Do you celebrate National Small Business Week at your business? If not, this year is a great time to start! As a tradition spanning over 50 years, National Small Business Week gives you the opportunity to celebrate small businesses and the contributions that they make to local communities and the national economy.
How can your business get involved?
Whether you own a small business, work for one, or just love supporting them, there are plenty of ways you can show your support and take part in this tradition.
Here are five ways you can take part in Small Business Week this year:
1. Share your story
No one else knows your business' story like you do, so make sure you share it with your customers, partners, and clients. Make the most of your print and email mailing lists to send a note of thanks to your clients and share some previously unheard nuggets about your business' origin story and your motivation for running your operation. Utilize social media channels to share behind-the-scenes photos and videos that show your customers the heart of what your do.
2. Celebrate Your Customers
You wouldn't be in business without them, so be sure to recognize the clients and partners who help keep the lights on. Offer special discounts and promotions all week long, and consider launching a customer loyalty program, if you don't already have one.
If you have the capability, provide offer codes for your most loyal customers, those on your email list, for example. Not only will you be able to track who uses the codes, you'll have some valuable date for future promotions to your best customers. Give some special recognition to long-time customer who have stuck with you through thick and thin by way of a handwritten thank-you note.
3. Celebrate Your Employees
Next to you, your employees are the lifeblood of your small business. Make sure you take time out this week above all others to reward your hard workers. Arrange a picnic to show your gratitude to your employees. Close the office early one day to hos a company party or treat your team to an adventure. Provide your staff with paid volunteer time to give back to a cause close to their own hears, or simply offer a paid half-day off to use as they please. You can also take this opportunity to solicit positive comments from your customers on why they love and appreciate your employees so much and share those with your staff and other clientele.
4. Team Up With Local Charities
For each purchase during Small Business Week, you can donate to a local charity. For instance, you can donate one dollar for every purchase to an animal shelter. Customers often feel more motivated to buy something if they know it'll make a positive impact in their community. It shows your customers that you're dedicated to helping others. Over time, this can help you build customer loyalty.
5. Invest In Education
Next to you, All week long, the SBA will host free webinars to help small business owners learn new skills and improve their operations. You can also make a commitment to continuing your own training, as well as your staff's. Sign yourself and key staffers up for local seminars and presentations that will strengthen their understanding of your industry and their roles.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) also offers free webinars on topics like marketing that you and your employees can watch. Some other topics you can look to offer training on include leadership or customer service. Investing in education can help your business become even more innovative.
In Conclusion
National Small Business Week is a time to celebrate all that small businesses add to our communities, economy and lives. That's why it's a great time to celebrate your employees and customers. Without them, your business wouldn't be where it is today.
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