A friend turned me onto a great piece about strengthening the local economy by patronizing local brick and mortars. Written by Rieva Lesonsky (Consulting Editor at BizWomen.com), the post titled “Support Your Local Small Business” touched my retail-lovin’ heart in a big way.
Her article sprang from a customer service-related experiment last summer. In that case, a guy decided to purchase goods and services only from businesses whose owners he’d met. Before long, he was frequenting the same three restaurants repeatedly, which inspired Lesonsky to twist the concept slightly, then consider the implications of her own shopping habits:
With more and more small businesses on the edge of survival, I’ve been thinking about which three stores I would most hate to see go out of business, and how I can support them with my dollars.
Puts things in pretty clear terms, pretty quickly.
And this got my wheels spinning.
Why not build a campaign tieing this three-door concept to the $50 Retail Challenge? Call it The 3/50 Project, supporting local business in small, easily consumable bites.
The goal is simple: Ask consumers to frequent three local brick and mortar businesses they don’t want to see disappear, and to spend a very affordable $50 per month doing it.
Could be those three. Another three. Doesn’t matter. It’s about funneling revenue back into local business. You know-—the folks that pour money back into the community via commercial property taxes, payroll taxes, sales tax, and salaries (not to mention all that good will by way of volunteer time, silent auctions, sponsored softball teams, workshops, book signings, etc.).
Whadaya say folks? I can have a window banner whipped up in no time for printing at your favorite local print shop and bag stuffers you can print on your desktop. Just say the word-—I’ll get the PDF files in your hands asap.
Related links:
Seth Godin mentions The 3/50 Project
Let’s get The 3/50 Project on the Today Show
The Project 3/50 bag stuffers are here
Oprah, you’ve got it wrong
CNBC host Erin Burnett reminds us the battle is about more than just money
Enough with the carnage
The 3/50 Project grows legs
Want to be a 3/50 Project rock star?
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What a fantastic site. I was directed here by another retailer and she spread the information to our ProfitGroup which is comprised of 10 small business owners spread across the country. I am the chairperson of a local organization called KIC! (Kirksville Image Committee) and we are trying to raise the awareness of supporting local business and taking pride in our small community. Thanks for the help and keep it up.
Hi Cinda
Just checked out your blog. Way to take the Retail Challenge to the next level! Looks like you Americans are quick to catch on. Now if only the same could be said for Canada. Keep it going.
Editor’s note: Keep your eye on what’s next, Christina. The 3/50 Project has plans to roll out a Canadian version later this year. Gotta share the love with our neighbors to the north!
Cinda,
As a director of the Greater Willows Improvement League and an Independent Retailer… Wow!
Now this is exciting!
The 3/50 countertop sign… framed and matted, was displayed immediately on my retail counter. I must say that you have taken the Shop Local Campaign to a much higher level.
I hope to bring all of the qualified Independent Retailers of our community into the 3/50 Project.
Thank You!
Thank You!
Thank You!
Holly
A WONDERFUL IDEA CINDA! I am going to start printing out flyers and find a way to hand out bag stuffers, even though my service does not require that I hand out bags. I will definitely support the project.
Judy
What a great idea and website. I’m in! Now if there was just a website listing the independent businesses.
Editor’s note: There is–check out the350project.net site, where more than 12,000 Supporters are listed by city and state. We’re big on paying it forward, you know….
Aint it the truth. Grass Roots at its Brick and Mortar Best.
I was in my Hometown of Willoughby, Ohio this past summer and picked up one of your flyers. My Hometown has always been an Idylic little town. Now it’s a Hip and trendy downtown spot with a wine Bar and a brewery and antique shops an Irish Pub and a Yoga Studio. Folks from the neighboring towns like to visit, but it’s up to the Local Folks to keep it going strong. When I was 14, I remember a very memorable birthday, walking uptown to the local dress shop with my mother, (who didn’t drive) to pick out My Birthday Outfit: a Pair of Gauchos! It’s memories like those that make me happy to support the local vendors. After all, If you like your local Flavor, keep it there! By showing the merchants you care.