February 16 to 23 is Random Acts of Kindness Week, celebrated by groups and individuals to encourage acts of kindness. Everyone has the opportunity to do something nice for a stranger, family member, friend, or co-worker. It can be as simple as giving a bouquet, paying for the person behind you as you wait in line, or bringing a box of cupcakes to the office.
Kindness goes a long way, in fact, as well as making another person feel good it’s great for the economy. Acts of kindness can be almost effortless but far-reaching. Think about the last time you purchased an item online. You may well have perused the reviews. These reviews may have helped in your decision to make a purchase. Some might argue the very act of leaving a review is one of kindness. Reviews are extremely valuable to businesses. A review can make or break a sale, having a huge impact on the livelihood of a small business.
Another act of kindness often forgotten is one of likes, shares, or comments on a social media post. How many times have you seen a particularly tasty looking pastry, or beautifully finished piece of furniture by a local baker or furniture maker on Facebook or Instagram and liked, commented on, or shared it? Believe it or not, this is a significant act of kindness and one that will boost not only the reach and engagement of these small businesses but could also lead to a sale.
So, while it’s Random Act of Kindness Week, feel free to hit the like button a few extra times or leave a review for a local business. They’ll appreciate it, you’ll feel good about it, and at the end of the day, the economy will benefit too.
We enjoy working with local businesses so if you’re starting or looking for alternative options stop by one of our branches in New Berlin, Springfield, Modesto, and Palmyra.