3 Ways To Support A Black-Owned Businesses
#1 Word of Mouth Marketing
Believe it or not, the best way to market a business is still word of mouth, or as Marvin Gaye says– “I heard it through the grapevine.” Referring a friend, peer, or co-worker to a business is a great way to drive traffic to a small business owner. Think of a time where you saw a woman with a new hairstyle and you couldn’t resist asking her: “Girl, who does your hair?!” By sharing your experience as a satisfied customer, it increases brand value and may result in your hairstylist earning a new client.
As a small business owner, every penny counts. So don’t be shy about sharing your pleasant experience with a small business. Know someone trying to start a new brand, but they don’t know where to start? Encourage them to visit me on Giselle Ave.
#1 Refer a friend to their business. Word of mouth marketing is still one of the most valued ways to market and grow a business.
#2 Social Networking & Storytelling
Ahh, the digital age is upon us and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Social media is overflowing with small– and large businesses doing whatever they can to capture the attention of potential customers. There is so much money to be made on social media, but you have to actually be social about your business, in order to successfully sell and engage new customers on social media. One easy way to support a business owner is to simply share, like, or retweet their posts. You’d be surprised what (1) like will do to someone who is committed to the daily grind of entrepreneurship and building their business from the ground up. In addition to sharing content with your social networks, it’s also important for business owners to share your STORY within your social media strategy. Why are you in business? What types of problems do you solve? What are your clients saying about your business? Your story is your most unique selling point, period. We help clients find their voice, and be heard. If you need help with figuring out your brand’s story, let us know!
#2 Simply like, share, or retweet their content with your network on social media. You’d be surprised how far (1) like goes for someone who is committed to the rocky road of entrepreneurship, and building their business from the ground up.
#3 Purchase Their Products & Services
Lastly, I’ll state the obvious– INVEST IN THEIR BUSINESS! If you like their product or service offerings, invest your hard earned money into their business. Do this before you are “so happy” to see a “Black History Month Section” in big box retailers like Target, or Wal-Mart. Purchase their $30 t-shirt or $15 bronzer from their cosmetics line. But most of all– don’t ask for a discount. I’ve heard one too many stories of black business owners having to defend their prices because people who look like them are almost always looking for the hookup, or can’t afford their rates. But there is a bigger picture here, every business should have a target audience.
Dear Black-Owned Business Owner, There are TONS of customers eager to invest in your company!
All you have to do is produce high-quality work, be open to serving a diverse clientele, and focus on results.
When it comes to investing in a black-owned business, here’s the catch: don’t invest out of pity, do it with purpose. If their product or service offerings aren’t for you, then revert back to tip #1 and #2.
There are so many ways we can support one another, and it doesn’t always have to be about money. And do not GUILT someone into investing in your company, that’s just not cool.
#3 Purchase their products or services, but only if needed.
Do it with purpose, not out of pity. If you’re not an ideal customer for their business, revert back to tip #1 and tip #2.
I hope this post inspires you to learn how to creatively support a black-owned business this Black History Month. We must keep the legacy of notable historical figures in black history in mind, as well as the stories of successful black-owned businesses that have gone untold. There is so much power in ownership and supporting legacy-minded individuals.