Buy Local, Get a Massage
Your success as a bodyworker has everything
to do with making a place for yourself in your local community.
A “buy
local” focus as a marketing strategy is one good
way to support this aim.
There are many good reasons to promote a buy local campaign
at the same time you market your business. One statistic
says that three times as much money stays in your town
or city when you choose a locally owned business instead
of a chain. When someone buys a gift certificate from you
instead of a gift from Macy’s or Pier 1, for example,
the dollars are much more likely to stay in local banks,
be used to shop at neighborhood stores, or be donated it
to local non-profits.
Here’s what Judy Wicks, the owner of the well-known
White Dog Café of Philadelphia said about what she
calls “local living economies.”
Addressing the deeper needs of their communities, local business owners can provide more fulfilling jobs, healthier communities and greater economic security in their bioregions. Success can mean more than growing larger or increasing market-share, it can be measured by increasing happiness and well being, deepening relationships, and expanding creativity, knowledge, and consciousness.
“It can be measured by increasing happiness and well
being [and] deepening relationships…”? Does
that define the success of a bodywork practice, or what?
- For a holiday season, promote the idea that a locally-bought
gift is also a gift to your community, town or neighborhood.
- A simple “buy local” theme also works well between
gift-giving holidays. Send out a mailing or emailing saying, “Support
the local economy and your good health at the same time! Get a massage
for you or your loved one.”
- Combine your marketing efforts with one or more other
practitioners. Small businesses in some communities are getting together
for larger “buy local” campaigns in their downtowns and neighborhoods.
They are making posters to put in storefronts and selling coupon books
made up of advertising and promotionals for participating businesses.
- Here’s
some links to get you started: Where to get “buy
local” posters and
an article showing how
to start your own buy local movement.
Whether on your own or as a wider community effort, take
advantage of an idea that keeps gaining steam — buy local! |
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