There is this belief that if we can't pay for someone's products or services that we're not supporting them and that idea can't be further from the truth. Just as our friends, family, and followers can't always buy our products or services, they can show us some love in nonmonetary ways. For them, it could be a share on social media or even a testimonial.

For fellow small business owners, it's the same but the manner in which we can support one another may be different. Here is a list of ways you as an entrepreneur can back your favourite small brands.

1. Offer services for services

Imagine offering something a fellow business needs whilst receiving something you want or need in return. Bartering or exchanging services is pretty common in the entrepreneurial realm. It's definitely not the same as "exposure" where there is little value. But service-for-service has its own magic. Here you can provide a benefit to a business that could help them where they need it, and in return, you receive something of equal value. Sometimes this can be difficult to determine, so make sure your arrangement is in writing and fully agreed upon.

2. Share positivity online

Leaving comments, sharing in your stories, liking, and interacting with your fellow small business owners can be just as helpful as buying something. Here is why. You're helping increase their engagement on social media which then increases their reach so more people see it. Not to mention they can see people take value in what they are offering and providing. And on a less business-y note… it gives them a bit of motivation to keep going. Some days are hard for business owners and even something as little as a nice comment can make their day. Trust me!

3. Write a positive review

Much like how sharing positivity online is good for social media, leaving a good review means you're telling potential customers how great this person's product or service is. It's great for the Google algorithm, Facebook will give them better reach. And, just like with socials, you're showing the business owners that their product or service has value. That in itself can make their day and motivate them to keep going! We all need a bit of hype now and again. Not only this but you’re also showing other potential customers that this business is reliable and worth investing in. Make sure your review is genuine and from real experience as fake reviews are bad for engagement (and against most platforms’ ToS).

4. Make a connection (and go for a coffee)

This can be done virtually as well in times of lockdown, but some face-to-face conversation can actually benefit your business. Making a connection can lead to all sorts of great things such as collaboration, friendships, and potentially other work. This is direct networking and there are many virtual events you can sign up to to meet people and engage with them. For your favourite small businesses that you want to support, this can be a great way to initiate a good connection that can be mutually beneficial in the future.

5. Word of Mouth

Sharing the work of your fellow small biz owners can be as simple as just talking about it. Referring your friends or network to the businesses you love by conversation is a more old-school method but can be fairly effective as well. Someone's birthday is coming up? Tell them about that awesome cakery you follow on Instagram. Someone looking for an engagement ring? What about that freelance jeweler you found? A friend just started a small business and needs a logo? You know a fantastic graphic designer. Keep a list for such instances.

6. Ask to Collaborate

Most of the time, other businesses prefer paid collaborations but sometimes collaborations can be for the sake of networking. This point is a combination of a few of the previous points such as making connections and offering services for services. In this case, you can market it as a collab and enjoy the social engagement from both communities.

It's definitely worth remembering that support comes in many forms and has to be accessible for everyone. That means that your followers or subscribers may not necessarily have the funds to be able to purchase your services or products but can still give you engagement. This is relevant to how we can support other businesses.

We as fellow business owners know what can be helpful for one another and it builds a positive community when we continue to lift each other up instead of competing.

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Stuck in your brand? Struggling to make sense of how your brand thinks, speaks, acts, and looks? We help businesses by taking you through a thorough brand audit to gain clarity on who you are, what you do, and why your customers should care. Get in touch with us!

How small businesses can support each other WITHOUT MONEY