Running a Small Business and Supporting Small Business Saturday #SmallBizSat

Running a Small Business

Most people will probably not think that writing this blog is anything like running a small business. But, I would have to beg to differ. I pour countless hours of my life into my blog. I am passionate about it and absolutely love my job. My greatest support group is not only my family, but my friends and local community. Without the push from some of these people, I may not make it through my days. They motivate me to keep moving forward and I have done just that.

But, I always enjoy when others ask how they can get started. I even have a doc full of information that I send out to those that ask. I am willing to help as much as I can and answer any questions. The one thing I have discovered, over and over again, is that once the reality of the time and work involved sets in many quit before they even start. Running a blog is hard work. I am running a small business. My desk, email, and workload calendar tell me so.

My list of business duties include marketing, sales, inventory, payroll, customer service, client retention… you name it and I do it. My husband and children help in the areas they can, but I do 95% of the work. I can not afford to outsource yet… so it is just me. I am at my desk several hours a day working my fingers to the bone on the keyboard. BUT… again, I love it. The pay may come in waves, but the opportunities my small business has brought forth are incredible. We would have never been able to do the things we have over the past year without the dedication I put into my business daily. I know that my children can see and appreciate the work I do. In fact, at least 3 out of the 5 so far have told me they plan to run their own businesses. Empowering them with the desire to become entrepreneurs makes my heart happy.

And, just as I work diligently on my small business, thousands upon thousands more small business owners do the same thing. I personally know several friends locally that run their own businesses from home. Whether through direct sales companies or their own creativity, they are out there promoting their products and services to all that will listen. So, how can you help?

Small Business Saturday

In 2010, American Express began its Small Business Saturday campaign. They wanted to help small businesses gather exposure and reap the benefits of the busiest shopping weekend of the year. Therefore, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you will find Small Business Saturday on November 24th, 2012. This one day is dedicated to helping your local business owners not only boost their sales, but to pour money back into your local economy. That in turns helps retain jobs for your neighbors, as well as local tax monies for funding community needs and services. The benefits of buying local range from economic stability to reduced environmental impact. Plus, you are most likely supporting your neighbor, friend, or family member by doing so.

Think about the small business owners you know. Perhaps you are an entrepreneur yourself. How can you get out and help others on Small Business Saturday? Not to mention, for the third year in a row, American Express is offering their cardmembers the opportunity to receive a $25 statement credit when they enroll their eligible American Express® card. Then, simply use it to spend $25 or more in a single in-store transaction at a qualifying small business location on Small Business Saturday.

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for American Express. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.