For the original idea, please go here.

16 Days till Christmas – spreading love by supporting local businesses

When I looked at my schedule and saw that today I had an appointment at a salon I’ve been patronizing for almost twenty years, it got me thinking.

Supporting local businesses is something easy to talk about but do I often do it? As long as value for value is given, I started to wonder why I don’t search out more local businesses to patronize?

It’s kinda a no-brainer, right? I mean, it gives back to the community I live in and helps support part of the very fabric that makes America great – small business owners.

So today, I decided to spread the love by supporting local businesses.

Instead of running into the convenience store at a big gas station chain, I decided to go to the small local grocery market right near home and buy my bottle of sparkling water there (which was about the same price!)

Then I drank it as I drove to see my favorite beauty guru, a business owner who has run her successful salon since the late 1980s.

This was followed by doing a little work at a local coffeehouse, which was recommended to me by a fellow co-worker. Rather than just pop into the nearest branded coffeehouse, I sought this little gem out and purchased a delicious hot tea there.

I also did some quick research on ways to support local businesses. Recommendations are excellent. Word of mouth is king, in any business. (I supported one today based off of what someone told me!) Also, giving local businesses honest rave reviews and supporting them through social media are excellent ways to help too, which is why I decided to choose two of my favorite local businesses and give them great reviews on Yelp. And this is just a start…

Spread the love. #spreadthelove