Changing Attitudes Changes Economics

When I arrived at my shop today, I had every intention to post a blog about the importance of supporting local businesses this holiday season. With all the local and national Occupy Wall Street protests going on, I thought that I had a really on-point topic in my head.

My thoughts were that if everyone decided to just spend that extra dollar at their favorite local shop over the holiday season, how far that would go toward shifting local economics toward financial stability. It's that good, old-fashioned pay-it-forward mentality that ultimately moves us forward.

You see, along with so many others working for a living in this country, I'm a local small business owner. So I know a few things about local economics. Whereas it can take upward of $50,000 per month to keep a medium-sized business going, a small business like mine can survive on far, far less. Your $10 goes a long way in my shop. It doesn't take much to keep my doors open.

I may not have a large staff, but a good percentage of my merchandise is handmade locally. In order to make huge profits, large retailers simply have suppliers from overseas, so very little, if any, of their merchandise even comes from within the U.S.

With those thoughts in my mind, I thought I'd read a few emails before sitting down to write this blog. Imagine my surprise when I found that an old friend of mine had forwarded a completely on-topic email to me. Interestingly, that friend lives in the oh-so-very commercial Los Angeles area and still believes in supporting local small businesses.

Since I simply could not have said it better—here is the email chain letter, from an anonymous source:

CHRISTMAS, 2011 — BIRTH OF A NEW TRADITION

As the holidays approach, Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods—merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift-giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes, there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese-produced wrapping paper? Everyone—yes, EVERYONE—gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber? 

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamin$ on a Chinese-made flat-screen TV? Perhaps, that grateful gift-receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a gazillion owner-run restaurants, all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half-dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast spot? Remember, folks, this isn't about big national chains—this is about supporting your hometown Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle—done at a shop run by an American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local craftspeople spin their own wool and knit it into scarves. They make jewelry, pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants, and leave your server a nice tip. And how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?

Musicians need love, too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another 10,000 Chinese-made lights for the house? When you buy a $5 string of lights, about 50 cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring for the USA, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we could never imagine.