Are you looking to support a healthy economy when traveling? If so, shopping at small businesses is essential. Small businesses are the backbone of every community, and when you shop at them, you’re helping to create jobs and keep money in that neighborhood. When you’re on vacation or out of town for business, take the time to explore the local small businesses. You’ll be surprised at what you find! In this blog post, we’ll cover some tips on how to shop at small businesses when you travel and ways you can advertise your own small business as well!
How to Shop Small Businesses When You Travel
No.1: Ask your hotel concierge or locals about their favorite places
Asking a hotel concierge or a local about their favorite small businesses in the area is a great way to get first-hand opinions on where to go. This allows you to scout the area without dealing with the “hit-or-miss” experience. Plus, it’s always nice to support locally owned businesses when you’re traveling. Not only do you get the chance to chat with the owner and learn about their story, but you also know that your money is going back into the local economy.
No. 2: Use social media to scout for popular small businesses
If you’re looking for small businesses to support while traveling, social media is a great place to start. Hashtags make it easy to find businesses that have already been vetted by locals, so you know you’re getting the best of the best. Plus, following local businesses on social media is a great way to get insights into the area you’re visiting – you’ll learn about the best places to eat, drink, and explore. So next time you’re planning a trip, be sure to do some social media sleuthing – you might just find your new favorite spot.
No. 3: Opt for locally owned accommodations
When you’re planning a trip, it’s easy to just book a room at a big chain hotel. But if you want to support small businesses, it’s worth taking the time to find a locally owned bed and breakfast or an AIR BNB. These businesses are often run by family or friends, and your patronage can make a real difference in their lives. In addition to supporting the local economy, you’ll also get to experience a more personal level of service. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a warm homemade breakfast? Staying at a small business is one of the best ways to really get to know a place. So next time you’re planning a trip, consider skipping the chain hotel in favor of a local gem.
No. 4: Share about your experience with a small business
Sharing about your experience with a local small business when traveling is a great way to show your support. It’s important to show your support for small businesses, especially when they’re trying to compete with larger businesses in the area. Using outlets like social media, blogging and word of mouth can really help make a difference by bringing in more business when others travel to the same area.
3 Ways to Advertise Your Small Business While Traveling
No. 1: Wear your company merchandise
There’s no better way to advertise your small business than by wearing company merchandise while traveling. Not only does this help to get your brand and logo out there, but it also allows others to get acquainted with your product or service. Whether you’re opting for company t-shirts or hats, wearing your brand is a great way to generate new leads and interest. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter – you never know who you might meet when you’re wearing your company merchandise! So next time you’re planning a trip, make sure to pack some branded gear to help spread the word about your business.
No.2: Hand out your business cards
If you own a small business, then you know that advertising can be a challenge. You want to get the word out about your product or service, but you don’t want to spend a lot of money on marketing. One great way to advertise your business is to hand out business cards while you’re traveling. This allows you to open up conversations about your business and leave cards at local shops.
No. 3: Spark up conversation
One of the best things about traveling to new areas is the opportunity to network with other small businesses. Starting intentional conversations about your business and connecting with other small businesses can really help you improve brand awareness and create long lasting relationships. When you take the time to connect with other small businesses, you open up a world of opportunities for referrals, joint ventures, and even simply getting your name out there. And, of course, meeting new people is always a bonus! If you’re not sure how to get started networking with other small businesses, here are a few tips:
- Attend local Chamber of Commerce events. This is a great way to meet other local business owners and get your name out there.
- Seek out co-working spaces in new cities. This is a great way to meet like-minded entrepreneurs who are also looking to network and grow their businesses.
- Connect with small businesses on social media. Follow hashtags relevant to your industry or city, and reach out to connect with others in your field.
Whenever you travel, whether for business or pleasure, you have the opportunity to support small businesses. When you patronize small businesses instead of large chains, you help to keep money within the local economy and put money back into the pockets of hardworking people in your community. And if you have a small business of your own, traveling provides a great opportunity to spread the word about your own products or services. Whether you hand out business cards or simply mention your business in conversation, you never know who you might meet while traveling who could become a valuable customer or client. So next time you hit the road, keep in mind the many ways in which you can support small businesses and advertise your own!
