Recently I found out from my favorite bookstore,Park Rd Books (Park Rd Books), about the wonderful 3/50 project (3/50 project website) that encourages people to buy & support local businesses.This is such an important idea because these businesses contribute so much to our own businesses,our local economy and our sense of community. We really do like to do business with people we know and trust.And personally,I liked to be called by my name and greeted like a good customer,not an account number.We all want to be known & valued.Social media is great but nothing takes the place of a person who is happy to see you and wants to help you. So check out this month's tips to find out how you get known and appreciated in your "village.".. You will never get that from a chain store. To find out more,go to: 3/50 project website

The idea of 3/50 is that if 3 people spend $50.00 a month locally it would generate over $42.6 BILLION annually....which would be spent locally...like in your business. For every $100.00 spent in an independently owned business, $68.00 comes back to us. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43.00 comes back & if you spend it on line, your community & your business gets ZERO!

1.Pick 3 locally owned independent businesses that you value and stop in & say Hello.Buy something that makes you smile.

2.Find time to talk the owner of a local business about their business and yours. You may be able to support each other and may have also made a friend...and they will be sure to remember you next time you come in.

3. If you need a product or service but can't find it locally,ask the local owner if they can recommend someone.Chances are they will give you a good recommendation and will say "Tell them I sent you "; always a great way to get good service.

4. Subscribe to your neighborhood association's newsletter. Often you can advertise inexpensively there and can also find businesses in your community to meet your needs.

5.Attend local events & be a sponsor or donate a service.People putting these together as well as attendees will remember you & your generosity.

6.If you already have some favorite local businesses, stop by and thank them or send them a referral.They will remember!