Show Your Love for Local: Free Graphics Supporting Small Businesses

Each year, towards the end of the summer, as fall temperatures began to creep into our nights, we start working on a series of images for the upcoming holiday season. Not technically marketing material, but a theme focusing on one of our favorite topics, the joys and many benefits of "shopping small" and spending with independently owned businesses. Since 2021 we've rolled out a collection of quirky messages and simple signage encouraging everyone to join us in searching out - and spending with! - the best locally-owned shops, retailers, restaurants, service companies, etc.

"Yes, We Can Do That For You"

"The power of Yes" ~ is often mentioned at sales classes and marketing presentations; widely discussed in consumer satisfaction seminars and business workshops. It's evaluated on surveys and polls, measured, analyzed, tracked, and debated.

   

Holidays Should Be FUN! Cider Monday

Putting the fun back in seasonal shopping, one alternative & quirky holiday at a time! 😃 We love this idea, brought to life by a bookstore owner who felt the need to provide an antidote to Cyber Monday.

Good News Delmarva: Divine Inspiration Hair Studio (Salisbury, MD)

Last year we did a feature called "Good News Delmarva", a spotlight featuring local entrepreneurs and small businesses in our area. I love seeing the success and achievements from fellow independent business owners across the Peninsula, and it's always exciting to share great news - especially, today on National Small Business Day!

"Thoughts on Retail Changes and Consumer Shifts"

A post turned into an awesome conversation this morning on Facebook, merging two of my favorite topics; the evolution of consumer behavior, and the way in which small businesses can shine in our current environment. I'd seen the original post by Remembering Retail and normally would have just shared with my thoughts, however lately I'm fighting disappearing captions and vanishing text on Facebook so I reposted the photo below instead so I could include my message.

Welcome, April! Awareness Days and Themes for Month Four

Welcome to month four of the book titled 2024! Here we are in April, a month of change and shifting seasons, wild weather, and the time of year when we begin to morph towards the outdoors. With the return of sports, weekend events, and activities taking place, it's a challenging time for marketers to capture and keep the attention of their followers. Harnessing your social content towards daily celebrations and observances is an excellent "hook" to connect with an audience, along with lifting some of you past that dreaded "but I don't have anything TO POST" hurdle. 😁 (Don't feel bad, it happens to ALL of us at some point!).

How We Make Progress; Monthly Accountability

Happy March!🍀 We've made it here, all the way to chapter three, so let's sit down for a minute and talk month goals.

Leadership

I caught a glimpse of this post online yesterday, accompanied by powerful words from Leadership First: "Great leaders aren’t know-it-alls who continuously try to outshine everyone. Instead, they admit when they’re wrong and genuinely want to learn from others."

 

Small Business Love in Sweet Candy Hearts

Welcome to month two of twelve! For the third year since we launched our "Inspiration Hear" series, we have again created a plethora of positive and uplifting messages celebrating local flavor, small businesses, and unity. Join us in sharing these fun and inspirational images all during the 29 days of February to brighten your retail store, social channels, downtown storefront windows or office! 💕

How To Brag on Awesome Small Businesses

Glowing reviews is jet fuel in the engine of small business success! Words of appreciation for a job well done are not only uplifting material and great content, but are also useful resources to pass along to friends and neighbors in your community to help them find quality companies. Here's a quick post illustrating just how easy it is to not only give feedback, but also politely request it from your delighted customers.

What Are Sketchnotes and Why Are They Useful?

Celebrated each year on January 11th,World Sketchnote Day highlights the creative technique which incorporates handwriting, shapes, drawing, and visual elements. Similar to a mind map, sketchnotes are clever ways of expressing your thoughts, brainstorming, or mapping a process or plan. Have you tried it?

The Courage To Fail

Um....what!? "I don't want to be making mistakes!" you might be thinking to yourself.....and of course no one wants to screw up, right? ESPECIALLY at work!

Let us Be More in '24

This year.....let us be more than in previous ones; let us act and carry ourselves in a manner which inspires others to stand up too and "do more".