Your Local Market—It's Where You Live!

In these days of virtual contact anywhere in the world via web commerce, it's easy to forget where we actually live. Yes, I know you're probably saying, "What, are you nuts? I know where I live!" But think of this: with everyone trying to extend the reach of their business beyond the horizon they can see out their window, beyond borders, over seas etc., it's easy to ignore the local business that's right at our doorsteps—the businesses that are paying our local taxes that are keeping the streets safe and clean; keeping the trash picked up; keeping the lights on at night.

What I'm saying is, "Don't forget to support the people in your own neighborhood who in turn support you." This is good for the town or city where you live because everyone benefits.

Case in point: I was about to get something printed using a service online—this service is probably over a thousand miles away—when I remembered a business here in town that has been asking me to try them. So I called them up, got a quotation and you know what? The price was within a few dollars. Why would I send the job out of town—out of the country to save a few bucks? Now someone who lives and does business in the same town as I do benefits and the results trickle down to the other businesses he buys from.

I'm not saying that all internet commerce is wrong, just consider, when making a transaction: is there really an advantage to sending my trade to a place far away? Is the price significantly lower? Is the quality better? Can I not get it locally? Would I rather peruse Amazon than my charming and helpful local bookstore?

What do you think?