golden Bean North America and all the congratulations and acknowledgment that has followed, we reflected on what has helped us expand our small company in the last year.
Some of what has contributed to our momentum is YOU. Here in Jackson Hole, we always feel lifted up and supported by our local community. The people who live here attend our workshops, purchase our coffee and choose to partner with us for events. We feel very seen! On a larger scale, we also feel very supported in our endeavors by the global coffee community. We are not just speaking of the awards we received last week but more so of the inclusion in setting the standards and advancing the love and respect for craft coffee.
We thought it would be helpful to share a short list of ways that you can support the makers and creators in your local community. Of course, purchasing their products is always at the top of the list. But how do we affect change and encourage growth with our energy and social reach?
- Follow them on social media.
- Comment, like, AND share their posts. The more engagement on each post ensures that they will be seen by a larger audience that could potentially purchase their product. In a culture of scrolling, be the person who stops for .5 seconds and leaves a comment.
- Tag friends in posts that might interest them. We all know how social media works. That @ button is there for a reason!
- Tell your friends, family, and colleagues about them. Your words cost nothing, but referrals are priceless! People trust your recommendations so spread the word.
- Don't ask for free stuff or "mates rates." Why, you ask? Because so much goes into each and every product that a small business puts out there. As a coffee roaster, we know all too well the journey from seed to cup. When you ask for free things, you are asking us not to pay farmers well, not to pay our importer well, not to pay our roasters, delivery drivers and staff a living wage. How would it feel if your employer asked you to work one day every month for free...as a favor? Probably not great.
- Shop small business for the holidays! When you give someone a gift from a small business, you are also giving the maker a gift by exposing them to a new audience. Why not kill two birds with one stone?
- Refrain from negativity. There is room for constructive criticism that can help someone elevate their craft, and then there is just downright negativity. Being mindful and intentional in your public comments is essential to a small business. We like to follow the T.H.I.N.K. acronym. Is it true? Is it helpful? Is it inspiring? Is it necessary? Is it kind? Also, is it a fact, or is it just my opinion/bad mood/lack of knowledge?
- Host an event and invite us along. There are so many ways in which businesses and non-profits can offer mutually beneficial support! Don't have a huge budget? Create a media plan that both parties can support. Ensure that signage and recognition are clear. Draft a press release together that highlights both parties!
- Write positive reviews. We cannot stress this one enough! How often do we head to yelp or trip advisor or facebook to see if something is the real deal? When you rate a small business and publicly share what you like about them, you immediately reach an audience of thousands and make it easier for them to be seen and chosen.
- Introduce them to other makers or businesses that they can collaborate with. We all know SOMEBODY who we think would connect well with someone else. Does your friend own a cafe? Introduce them to your favorite coffee roaster!
You have influence, and it costs nothing! Have any more suggestions we could add to this list? Shoot us an email!
So very true RuthAnn. Positivity in our world only betters is all!! Thank you