DBA

DBA is the acronym for "doing business as."  Here in America, the independent business person is getting a lot of pressure to give up their personal convictions to maintain their business.  I've watched the situation with Chick-Fil-A and of course a number of Christian owned bakeries being attacked by the Gay Agenda.  I know in my own business, my politics and personal spiritual beliefs make and break several business deals.  I meet folks through fellowship and common interests, who become customers.  Patrons and friends have been gained when I've reach out to help with an alternative or natural product or suggestion.  By that same token, a clash of political or spiritual beliefs have resulted in loss of business as well.

Other than thinking both parties are just two heads of the same serpent, I don't have a lot of political clashes, as I am bipartisanly annoying.  There are those who believe I'm shirking my patriotic duty by not participating in elections, but I believe I have a stronger voice through media than by way of ballot . . . and that voice still isn't much.  Political leanings don't seem to have the influence on customers of the Big Corporations, like those of the independent businesses.  For instance, those who boycott family owned businesses over the gay agenda, aren't too upset to buy gasoline provided by the OPEC nations, which for the most part rule homosexuality to be punishable by death . . .  By the same token, those who are adamantly against abortion, are many times still purchasing pharmaceuticals from the same companies that manufacture abortifacient drugs or patronize pharmacies that carry and sell abortifacient drugs.

Independent business folk can lose customers over religious differences of the same G-d, yet products from China continue to be purchased.  China is a Communist country.  The Communist Party claims to be atheistic. China is markedly pro-abortion.  Many products come from India, a predominantly Hindu nation, and Pakistan is predominantly Islam, but we buy items from those nations without a second thought of the religious views of the factory worker or owner.

Why do Americans monetize our differences, personally, yet are willing to finance many things we don't agree with, when the offending entity is faceless?

Independent Business

Independent business are quickly becoming a part of American history.  The independent business man has, for the most part, been replaced with corporate chains and franchises in suburbs and the edge of town.


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.