Last year, American Express launched its inaugural Small Business Saturday. It took place the Saturday after Thanksgiving, traditionally a very busy shopping weekend, and its intent was to support the small businesses in our communities. I love the idea and plan to embrace it once again this year. Please visit the Small Business Saturday website to get involved: http://smallbusinesssaturday.com.
Did you know that direct sellers constitute one of the largest groups of small business owners? Yes, it's true! All those women and men selling personalized stationery and gifts, jewelry, purses and dozens of other products are truly the epitome of small business entrepreneurs.
Therefore, I propose we - as direct sellers - augment the "small business Saturday" concept with a "direct selling only" mentality this holiday season. What does that mean? Well, when possible I suggest all direct sellers complete their holiday shopping only from other direct sellers. FYI, there are over 16 million direct sellers according to the Direct Selling Association. (Check out the Direct Selling 411 website for other fun facts about direct selling.)
Can you imagine how beneficial it would be for all direct sellers, not to mention the economy as a whole, if we focused our purchases - especially our gift giving purchases - on other direct sellers exclusively. Wow!
I'd love to get your thoughts on this idea. Direct sellers - what do you think? Is this possible? I hope so, because I'd love for your 2011 holiday season to be your best ever.
I look forward to your feedback.
Regards,
Jay Rudman, CEO, Paperly
This is EXACTLY what I have been talking about with my customers and blogging about recently. When people Christmas shop from us, they make our own Christmas shopping possible!
ReplyDeleteThank you for another perspective on this!