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Tuesday
Nov032009

Bay Bridge Closure: A Reminder to “Go Local” 

DateTuesday, November 3, 2009 at 02:47PM

Much to the relief for many commuters, the Bay Bridge finally reopened its lane yesterday morning. It marked almost a full week of closure, blocking off one of the main arteries to and from the city.

For many it was a week of continual hassle- crammed Bart trains, 2-hr traffic detours, canceled appointments. But for others, myself included, it became a week of prioritizing what is really important in life. I recognized that I enjoyed the excuse of not having to cross over to the city so much. It allowed for some unexpected “free nights” at home in which I got to talk walks, hang out with friends, and enjoy what was actually closer in distance, to me. Unknowingly the Bay Bridge closure was actually an invitation to take one more step into the current trend in economics of “going local” and strengthening ties of my business closer to home.

As a small business owner, what does this mean?

Well, for starters the invitation to contain most of my movement closer to home made me question who my local business community really was. Was I reaching out and flyering local shops? Or making acquaintances with local business owners to see how we could help each other out? Did my neighbors even know what my small business was about?

The answer to most of these questions was no. I had been so caught up over the last couple of weeks in creating a web presence for my business that I ignored opportunities that literally lay at my doorstep. I had forgotten the power of physical presence and of meeting another local business owner with a smile.

I recognize that in-person networking can be harder for most. It requires us to be more vulnerable and out our face out there. It requires us to ask someone else in person for the possibility of putting up a flyer or setting out a brochure (which may feel more daunting than receiving an email back just saying no. But the local, in-person business approach builds local relationships, strengthens our sense of home, builds inner and outer trust and keeps the dollars flowing in our own neighborhood supporting local business such as ours.

So I leave you with a couple suggestions:

  • Next time you walk into a local shop tell the manager you are a local business owner as well. Share the excitement of “going local” and leave a card- you’ll never know what opportunities come back your way.
  • Flyer in local coffee shops and markets. State that you are home-grown! People love knowing what’s in their backyard.
  • Invite neighbors over for a wine and cheese gathering. Share what you do and invite others to do the same. Let this be the “go local” block party of the year.
  • Turn off the TV and take evening walks. This will help you connect with your local environment and remember why you chose to live where you do. Let the creativity flow. Possibility are endless. That is the beauty of the Bay Bridge closing- it shakes us up from our usual routines so that new life can grow.

 Inner Economics: Inner Work, Economics Rewards

AuthorElizabeth | Comment3 Comments |

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