By: Jason Eisenberg
Community Program Manager for Office Depot
The rise of the creatives is upon us. As more and more entrepreneurs dive into their respective markets, the need for innovation and outside-the-box products and services becomes necessary for a business’ long-term success. But, as discussed in one of our recent small business interviews involving today’s startup culture, there are two sides to the entrepreneurial coin.
Yes, your creativity is a one-of-a-kind asset. No, that is not all you need to succeed. The startup ecosystem today requires more than one unique set of skills – it requires a full suite of skills – or dare I say, a staff. But most entrepreneurs don’t have a full staff and a blank check to start with, so the sharing of knowledge and valuable resources are crucial for the enormous, yet under-utilized small business community in the United States. For this reason, communities band together to create awareness and focus on small businesses. Holidays like Small Business Saturday (11/30/19), Small Business Week in May (5/5-5/11/19) - it’s a month at Office Depot - and National Entrepreneurs’ Day (11/19/19) to increase awareness, information sharing and accessible tools among the ever-growing community of 28+ million business owners that provide approximately 55% of U.S. Jobs. [U.S. Small Business Administration]
Here are 5 things you can do to help grow your business and reap the benefits of such large community movements.
Use your social media communities to teach and learn
Whether it’s using the trending hashtag to get an idea out in the universe or sharing a ‘personal win’ with your small online community, finding ways to have conversations with entrepreneurs near and far can provide future business opportunities, new networking connections and access to information.
It’s also a good time to say “hello” in those entrepreneur groups you joined and never visited again. Successful entrepreneurs love to talk shop and share ideas and many I’ve met are just waiting for an opportunity to mentor.
Go to an event… or 5
National Entrepreneur’s Day lands on the third Tuesday of every November and closes out an even bigger movement called Global Entrepreneurship Week (11/18-11/24/19). You can check out events in your neighborhood and with local businesses. Chances are if you own a local business, you know other local owners who could collaborate to create your own events. Don't forget to bring your business cards! If you're strapped for time you can get the cards made same day if ordered by 2pm.
Connect with your fave
What better way to show your respect and admiration for a business owner you look up to. During Global Entrepreneurship Week or on National Entrepreneur’s Day, you can let your favorite business coach, owner, investor or partner know how much their work means to you and your business. Some of these coaches love to respond and give authentic little nudges of motivation. Seriously, I've been able to work with people by simply tagging them on social platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram. Try it!
Take someone under your wing or thank your mentor
In the same vein, maybe it’s your turn to help an up-and-comer out with the knowledge and experience you’ve gained over the years. From my experience within small business communities, one of the ways we can all grow and succeed is if we share our ideas and work together. That also seems to be the consensus as ‘sharing’ and ‘helping’ has become the new form of ‘selling’.
Prepare for your big day
November 30, 2019 is Small Business Saturday, first introduced by American Express in 2019, – arguably the biggest day of the year for your business, but not necessarily because it can yield the most sales (although it should as well!). This is the day everyone knows about in your community and is essentially a free marketing campaign for your business. Check out the do’s and don’ts for Small Business Saturday here.
Sources and Citations
Small Business Association
Global Entrepreneurship Week
National Entrepreneur’s Day – National Today
How Small Business Saturday Helps Your Business All Year Long
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