Sure our politicians declare their appreciation for our contribution in developing this country, but little to no contribution is made back to us. In many ways, we are invisible to our political system unless we have the wherewithal to contribute to a particular candidates coffers. When our economy took a nose-dive, due to big business I might add, small businesses were entirely forgotten. We were expected to 'survive' the sudden downturn in consumer confidence with no support or assistance. But listen carefully during this election cycle. You will hear all kinds of rhetoric about supporting MAIN STREET USA.
The invisibility of the small business owner permeates society at large. For most customers, who we are as people is often overshadowed by the identify of the business or the service we provide. When we falter, as people are oft to do, people collapse the failure of the business with who we are as people, questioning our integrity and our ethics. I have been personally yelled at because someone did not get the service they felt they deserved.
And don't get me started about the banks. In a recent conversation with a bank manager, I was informed me that the bank's definition of a 'small business' is one that has over $1,000,000 in cash assets. Since when does a small business have any excess capital at their ready disposal; we are either investing in our growth or managing fluctuations in our cash flow.
Vendors, on whom we are reliant, continue to raise their prices to reflect inflation and rising costs, but our customers are less tolerant of a reciprocal increase in price. Pricing had a universal standard in most industries. Each business would compete based on quality of service and customer relations. Now we have Groupon, Living Social and other 'discount' providers driving down the prices and as a result, deteriorating the quality.
Regardless, we march on and we do so willingly. We can't imagine living our lives any other way. The successes far outshine the failures. The challenge is exhilarating more often than it is stressful. Our lives are richer for being a contribution to our communities. And we fight every day for the honor to do so.
But it can be very lonely.
A dear friend and fellow business owner commiserated over a bottle of wine shortly after he closed the doors on one of his locations. What preceded that very painful decision was exactly what I contend with every day. He suffered, silently, struggling to make it work. We were both so grateful for the conversation and the release it provided, that it got me thinking. We business owners don't have an outlet. There is no place for us to go just to BITCH, MOAN, KVETCH and COMMISERATE.
I am sure we share a common struggle. The details may vary, but I am sure that if we all share our stories, a common voice will rise up. And before too long, that voice will get the attention of our communities, our banks, our industries and our government (local, state and federal.) Change is needed if we want to preserve the existence of the small business owner. Otherwise, we should simply accept that only big business will prevail and the opportunities we once enjoyed will no longer be available to someone willing to take a risk.
So, I invite you to share your stories. You can either email me directly or you can respond to an existing post via the comment section. If you would like me to include an image, please attach it to the email.
We will moderate the contributions to ensure that everyone is respected. This space is a safe one where every story is welcome and every story is someone's truth. Recommendations and suggestions regarding the site or a particular subject matter are welcome. I'm sure everyone could use some help and guidance. However, the primary intention for the blog is sharing. Sometimes, we just want to be acknowledged. So let's not get preachy.
I can't wait to read what you have to say.
With Enormous Respect,
Brick & Mortar Confessions
