Jump forward to the year 2005, and in comes Cyber Monday. The term "Cyber Monday" was coined after research showed 78% of online retailers showing significant increase in sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving. New York Times reported that "The name Cyber Monday grew out of the observation that millions of otherwise productive working Americans, fresh off a Thanksgiving weekend of window shopping, were returning to high-speed Internet connections at work Monday and buying what they liked."
The retail industry has had success over the past decade coining these days as big shopping days and getting consumers in the mood to shop. While all retailers feel the increase of the Holidays in their profit margins, the one segment that hasn't had their own "day" to celebrate is the Small Business segment....until now.
Last year American Express created Small Business Saturday. After putting a significant amount of support behind the idea through nationwide radio and TV advertising and public relations and a social media campaign, the word spread quickly. American Express bought advertising inventory on Facebook and then gave it to its small business clients who could use it to advertise their specials. This year, the 2nd Annual Small Business Saturday has garnered almost 2.25 million Facebook "Likes" with a pledge button for people to pledge to shop small on November 26th (visit the Facebook page to make your own pledge).
So, after you suffer through the Turkey-coma and if you plan on attacking the Christmas list during the biggest shopping days of the year, please consider shopping small and shopping local - the boutique store you drive or walk by every day, the family-run hardware store in the shopping plaza in town, or the toy store you never go in because it's slightly less convenient than going to an all-in-one store.Take it one step further and spread the word on your blog, Facebook page, or Twitter (#SmallBusinessSaturday).
Now more than ever, the economy needs to see the power behind the small business. After all, it's what many business owners aspire to have - a business that is sustainable, profitable, and independent. Support your local independent business and help them to Thrive! Who knows, maybe it could turn in to a positive networking opportunity!
