Localism- What's Love Got to do With IT?

Localism Definition: Localism is 'Old-School' in a New World portal. It's reminiscent of an earlier day when people shopped where they lived, and everyone knew their butcher. Localism makes the world smaller and more personal. It reacquaints and re-establishes the lost bonds between neighbors. It revives and restores the relational elements of what neighborhoods used to be, and should be.

Actually, Localism is about real estate; started by the inventors of Activerain- a very cool website for realtors and for those of us looking for real estate information. The definition above came right off the site. But I am not writing about real estate.

I'm writing about localism-local, right here in my backyard, right there in your backyard- where ever that may be.

Here's what the dictionary says:

lo - cal - ism - noun

1. a word, phrase, pronunciation, or manner of speaking that is peculiar to one locality.
2. a local custom.
3. excessive devotion to and promotion of the interests of a particular locality; sectionalism.
4. attachment to a particular locality.

Why, do you ask, should I care? I was at a cocktail party the other night and overheard someone talking about how CHEAP they could get business cards, letterhead, brochures, websites etc. by ordering all of the stuff from another state, another country even.

It kind of set me on fire if you know what I mean. Yes, I'm a partner in a graphic design and advertising agency, and yes I spontaneously combust often. And yes, I've known, seen and heard about all of these fabulous "Deals" for years.

Love Your Neighbors (as you do yourself)-and you know you do!

Here's the deal: We need to support our neighborhood, our town our city businesses. By doing so we are supporting families, schools - the entire infrastructure of our local communities. And yes- it is a free society and global marketplace- and you can buy what you want where you want. But let's just be honest - with the economy the way it is it is even more important to engage with local businesses. And guess what- your local businesses will love you for it. Here's a thought- they might return the favor and use your services. Like networking, what goes around comes around.

I have received, by both email and direct phone call, many solicitations for outsourcing services (services we offer our clients and do ourselves) to companies in other countries. You know what? I could use those services (without telling my clients), mark the costs way up, and deliver the invoice to my client. I could make more money that way. I could layoff one of our designers and farm out the work. You might say that's a good business decision- I am making more money. But it's not just about ME making more money! It's about survival of small businesses throughout our communities.

Don't Live Under a Rock but...

I am not promoting isolationism but to have a thriving community we need to commune with our neighboring businesses. Don't just think about this when looking for services and products- act on it. Your best vendor could be your neighbor. That's what love has to do with it!

Eileen Wilkins
President- Business Development
Blue Wave Design, Inc.
824 US Hwy One
Ste. 345
North Palm Beach, FL 33408
V: 561-775-9607
F: 561-775-1633
www.bluewavedesign.com

Blue Wave Design is a full service graphic design firm providing creative solutions that integrate marketing strategy, communication and graphic design. Our goal: Giving our clients the competitive edge in order to grow their business.

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