Director's Note
November 2020

I imagine that we all wrestle a bit with the convenience of e-commerce and the love of visiting our favorite local retailers. Here's how I'm planning to Shop Small this Saturday and this holiday season.

I'm starting off with a list. I know this seems kind of obvious but a list will help me think through each person for whom we are buying a gift and themes where I can buy multiple gifts from the same area of town or local business.

After I make my list, I'll map out my shopping plan. I'll check our Shop Small Guide for inspiration. Since most of our gifts will be shipped to family members, I have to think ahead. I'll shop for one family at a time or one age group. An example is going to a locally owned toy store or book store like, Read with Me in downtown Raleigh for my nephews and niece. If I reference my list, I'll probably see that I am planning to source some delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies from Cheeni and so I can pick those up at the same time. I'll wear my mask, do curbside pickup when I am able to and carry lots of hand sanitizer.

This type of pre-planning for my list reduces my dreams about it being Christmas eve and that I completely forgot to shop for anyone. Do you all have vivid panic dreams that are completely unrealistic?

This year, big e-commerce giants like Amazon and Walmart have made huge profits with a shift to e-commerce and our small business community has really suffered. We must support the essential businesses that make our community the rich and vibrant place that it is.

If you struggle with gift giving, your local retailer will be happy to help. They create beautiful gift boxes and know how to pick the toy that will be your nephew's favorite. Yes, I'm speaking from personal experience.

Experience the joy of keeping money right here in our community this Shop Small Saturday and every day.

Happy Thanksgiving, y'all.

Cherith
croberson@waketech.edu
Don't Miss These Webinars
Your story is what makes your small business unique. A compelling narrative, strong characters and your distinctive point of view will help your brand connect and build lasting relationships.

After this session, you’ll be able to:
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  • Ask “Reporter Questions” to get the answers that will best tell your story
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This session is for small business owners who want to engage and influence customers with their brand story.

Tuesday, December 1, 6:30 PM
Presented by Ann Close, PHR/CP founder and senior human resources coach and consultant for Close HR. Ann has more than 20 years of experience in HR with more than 10 years at her own firm. She is a compliance expert and helps companies shape their culture to grow effectively.

Thursday, December 3, 6:30 PM
One of the most effective, yet under-utilized ways to grow your small business is to get creative with your partnerships. Working with partners who serve the same people as you do gives you access to new customers, allows you to better deliver your products to the world and results in greater impact for all small businesses.
In this 90-minute seminar you will learn:
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  • Examples of how partners can help you find more of your perfect customers
  • A system to connect with potential partners in a way that doesn’t feel like you're asking for favors
  • A bonus resource and exercise that will help you identify and build relationships with potential partners aligned with your business

Tuesday, December 8, 6:30 PM
The Innovate Capital Law Clinic out of Campbell University is looking for clients for the Spring 2021 semester!

This is an educational program where Campbell Law student-attorneys can represent companies that would not otherwise be able to afford legal services.
Interested? Be sure to take a look at the application here to learn more and see if you qualify as an applicant.
Airport Concessions
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program
Learn how minority and woman-owned small businesses can participate in RDU concessions opportunities.

December 16 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Virtual Event

Who Should Attend:
• Minority and Woman-Owned Small Business Owners
• Food and Beverage Operators

What You Will Learn:
• How to Become Certified as an ACDBE
• How the ACDBE Program operates
at RDU

Learn more at the RDU Website HERE
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