The 3/50 Project

As a business owner, you become increasingly aware of the importance to spend your money locally, or with friends you know because each time someone supports you, you feel the since of accomplishment and success... not to mention the ability to pay the bills! Those of us who are living the dream of ownership, understand the importance of supporting your local friends and businesses in every way you can. I am the first try and find a bargan online or shop until I find the best deal, but I have been re-training myseslf lately to spend my funds in my local community. That may mean less I am able to buy at times, but I feel much better about where I am spending the money. It has been interesting to note that I have found GREAT deals all over my local area... you do not have to buy everything at Walmart and Target to get a great deal! I found these words recently and it was extremely inspiring...

"Folks, it’s time the message changed. Spring has sprung. Customers are feeling antsy, ready to leave their caves after months of depression. So tell me — who is closest to the consumer? Who’s going to lift them up and empower them? Yup. You. Enter The 3/50 Project.In a nutshell, The 3/50 Project is built on a simple concept — that if customers support local business, their community reaps the rewards.Yes, that’s the core of most Buy Local campaigns, but this has a twist—it’s easy. It’s free. It’s something you can put into motion in under five minutes. And customers love it.Here’s how it works: You visit the350project.net, download a free flyer, print some out on your color desktop printer, then hand them to customers with their purchases while thanking them for shopping with you. That’s right. No sales pitch. No annual dues. No complexity of any kind. It’s simple and honest, speaking in the same language we use around the dinner table each night.And believe me, the flyer does all the talking, staring with it’s tag line: Pick 3. Spend 50. Save your local economy:

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  Pick three locally owned stores you’d miss if they disappeared, then return to them. Say hello. Pick up a little something that will make someone smile. Those purchases are what keeps those businesses around.
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  If just half the employed US population committed to spending $50 in locally owned stores each month, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine what would happen if 3/4 of them did that.
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  For every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 returns to the local economy through payroll taxes, property taxes, sales tax, payroll, and other business related expenditures. When purchasing from a chain or franchise, that amount drops to $43; if it’s spent online, nothing comes home.

The key to making this pop is to hand the flyer directly to the customer, not just stash it in the bottom of the bag. Consumers are desperate for someone to tell them they’re appreciated; when you look them in the eye, smile, and thank them personally, things begin to happen. They become more loyal. They tell their friends what a great store you have. They go home and read the flyer, “get” how much control they have over saving a business and saving a community, then start spreading the word.This is empowerment and evangelistic marketing at its best. And you reap the benefits.The 3/50 Project is the dictionary definition of “viral.” Not only do retailers “get it,” but so do their community counterparts. Store owners are forwarding this to other types of locally owned businesses. Property management companies are printing the flyers out for their tenants. Community groups and business organizations are doing the same. Restaurants have jumped in. Movie theaters promote it on their screens before films begin. Magazines and blogs—both in and outside the industry—have recognized the positive impact of The 3/50 Project, and sung its praises while also praising small business everywhere.Supporters of The 3/50 Project are listed on the website, free of charge. A member icon is provided for use on your website (put it on your homepage and we’ll link to you). Window banners, countertop signs, press materials, t-shirts, buttons, bumper stickers...it’s all available on the Resources page. Thanks to the generosity of The Chicago Market, free window clings are being sent to retailers who request them.If you’ve ever wanted a coattail to grab onto, then ride to the moon on, this is it. Never before has such a simple win/win message lit up both retailers and consumers in such an upbeat, feel good way.Now..what do you say we welcome them back from that cave and make a little money?

To learn more about The 3/50 Project or download the free flyer, visit www.the350project.net. About Cinda Baxter, Founder of The 3/50 ProjectCinda Baxter‘s job title is “Retail Enabler,” as a retail consultant and coach (Always Upward), founder of RetailSpeaks.com and The 3/50 Project, and contributing editor for “Gifts and Decorative Accessories” magazine. Please send questions and comments to get_info@alwaysupward.com."