Holiday Success Tips and Tricks – Part 5Shop Local This Holiday Season
Los Alamos local businesses are deeply committed to sustaining the local economy and uniting the community in a strong economic bond. Their owners and employees are our neighbors and friends.
Of course, without local businesses, we couldn’t have a local economy. Without a local economy a sense of prosperous growth and community is lost. Without shoppers, guests, clients and customers, local businesses cannot navigate challenging economic times like these. This is why it is essential to support our local businesses.
The holiday season is a great time to put forth a conscious effort to start keeping our patronage and business local. We will find that this effort will bring lasting impact to the community and its economy. We know that for every $100 spent locally, $68 remains in the local economy. For every $100 spent at a national chain store, only $43 stays local – and only if that store is in your community.
Supporting local businesses supports local jobs, salaries, sponsorships, scholarships and a host of other benefits for a community and the sense of community grows stronger.
A great time to start is this very weekend starting on Nov. 30 with Small Business Saturday, which is a nationwide campaign to shop local. Also some businesses in town will donate a portion of their sales that day to the United Way Community Fund. This is a great way to support local businesses and the community. For a list of participating businesses visit www.losalamoschamber.com.
Small and local businesses often find that they have better success when they participate in local community events. Instead of hanging the closed sign in the window, businesses can open their doors for more exposure and hit the street to meet potential customers while taking part in local festivals, parades, and events. When participating in local events is a permanent fixture of your marketing plan, it can lead to additional revenue and make your business a prized part of the local culture. Community involvement is an invaluable way to spread the news about your service, product or organization. There are a number of ways you can get involved. You could sponsor a local sports team or a band, volunteer with or donate to a local charity, or put a float in the town parade.
If you are looking for an upcoming parade, then look no further than the spectacular Holiday Lights Parade Dec. 7 during Winterfest Weekend. If you would like to participate in the parade you can sign up at www.losalamosmainstreet.com. You can also catch up with a friend, shop, eat and show your full support for the local economy this weekend too.
Remember your target market and consider the value of participating in various community events. Which activities appeal to your target market and give you maximum exposure? Team up with other complimentary businesses to brainstorm ways to utilize community events or create your own. Maybe it will become a permanent fixture of the community calendar!
In Los Alamos, there are many, many ways to get involved in the community. For ideas, you can always refer to the community calendar that is continuously updated on www.fyilosalamos.com. In the end, community involvement helps build stronger local economies and attracts the attention of customers who want to do the same.
Be sure to check back tomorrow for great tips on getting a handle on your cash flow during the holidays.
Los Alamos Business Assistance Services helps businesses with planning, marketing, financing, startups, training, and other specialized areas so businesses can start, grow and succeed in northern New Mexico. Visit our website www.losalamosbusiness.com for a no-cost, confidential appointment.
Source: Holiday Success Guide. Abrams Rhonda. The Planning Shop, 2012.
