That’s right. It’s January, and we all have our new year resolutions in place. If one of your resolutions this year isn’t to #BeIntentional with your dollars, it should be! Where you spend your money matters and shopping small is one of the best ways to create a positive impact in your community. By shopping small you are not only supporting someone’s dream, you are also reducing the environmental impact of your purchases, strengthening the local economy, and building community.
So, what are you waiting for? Ready to #SpendLikeItMatters?
Here are some tips to help you be intentional with the money you spend this year (and every year after):
Determine what matters to you – Every time you shop you are voting for the businesses you want to see succeed. Establishing your values, what is important to you in a business, and determining how the businesses you support align with your values is crucial to stick to your resolution.
Identify & Integrate – Identify essentials and must-haves that can be purchased at a small business that you can integrate into your routine. Whether it’s a coffee date with friends, the laundromat, or a facial – it can be anything that you identify as a part of your frequent purchases or regular spending.
Focus on progress not perfection – It’s okay to be realistic. Most of us make purchases from big-box chains or corporations, and that’s okay. Enduring impact is in the everyday small habits that add up to big change.
Use your voice – Recommendations matter. According to the latest Nielsen Global Trust in Advertising report, 92% of people trust recommendations from a close family and friend. Tell people about your favorite places and follow/like your favorite small business on social media.
Shopping small supports our communities and keeps small businesses in business. Connect your values to the small businesses your support, find ways to purchase essentials from small business purchases, establish an intentional spending habit to create a larger long-term impact, and recommend your favorite local stores to your family and friends.
These are all easy ways to be Intentional with your spending in 2020 and beyond!
Ashley Sevilla is a marketing strategist with a passion to amplify awareness for brands that break the mold and create a positive impact in their communities. With over 8+ years of experience working with high profile clients ranging from major movie studios, C-suite executives, start-ups, etc. Ashley assists in creating synergistic strategies that align brand voice.
Thanks for all that you do to #SpendLikeItMatters – shop small, buy local, and #BeIntentional! Discover awesome brick + mortar small businesses in your community, suggest your favorites, and be sure that you’re following us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter).
Intentionalist is your local guide to small businesses and the diverse people behind them. We believe that where you spend your money matters, and we’re sure glad you do too! Whether you identify as a localist, activist, or just a good neighbor, we make it easy for you to connect with, learn about, and support small businesses in your community through everyday decisions about where you eat, drink, and shop.
