As a business woman, I've noticed something that seems to take place in dealing with individuals, while the guys at corporate headquarters, remain untouched. When we are dealing with an independent business man, we hold them to a higher standard than a corporate chain. I know I recently made a negative decision about patronizing a locally owned business based upon very poor service and rude treatment, by the owner! I have also made very positive decisions to patronize locally owned businesses, not only based upon good service, but also to encourage those of us who are still trying to stay in business. It's an investment in independent business.
The way a business person conducts their business is definitely to be considered, but I've noticed many folks make a negative decision based upon a difference in beliefs. Chick Fil A comes to mind, as does Hobby Lobby. Both of these businesses have received increased patronage as well as boycotts and protests. Which brings to mind a strange disconnect in the way we choose to do business. When someone disagrees with my beliefs, I lose a customer, but people who complain about the greed of the Walton family still shop at Wal-Mart . . . The disconnect seems to be more of an arbitrary line that applies personally, but not enmass.
When we choose to be divisive on some personal fundamental level, we still have to take our business somewhere, and that seems to be widening the gap between the fat cats and the huddled masses, as well as eliminating the independents. Most of the "working class" will never be a part of a political lobbying effort of corporate America, but we do have a power we overlook. We don't need to wine and dine Congress to be heard. All we have to do is stop complaining and complying. We can become more independent in our creativity and patronize the local business owners for those things we cannot make ourselves.
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