Small businesses are the engine that drives our economy. In fact, more than half of Americans work for or own a small business, and account for nearly 70 percent of all the new jobs created! Next week, from April 30 – May 6, we celebrate the impact of these pioneers during National Small Business Week.
Organized by the Small Business Administration, this is the 53rd year in a row that the President of the United States has declared an official celebration of the Main Street entrepreneurs.
As a 17-year veteran at Dell, working with more than 10 million small business globally, I constantly have an ear to the ground on what small businesses need to succeed, and have a few tips on how you can honor these heroes.
1. Word-of-Mouth: Small Business Week is not just about promoting your own business—it’s about supporting all small businesses. You can help promote them by writing a Yelp review and sharing that review through your social channels for maximum exposure. Who knows, they may even return the favor!
2. Become a Mentor: Mentoring a small business owner is a great way to leverage your existing skills to make a big impact in a small amount of your time. There is no doubt that other business owners struggle with the same obstacles, and may have advice on how to overcome them. Dell partnered with 1776 to launch Union, a worldwide network with more than 30 startup campuses, and virtual participation that taps elite mentors in their industries for advice. You can learn more about becoming a mentor here.
3. Networking: For most new businesses, it’s a situation of “not enough” – not enough time, not enough support and not enough money. Networking with other businesses can net great ROI. They may offer complementary services that warrant a mutually beneficial partnership. You won’t know unless you make the time, get out there. You can find local Meet-Ups or associations through your local chamber of commerce, or on Dell’s events page.
Small business owners – it takes guts, gumption and ambition to make it, we at Dell salute you and all that you do for our communities and economy. We are more than just your IT vendor, we want to work with you to help address your immediate and long term goals through durable products, customizable support and practical advice.
In celebration of National Small Business Week, we’re running a series of promotions – see more here. How will you celebrate?