Mixing Politics and Business, Holiday Gift Boxes is $20 Billion Business
Welcome to the Small Business Run Down. Each day, we bring you stories that impact small business owners and their workforce.
Hey. Hi. Hello and Happy Wednesday. Check out these stories on mixing business with politics, the role that gift baskets could play in expanding your business and a fun profile of a female small business owner with plenty of heart — and business savvy!
Is participating in politics good for your business?
While the pressure — and temptation — might be strong to weigh in on political and social issues, savvy business owners need to take stock of the risks and benefits of engaging. In a highly polarized political climate, the safe bet is picking issues that resonate with your target market and align with your company’s direct mission and purpose.
The Number: 53%. Consumers are fickle. If they agree with your position, 52% said they would show more loyalty, while 53% said they would show less loyalty if they disagree with your brand.
The Quote: “So whether it’s vocal employees, or passionate customers, or vocal millennials, there is a lot of pressure these days on businesses to take a stand.”
Wrap your [insert product] in cellophane and tie it with a bow this holiday season
As the holiday season (rapidly!) approaches, small business owners should consider upping their gift basket game. While big, established companies like Henry & David, Hickory Farms and even Amazon rake in huge profits, smaller companies should take advantage of increased online sales traffic to market their wares in a gift basket format.
The Number: $20 billion. The gift basket market netted $20 billion in 2018.
The Quote: “Food gifting marketers need to continue inventing and reinventing food gifts and to keep a watchful eye for ways to broaden holiday-related purchase rationales.”
Charlotte boutique shows plenty of heart … and smarts!
Continuing our celebration of Women’s Small Business month, we head to Charlotte, North Carolina to take a look at how entrepreneur Britt Goodling turned her “Glamper” pop-up store into a successful women-forward boutique. Who can resist a poetry-quoting business owner who got her start after her mother’s heart transplant? Not us!
The Number: 80%. CLT Boutique sources from 4 local vendors who specialize in unique, high-quality products, but 80% of their goods are made by the owner, Britt Goodling.
The Quote: “What started out as a little side hustle turned into a full-time gig when I renovated a vintage camper and turned it into a mobile boutique.”
