I know I have done that a lot and felt unable to do much about it but I think I have found some help for all of that …& it can be fun & rewarding besides…what a great deal!

The solution? Multiply your money locally!

The solution is to shop locally with independent (not chain store) merchants in your ‘Hood. Shopping locally can generate huge dividends in improving your community & your pocketbook.

You can help contribute directly to your own well-being and someone else’s. The monetary amounts from such spending are are huge:

• If 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6

• BILLION annually….which would be spent locally.
• For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00
• comes back to us.
• If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

I am really fortunate to live in an in-town neighborhood where there are lots of diverse shops and great gifts to chose from. But wherever you are, I know there are places to go where you will have a wonderful selection as well as doing your part to support folks working hard just like you. It can save you money and time.

Every community has locally owned restaurants, art galleries, gift shops, bakeries and other businesses that will really appreciate you and your business. And the parking is easy.

Gotta love the 3/50 Project

The wonderful 3/50 PROJECT is all about this. It encourages people to buy & support local businesses. This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to, our local economy and our community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust. And personally, I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a valued customer, not an account number.

Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this out how you get known and appreciated in your “village.”.. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more at the 3/50 website.

1. Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses to check out and stop in & say Hello. Buy something that makes you smile.
2. Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and will have made a friend…and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.
3. Eat in a neighborhood restaurant, ask to meet the owner and thank them for improving your quality of life. McDonalds will never do that.
4. Hold your “meet- up” in a local coffee shop or resturant,they will be happy to have you and give you special service.
5. If you need a product or service but can’t find it, ask the local merchant if they can recommend someone. Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say “Tell them I sent you “; always a great way to get good service.
6. Subscribe to your neighborhood association’s newsletter & get on the email list for the local merchant’s newsletter. Great way to find inexpensive deals and events.
7. If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral. They will remember!

Related posts:

1. SOS Tip: It Really Does Take a Village to Raise A Business..
2. 5 Mistakes That Can Cost You Business
3. Holiday Tips to Save Time, Money & Sanity

Holiday Gifts can be challenging but all of these are easily “doable” & take little Time & Money.

1.Use an “assembly line” to create ready-to-use dry mixes (think: cookies, multi-bean soups, or muffins) and package in attractive containers from art or dollar stores. These are great time savers and easy to create.

2. Plant paperwhite narcissus bulbs in pebbles in pots, water weekly and put in window. They will bloom in Jan. and be a fragrant gift during the winter.( I do this every year for clients, neighbors etc. and they tell me they appreciate them).

3. Make “Gifts Certificates” for your time/expertise. Here are some possibilities:

• Certificate for a favorite/special dish

• Certicate for some hours of “ grunt work” …cleaning garage,painting,raking leaves,etc.

• Certificate for helping with a project that could use your painting, sewing, organizing skills

4. A “PASS” coupon for your kids for chores that kids are usually do; lets them  “opt out “ of chore when they use their coupon.

5. “Happy New Year” gifts given in January gifts may more noticed and appreciated and a good way to reconnect after the rush of the holidays.

6. For business customers, give a percentage “off” on your client’s bill or order with a thank you holiday note. Many will appreciate money more than a present.

7.Give a donation in the clients name to a favorite charity, especially if you know of your client’s interests. Often a magazine/newsletter also will be sent & your client is reminded of you all year.

8. Consider a donation where client can “adopt” an animal or land. Rescue/rehab groups or environmental organizations will often send client a picture or certificate and progress reports.

9.Give yourself a present. You deserve it!

Related posts:

1. Money Multiplier
2. SOS Tip: It Really Does Take a Village to Raise A Business..
3. Happy New Year! Start It Right…

Recently I found out from my favorite bookstore, Park Rd Books, about the wonderful 3/50 project that encourages people to buy & support local businesses.This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to our own businesses,our local economy and our sense of community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust.And personally,I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a good customer,not an account number.We all want to be known & valued.Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this month’s tips to find out how you get known and appreciated in your “village.”.. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more at the 3/50 website.

The idea of 3/50 is that if 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6 BILLION annually….which would be spent locally…like in your business. For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00 comes back to us. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

1. Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses that you value and stop in & say Hello.Buy something that makes you smile.
2. Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and may have also made a friend…and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.
3. If you need a product or service but can’t find it locally,ask the local owner if they can recommend someone.Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say “Tell them I sent you “; always a great way to get good service.
4. Subscribe to your neighborhood association’s newsletter. Often you can advertise inexpensively there and can also find businesses in your community to meet your needs.
5. Attend local events & be a sponsor or donate a service.People putting these together as well as attendees will remember you & your generosity.
6. If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral.They will remember!

Related posts:

1. Money Multiplier
2. 5 Mistakes That Can Cost You Business
3. History, Heritage and Hope