Our local community is an integral part of our identity, no matter where we live, or who we are. We are social creatures, communal creatures who got to where we are as a species by working together. Because of this, when we take care of our community, we are really taking care of ourselves. If our community is thriving and healthy, it will help guide us towards health and prosperity, so we are wise to return the favor.
What are the best ways to do this? Really, it all boils down to where you spend your money, and where you spend your time. One of the best ways to support your community is simply buying local, supporting local businesses, even if it is though on your wallet. Not only does this help your local economy, but it can end up helping you with your job search as well.
Imagine that you worked in sales for 10 years, and you lose your job. You are standing on the street corner, looking at Mom and Pop’s Homegrown Grocery and Big, Big, Cheap, Big-Box Store. Which is the better choice? The big-box store might save you money in the short term, but if you support your local business you may end up with long term benefits. By frequenting your local shop you will likely meet your local business owner.
If you are a skilled job-searcher, knowing a few business owners cannot hurt you. Maybe Mom and Pop need someone on the floor, or are rolling out a new product line to be sold in other stores, you might be able to apply your sales skills to help them out. You aren’t likely to meet the CEO of your average big-box store in your average big-box store, you aren’t even likely to meet the regional manager. If you shop local, however, you will eventually meet everyone who works in any specific business, meaning that you will meet everyone who can potentially help you out.
Keeping your dollar local does not only improve your chances of networking yourself into a position, it also helps increase the number of jobs in your area. This happens in a couple different ways. First off, a higher percentage of every dollar spent at a locally-owned business stays in that local economy than one spent at a corporate store. This means more of your money helps your neighbor, which is perhaps obvious. Local businesses are also more likely to spend their dollar locally. Local businesses will work with local ad companies, or take out ads on local radio, or source local products. You rarely benefit a single store by buying local, you are more likely to help every business in your area.
So how does this help you get a job? Let’s say you’re still in sales, you’ve been shopping at mom and pop, but they aren’t rolling out any new products. Pop, however, goes fishing every weekend with Barry- from Barry’s Car dealership. Business has been great for Barry lately, with the local economy booming, and he is looking for more salesmen. Pop talks you up, Barry calls you up, and next thing you know you are selling BMWs. If you support your local economy, your local economy will support you.
Next time we will look at what you can do for your community without spending money.