Small Business Saturday Strategy
Last year, our friend Maggie was excited to add greenery to the planters in front of a couple of blocks of retail and commercial buildings before Small Business Saturday. She put the word out asking if anyone had any fresh greens or evergreens that could be cut up. She also kindly notified the city that she would be doing it.
We loved it!
Photo by Maggie Strong
A local leader took it upon themself to get all official; it was a matter of CYA, I think. They wrote an email back with lots of requirements. Like:
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Don’t add more dirt to the planters; it might fall behind the liners into the box.
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How will the rest of the District perceive this? What about their planters in front of their stores? There is a perception problem that Maggie’s area is being favored by the city. So, she needs to advertise that this is an action taken by the store owners, and not the city.
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The City can’t help them unless it is done for the whole district.
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The city has other things they must do. Trim the trees, replace other trees, and repair sidewalks and curbs.
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Now the city could help, but more planning is needed, so not until next year.
And they closed with:
“Again, if this is a private donation to spruce up 6th Street and those owners and businesses want to participate, GREAT! But please do not ask for/use City resources for this or bill this as a District event.”
Photo by Maggie Strong
Sometimes I just shake my head. Other times I ask things like, “We can bill the city for stuff?”
I always encourage you to take the small steps to make a difference, spread a little joy, and have fun doing it.
Maggie and her team added greenery without city help, and it looked lovely.
This is what we call a Ninja move.
Just do it.