Apr 6, 2010

The Sweetness of Local Support

In these economic times which are trying for many it is less likely that a small new business,and even some not so new, can afford to do the advertising they would like to. Be it a vendor at a street faire or a networking event the fees are often larger than the profits depending on what the vendor has to sell.
It is also less likely that they will be able to lease space in a prime spot where there is the type of foot traffic that can help a business thrive. The question then becomes~What can someone do to help grow a business they believe has promise?
As I have mentioned in the past not having a store front means there is nowhere people can stumble upon Rich Delights and discover what we offer. However, I recently joined a few new facebook groups that I feel are going to be great for me and others in the area and I also added my business and my husband's business. A general listing is free and for some there is also an opportunity to pay for more detailed advertising. One group is the fan page and web site for Magnolia Valet (http://www.magnoliavalet.com) which offers a place those in the Inland Empire can find other local people for hire. Temecula has the Temecula Valley Directory fan page and web site (http://www.temeculavalleydirectory.com). My husband and I both have a business that travels to Temecula so it was another good place to join. Stay Loyal to Riverside and Your Community  (http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=105291756176389) is a facebook group that also started as a way to help local business find other locals for support and to support. A fourth place I am pleased to be a part of is (http://www.perfectweddingpackages.com) where Dave Parsons compiled and continues to add names of places that may help to make wedding planning easier by offering a group of trusted people to choose from.We have gotten so used to looking outside of our communities for what we need and it is great to have these groups that place the focus on helping us find each other. Right now Rich Delights counts on online orders but it would be such a blessing to have the largest percentage of sales come from local business. Sometimes doing business with a small business or a local business is not the easiest on our wallets but it makes me feel good to think I am helping to support those around me. While you are thinking about what you can do to help local business grow keep in mind that we are still here and ready to be......baking4you.

1 comment:

  1. Lori, thank you so much for including Magnolia Valet in this latest post! I appreciate your efforts to help create a local and independent business community in Riverside. So much of 'advertising' is a short-term endeavor, but when we add the advantages of social networking we're creating relationships that will bring long-term benefits too.

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