How to Help Small Businesses Survive This Crisis

According to JP Morgan Chase, small businesses are an anchor of the US economy.

48% of all US employees work for small businesses. 18% of all US employees work for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. Small businesses accounted for over half of net job creation in recent years.

Being a small business and on top of it, on a fairly remote island, that also relies heavily on clean water and tourism to continue to make ends meet, we can identify very well with the crisis beyond the medical concerns that this will cause to island businesses.  Even more importantly, there are many of you whose properties are paid for through the few short months of peak season and are likely extremely concerned about how mortgages and repairs will be paid for with no rental income.

Give your favorite business a 5-star rating

Visit Google, Houzz, LinkedIn, HomeAdvisor, Travelocity, Facebook, Instagram or other directories and offer a 5-star review and rating for your favorite attraction, restaurant, retailer, lodging property or consumer businesses. Positive reviews are one of the most important factors consumers use in making buying decisions. A five-star review is one of the quickest, easiest and most powerful acts of gratitude you can offer a business you care about.

Give your favorite business a shout-out & follow them

Use your social media clout to give your favorite business a shout out. On your social media pages offer kudos, praise or a mention of something special your favorite business did for you. Don’t forget to tag them so your message shows up on their social media pages too. And most importantly, follow and like or comment on their social media pages too.

Buy Gift Certificates

Now is the time to invest in your community with gift certificates that can be used once it’s time to get out and about. Most businesses are offering the option to buy and it helps support them during this time they are closed. It’s the perfect way to do something now to help their bottom line.

Book Early For Next Season

Encourage vacationers to book early now.  It will give them something to look forward to and it will provide owners and vacation management companies to push hard through these difficult times knowing that there is income on the books in the future.