C’mon. Really. Do we need to be negative?

by Cinda Baxter on October 16, 2009

in Attitude, Retail, The 3/50 Project

You know how you can be really excited for someone who’s trying a new concept…then feel your stomach sink when their endeavor knocks someone or something else down in the process? Sadly, a fellow retail consultant who shall remain nameless presented a marathon live stream session yesterday for anyone interested in watching. While I commend he and his wife for their stamina and good intentions, his belittling comments about the value of Buy Local programs not only knocked the wind out of me, but begged the question:

Why the need to go negative?

He began well, reminding viewers that Buy Local campaigns alone can’t save their stores, which echoes what you’ve heard me say here, on Twitter, in live radio and tv interviews, and in my seminars. The 3/50 Project is not a bandaid or a life preserver. If a small business owner isn’t putting their all into the business as if they were a start up again, there’s nothing that will save them.

Rather than inspire viewers by reminding them to pick up Buy Local campaigns as an additional tool at their disposal, however, his continued dismissal and negativity about the Buy Local movement in toto missed a big major massive point: positivity sells. People-—business owners and consumers alike-—prefer a positive attitude and positive message. They respond to campaigns that educate them about supporting their communities. They engage when given an option that’s easy and affordable and has a positive impact.

They like things that work.

The 3/50 Project asks consumers to think of three businesses they’d miss if they went away, which has been extraordinarily effective. Retailers, restaurant owners, salon operators and more continually email to tell me stories of long lost customers returning after hearing about the Project. “I had no idea!” is the most common consumer response. New customers are showing up in independent businesses, telling local owners that now they “get it”-—they understand the fact communities and quality of life are directly tied to where their dollars are spent. Businesses are reconnecting with consumers, for the first time in nearly two years.

And everyone finally feels there’s something they can do. Some little bit of control has been restored to a nation that felt pretty powerless after financial institutions pulled the rug out from under them.

Reminding business owners that they need to create a scenario where consumers need and want them around is a good thing.

Suggesting they leave one of the most visible, most valuable tools on the table when doing so is incredibly short sighted and ill advised.

Jan October 17, 2009 at 4:32 pm

I believe in your mission. Our country was built on SMALL business – not the Wally World’s that we have now. As long as the store owner presents upbeat customer service, there is no reason not to support our small businesses. We, the consumers, need to keep our communities alive.

And yes, who wants to sit and listen to someone’s negative rants and raves???

Editor’s note: It’s been brought to my attention the “consultant who shall remain nameless” works closely with big boxes and national chains—definitely puts his negative comments about a movement promoting independent brick and mortars in context.

Jacquel McDonald, Ph.D. October 19, 2009 at 5:16 pm

When I boarded the plane in Minneapolis headed for Atlanta, I never expected to be sitting next to an energized intelligent and very busy woman traveling to a speaking engagement, yet she was willing to take the time to answer my computer related questions. Thank You Cinda.

I agree with the 3/50 project. Small business owners can compete with the national chain stores. There is always a place in the right type of community for personalized quality service and products. Proof positive is a local hair salon/spa that just moved into 14,000 square feet of space in our Houston suburb community of Kingwood, Texas where less than 60,000 people reside.

Editor’s note: Thank YOU, Jacquel! It’s seat mates like you that make flying around the country fun. (P.S. Get the Mac; you won’t regret it.)

Christine October 21, 2009 at 5:00 pm

I agree 152%, I just can’t say enough about this!!! I am not feeling well but this is sooooo energizing me, and I can’t stop learning about your project. I had to share my 2 cents. I was lucky to be raised by small town business owners who enforced shopping local to the hilt! Thank God it stuck with me because I see what shopping local does for a community now that I am all grown up and running my own businesses that also promote shopping local (with mom & pop shops!) I recently saw a big box store close down a mom & pop, but feel with my heart and professional opinion that they could have made it if they would have changed a few things about how they ran the store and themselves… The owner was a total downer always telling you how bad it was, always made shoppers feel like they were shop lifters not customers and really actually talked too much. Really sad to see them close he has such a nice family and I really do not like shopping at franchises. Thank You, Cinda

Jenny June 22, 2011 at 1:38 pm

I agree wholeheartedly. I always used to get a warm feeling after going to a local store, never truly understanding why. Then after joining the handmade/small business scene, I realize it’s because I knew I was directly helping someone through my sale. You get to see who’s behind the business and know that your patronage means a whole lot more than let’s say, going to a Walmart, where its employees could care less about you. Not saying I don’t understand why it is that way, I’ve been a sales rep myself, but I’d much rather shop local and handmade than a franchise. Thank you for starting the 3/50 Project, it’s made me become more aware of how and where I make my purchases.

Cinda Baxter June 22, 2011 at 6:04 pm

Thank YOU, Jenny, for embracing the Project and sharing your positive experiences. That’s what makes this sing…!

Leave a Comment

Previous post:

Next post: