Is Social Media Killing Small Business?

Running a small business is a huge leap of faith.  You must believe in yourself, what you are selling, and have conviction that people need what you are offering.  Chasing your dreams and making things a reality is really a power move.  You are fearless, inspired, motivated, smart, creative, and the list goes on.

But do you realize when you start that you must be all those things and more?  Probably not because I don’t believe if people really knew how hard they would have to work that they would ever hop on the small business express train.  It isn’t for the weak of heart.  It’s for the brave, the courageous, the movers and shakers and the goal chasers.  

There is no time clock.  Let that sink in.  There is no time clock.  Isn’t that what every soul dreams of?  Life on their own terms, their own time, their own decisions?  But my friends, that is a double-edged sword for some.  If there is no time clock, then who are you accountable to?  What makes you want to start your day working?  Who is going to tell you to get your butt in gear?  The answer is no one.  Being a small business owner is being accountable to yourself every day.  Deciding to work isn’t a decision, it’s just something you must do to move forward.  Yes, you get to pick the start time.  Maybe it’s 6am or maybe it’s noon but be prepared for 12 to 16 hours days.   Weeks with no sales, bills that never stop showing up, trips that never happen because you must take care of your business.  You have to be creative and think of things to post on social media, so you stay relevant.  This is the reality of being a small business owner, but it is just a small part of that reality.  Being a small business can also be a lonely road or it can be a road of connections, generosity, kindness and fun.  It really is whatever you make of it, but there are so many options for you to choose from.

In today's digital age, small businesses have a remarkable opportunity that was unimaginable just a decade ago - the ability to connect with a global audience through social media. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok allow you to share your products, ideas, and experiences with potential customers around the world. The possibilities are vast.  A teenager in Alabama can watch your Reels or a grandmother in Japan can see your posts.  Your audience is the whole world.  How amazing is that?  It is seriously mind blowing in the current time of business that your customer base is limitless.  Your people are out there, and you just need to find them or for them to find you. There are so many platforms that allow you to share your dreams, ideas and life experiences.  The great thing about social platforms is that you get to be social.  You get to chat with people about your ideas, you get to share your thoughts, you can even build things together.  It is an amazing opportunity to connect with people who appreciate what you do and want to follow along or support your dreams.  It is an opportunity that some businesses take full advantage of.

However, some small business owners may be hesitant to fully embrace social media, fearing that it is "killing" small businesses by taking up their time, forcing them to share more then they want and costing them money. In reality, I believe social media has been a powerful tool for small businesses to find and engage with their target customers. It has allowed me to connect with other businesses and build a supportive network that has been invaluable.

I get the privilege of working from our place every day.  The shop is a walk across the yard with the birds singing, the dogs following and the smell of spring in the air.  I get to work with my family and together we create the coolest PNWBUSHCRAFT outdoor gear that we sell on our website.  I also get to connect with my people every day online.  I share what we are making, what adventures we are planning and what cool things I’ve found to create with and its free.  I just need to take the time to share my world and plan into my daily business activities.

Being social on social media has allowed me the opportunity to connect with other business I would have never known about and to develop a network of kind, generous helpful people who also want to see my succeed.  My online network is my support and inspiration, and I don’t think it is killing small businesses.  In fact, I think it has given small business and huge starting point to find their people and thrive.   It is the start of friendships that go from online to in person, business connections that help you move forward and experiences that are life changing if you just take the time to use these resources. 

Heather Saulsbury

Head decision maker, social butterfly, creative guru and happy business owner.