Originally posted by Becky McCray on smallbizsurvival.com, a website dedicated to bringing promising technologies to the regular everyday small business people of the rural world.
Buying local is a growing trend and a significant opportunity for small town small businesses.
Local Food
Food-borne illnesses have made headlines from huge commercial production and from imported foods. Local food producers of all kinds should capitalize on this opportunity. Jack Schultz, Boomtown USA, gave local food two spots on his
Agurban top ten trends for 2007. And he continues to talk about this
opportunity for local foods.
Other Local Products
Lead tainted paint, safety problems, and environmental issues have created another local opportunity for all types of products. Chris Penn,
Financial Aid Podcast, has been meditating on
local products, and he's not alone. Steven E. Streight,
Vaspers, has been ranting
against China imports and in favor of
local sourcing. They are just two people, but they are from completely different parts of the country. They represent a way of thinking that exists right now in your market.
Small Business Actions
Evaluate your marketing. Are you promoting the heck out of your "localness"? It's time to start.
Be more local. Don't hide your local flavor, your accent, all the things that make you, your company and your product feel local. Flaunt it!
Promote the environmental benefit. Buying local products reduces the transportation costs to the environment.
Promote your local advantages: high quality local workforce, safety procedures, and strict standards. For once, be glad of the regulations you must comply with.
Part of surviving in a small town small business is competing with the world. This is one trend that gives you an advantage. Use it!
