Attitude is Everything- YOU Can Help the Economy!

By Jamie Schriner-Hooper
Organizational Specialist
Michigan Main Street Center
Michigan State Housing Development Authority

Ok, so this week I really just want to rant a bit. I have a few pet peeves, as everyone does. Mine include people using the word “over” when they really mean “more than,” as well as the word “towards,” which isn’t really a word. Lose the “s” and you’re in business. So, while I seem to be going off on a grammar rant, I really do have a point...

My latest pet peeve is the economy, or more to the point, the constant reinforcement that our economy is terrible and that our state is going to pot. I hate that every conversation somehow turns to the economy. You might be talking about what you had for dinner last night and somehow, some way, someone will turn the conversation to the negative state of our state. I’m getting tired of being the only person in the room saying “It will get better!”

While many households in Michigan have been hit by the bleak economy, we’ve been going through this for the last few years. It’s nothing new. My family has been hit by the poor economy. My husband’s previous employer decided that Michigan was no longer a viable market. We disagreed and he took the plunge and opened his own company. My father, grandfathers, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members worked for GM. That is no longer the case, but they are all finding ways to remake and remodel their careers. The nation’s media is just now picking up on the fact that the rest of the country is now facing the same issues and dilemmas that Michiganders have been facing for some time.

Yes, I agree that the economy is bad, but dwelling on in and reinforcing it in every way you’re able certainly isn’t going to make it any better. Our downtown business owners know that dwelling on the negative is not a way to succeed. The rest of the country needs to learn this. Small business 101 says that you put your best face forward. When a customer walks into a small business, the proprietor certainly doesn’t load them down with how terrible things are, their hours are long, product isn’t selling, they need to go to the bank, etc. If they do, they certainly won’t be in business for long. No one wants to give their hard-earned dollars to a business that they don’t think will be around next month. We need to learn to do the same.

Instead of dwelling on the doom and gloom of the economy, look at what is good. The simple fact is that things will get better. Our state is diversifying. It might not be today or tomorrow or even this year, but things will get better. And, better yet, you personally can help to make things better. What, you ask, can one person do? It’s simple. Spend your pennies with the businesses and people you want to see remain open. Like that coffee shop on the corner? Go there for lunch instead of the fast food joint. Enjoy the distinct gift store downtown? Purchase your gifts there instead of at the big box store at the mall or online. Chances are, you’ll have a much better shopping experience downtown than at the alternative. Personally, I’m not a fan of a teenager chomping their gum and ignoring me until I hand them my cash. I much prefer going to a small, locally-owned and unique boutique where I can chat with the owner and know that my money is staying in the neighborhood. Plus, as an added bonus, you usually get a beautifully-wrapped and distinct end product.

So, as my husband would say, buck up there little camper. Things will get better, but in the mean time, take a cue from your favorite small business owner: stop your yammerin’ and put on a happy face!