We are in the midst of “Small Business Week” and I will admit that I’m not sure what that means. I think the idea is to encourage everyone to shop local and celebrate small businesses this week, but it feels a bit like Valentine’s Day. It’s a made up “holiday” where you act like you should all the time. Should you treat your loved one with love and kindness for just one day, or every day of the year? Should you shop locally just this week, or whenever you need something that the local business offers?
We aren’t two dimensional beings so clearly there will occasionally be arguments against this, but I’m sticking with my Small Business Week = Valentine’s Day premise.
With all of that being said, be sure to celebrate your local small businesses early and often. These people often have a stronger connection to the local community and show it by donating both time and treasure. Not only do they support the community at large, they provide jobs and serve a specific need.
It’s easy to get caught in the trap of believing business is a zero sum game. Someone has to win and someone has to lose. And business people are generally bad. Anyone watching TV and movies on a semi-regular basis will have noticed this theme. Sadly, this theme has tainted the conversation about business in general and is just not helpful. Business is a beautiful thing, as it serves a need that someone is willing to pay for. When that exchange takes place between a local small business person and their neighbor, it’s that much stronger.
So celebrate your local small businesses every day and show your loved one some appreciation. Can’t you feel life getting better already?