It is a very common thing now to find your friends and acquaintances to start side hustles, small businesses, dropshipping and even MLM sales, also known as network marketing since the pandemic in 2019. Many usually start on their social media as it is a much affordable and effective way to get the word out there about what you do. Being a business owner myself, here are my two cents on 5 easy ways that you can help your dear family and friends support their business for FREE!
Why you should support small businesses!
Let’s begin with why you should support these small businesses and side hustlers in pursuing their dreams or their passions. More than 1 million businesses (Partnerships & sole proprietorships) were registered on ACRA from month to date in this very year in Singapore, but only half will survive past 5 years. Small businesses are important to our economy as well as the social fabric of our society and we all have a part to play in their survival.
1. First of all, they are your family or friends! It’s the little things that contribute truly. Small business owners took a very big risk, leaving the comforts of their stable job to fulfill their dreams and also to make an impact to their community through the products and services they offer. Nobody expects you to purchase huge amounts to support these businesses. At the end of the day, we are all just trying to put food on the table. These business owners are most likely your own friends and family. Based on my experience, most business owners who I have worked with previously, have one of a kind and the best customer service because they are able to directly interact with their customers or clients. Of course, unfortunately, this does not apply to many though.
2. Small businesses contribute to your hometown and your community. I’m not just talking about the economy. They offer job opportunities to the people around you and the people who matter to you. It is possible that many small or local businesses source locally as well, like the supply of everything ranging from the ingredients, packaging and their tools they use to offer you. And these businesses contribute to your community identity.
3. Small business owners have to constantly compete with larger companies, so this means that they are always working on new products and the next thing with better benefits to offer you. So this encourages them to get out there and find or get unique products to meet your needs and get it tailored just for you. Being a small business, it is easier for their owner or staff to ensure quality in their products compared to larger businesses which mass produce their products. On top of that, it encourages them to have a direct and personal relationships with their customers and clients to find out some pain points they experience.
How can I support them without emptying my wallet?
I’m so glad you asked! Below are my favourite ways to support a small business in my community and most especially if it were started by a friend of mine. In this day and age, more and more businesses turn to social media to promote and share their products and services. It’s the next big thing! The algorithm of these platforms are constantly changing.
- Post a pic & give them a shoutout.
- You can easily support a small business by sharing a photo of their shop or resharing their post and tagging them. And if you have purchased something from them, share a pic! The more they get their name out there, they could reach more people.
- Comment something nice & supportive
- Even by a few nice & supportive comments on their posts will help to boost the confidence of your friend/ family as well as boosting their business profile to appear higher on the explore pages and hence get more exposure. This can help them to reach potential customers who can actually benefit from the products or services that they offer.
- Leave a review.
- Now, more than ever, a review from a customer about the service or amazing products will make a difference. Help them show up online as a 5-star business to help them attract new customers or clients.
- Sign up for newsletters.
- Showing your support for small businesses can also be by signing up on their newletter. This helps them know that you’re a fan and it can also notify you on any special promotions or events!
- Tell a family member or friend about a small business that you love.
- Use word of mouth to spread the word of these small businesses. Your family numbers or friends will likely trust and remember them more if it’s shared personally.
And that’s how you can show support to a family or friend who has started a small business! I really hope that you found this helpful.
If you are a small business owner yourself, comment down your business social media URL or website so that we can “practice” these FREE and easy ways to support small businesses. Wink! Wink! 😉 Your welcome. ❤️
Shay Bamadhaj 