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Support Your Local Businesses...

By Tori Stamps

Real Estate Agent with Stamps Realty

April 20, 2007 02:47 PM

With the opening of a new coffee shop (located 1/2 way between my home and my work), I remembered something I had promised myself I'd do - a "new years resolution" of sorts, as it was about that time that everything happened. It was traumatic - my favorite pizza place shut down. It was a wonderful shop that sold fresh UNCOOKED pizza. Just like in a regular pizza place, but you took it home and baked it yourself. Always hot, always yummy. But, they went out of business. They were on a busy road, but they didn't advertise. Everyone I know knew they were there and were saddened by their closing. But you know what, we all failed to support this business. I kept thinking, I really need to go in there more, but I never did.

Don't forget the little guys. Stop in and support their business. Get to know them and let them get to know you. You might be surprised by the return you get. It may not be business, it may be. But you'll get a bigger return - a smile and a thanks for your support.

Oh...and the new coffee place is great. I'm hoping that with my support (and that of my neighbors), they'll be around for a long, long time.

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Paul Moye

Benchmark Realty - Franklin, TN

Broker, GRI, SRES

I supported the businesses you spoke of, I even advertised them in my farming; the problem was from our neighborhood's prospective was poor business planning and poor service. The coffee shop, priced at or above starbucks but used products from SYSCO? The pizza guy, well he went home every night at 7:00 and left the store in the hands of my son's friends....that scares the heck out of me. The truth is that any business requires capital. sweat equity and luck but most importantly a niche. They both had it but did not exploit it to the maximum.... If the cofee had been a lower price than Starbucks and the pizza place had a top notch well managed staff....they would have had a chance.

I mis both places, but they missed the most important aspect....looking at their business like a customer does,

Apr 20, 2007 02:58 PM

Tori Stamps

Stamps Realty - Franklin, TN

MA JD - Broker/Owner Franklin TN Homes for Sale

Paul, I know, but I still miss his pizza. A little advertising would have done them wonders. There's a new coffee shop (down a few doors) now that just opened in Mid/late-March. I'm going to give them a shot and see how it goes. They have a drive thru and I keep "meaning to" go through it. I hate to have something go under because people keep thinking "some day" I'll go in there. I'm guilty like us all but am going to try to make an effort to support the little guys when I can. If a coffee is a few cents more than starbucks (but on the way, instead of a little out of the way), it breaks even on gas. I love Starbucks, but I think they won't miss me much. :o)

Oh...and the coffee place sells lunch too (sandwiches, etc.) but you'd never know from the outside.

Have you been to the Listening Cafe yet, I've been meaning to try that too.

Apr 20, 2007 03:05 PM

Dave Cheatham

INC Financial - Bartlett, IL

great thing to be doing. I go in everyday to some places. Some of the people just need to say high. I pick up my drink or paper or whatever. When you go in get to know the people.

Apr 21, 2007 04:40 AM

Sharon Simms

Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL

St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS

Everyone likes to be recognized with their name - the shop owners and you - you and your clients or potential clients. Make the time to get out of your office and check out the businesses around you.

Apr 21, 2007 07:19 AM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

My favorite pizza place also closed it was sad and even sadder when I found out it was because of a divorce.

Apr 21, 2007 05:26 PM

Sondra Sheckler Realtor,ABR,SRES,Historic Home Specialst

Coldwell Banker, Award Of Excellence & Million $$ Producer - Knoxville, TN

Tori,

That is a great idea! I live in a small community with small community value and "neighborism" and have not slowed down enough to get to know the "local" business owners and their business. Great idea! Thank you!

Jul 11, 2007 11:18 PM

Mike Klijanowicz

Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD

Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

AMEN, I don't know about all of you here, but I am getting sick of these HUGE corporations coming into town and closing all of our favorite small places! But you are right, WE as a COMMUNITY have to go out and support these places...

Jan 02, 2008 06:03 AM

Franklin & Brentwood, TN Homes Mike Nastri

Keller Williams Realty - Franklin, TN

It matters to us as much as it matters to you.

Good post! It is important to suport your local merchants, Support your state merchants, and for heaven's sake, buy American made products while you still can.

Nov 26, 2008 10:29 AM

Support Your Local Businesses...

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