“Small business this and big business that.” I bet you’re getting tired of hearing about it. Why should you care about it? Why does it matter? I understand how you feel. In fact, I felt that way until I came to a deeper understanding of what my dollar truly meant. It’s more than the power to consume. The dollar that I spend also gives others the power to consume. Therefore, where my dollar is spent does matter. Since I’ve come to this realization, I’m now more strategic in my spending and here are three reasons why.

1. If you spend $50.00 with a big business, the community can benefit from the tax dollars, but the remaining funds go to Wall Street of whom the stockholders could be anywhere in the world. Those dollars escape your community. By the same token, if you spend $50.00 with a small business, it’s likely those funds are going to stay in your neighborhood, because the business owner probably lives in your neighborhood or nearby. Now both the sales tax dollars as well as the money you spent are able to go back into your community because in a sense, it never left.

2. We complain about the power of big business, not understanding that we are the ones who give them the power. The power is in the dollar that you spend. Therefore, it is important to consider what you’re buying into. Think of it this way: Whomever you decide to give your dollar to, you also give power to. If you don’t like that big businesses can buy government officials, stop giving them your money. It’s really quite that simple.

3. The final point that I will make is that when you shop small business, you’re likely not paying for a 4th home or a corporate jet. You are putting your funds into the hands of men and women who are doing what they can to support their families by keeping a roof over their heads and food on the table. And as afore mentioned, you benefit by strengthening your community.

Your dollar does matter and when you support small business, we all win. I encourage you to explore The Link while you’re here to see more of what we’re doing. If you have a small business, join us. If you’re a consumer, as much as possible, try to find a small business to serve your needs.

Eric L. Lipsey
Founder
www.TheLink.biz