Small Business Week

Today is the start of Small Business Week (July 1 - July 7, 2012).  Actually National Small Business week sponsored by the SBA (Small Business Assoc.) was in May.  This Small Business Week is sponsored by America United with a focus on buying from small American companies on products that were made in America.  Fifty percent of American jobs are by small businesses.  Supporting small business is an essestial part of our economy.  Spending as little as $5.00 in a small business from everyone in America can make difference. 

I make a habit to buy from many small businesses online but this week I'm making more of an effort to find more small businesses locally:

• Heading to the Farmer's Market this morning and the butcher instead of the supermarket.
• There is a great mom + pop hardware store around the corner that I usually only use when I don't want to drive to Home Depot.   They give me great advise and always have what I'm looking for.  I can never find a salesperson when I need one at Home Depot.   I will use them more often
• I've been eyeing a cute boutique for weeks near my house.  Now is as good a time to pop in a spend in there instead of the Gap.
• Groupon introduced me to a place that makes great healthy Roti's last week.  It's a new favorite so I will be back this week as well.

Nobody is saying don't buy from the big businesses, but don't exclude the little guy.
Share the knowledge about Small Business Week to your friends and family.  What small business(s) are you headed to this week?

New Features!

I buy a lot of stuff online and I rely heavily on the ratings and reviews given by those that bought the product.  I also make a point of rating the product to help assist the next potential buyer.  I am happy to now offer rating and reviewing to my customers.  Not only will you be helping other browsers, you will be helping me too!  If you bought a scent and thought it stinks let us know.  This can help me consider looking for another scent manufacturer, lessen the amount of scent I use in the product (candle, bath & body), or remove it entirely.  At the same token, if you love something please tell us how much you love it and why.  Etsy and ArtFire customers already have the option to give feedback and now my website has that same option!  Customers will have to log into there account and there they will find ratings and review options for their orders.

Now my website allows your Tweet, Like, Pin (my new favorite thing), Email or Google your favorite products with a simple click of the mouse to your friends, family and followers.  It has been something I've been requesting from my webhost for quite some time and I'm so glad it is now an available feature on my website.  I have hundreds of products therefore you will have ample opportunity to use it like crazy on my website. 

Please note: when using the the Facebook "like" button it may display the wrong pic.  This is a Facebook issue although I believe it allows one to pic the correct pic on the page or none at all. 

Hope you enjoy these great new rating and social media features!