Today is Foursquare Day, and, like thousands of others, I’m heading to a local business to hopefully pickup my swarm badge. But my intentions are far more than personal.
I love supporting local brick and mortars as much as I love shopping online from smaller businesses. See, I like to know that I’m supporting families, especially when they work for businesses that take extreme risks. Even in a good economy, small business owners take the biggest risks of all. Unlike huge corporations, the success or failure of a Mom & Pop is dependent on more than just sleek advertising. No, the Mom & Pop relies heavily on word-of-mouth, which should never be underestimated.
Today I’ll be having lunch at Bubba’s Roadhouse in Cape Coral, Florida. I know that meeting at a public venue elsewhere increases my chances of receiving a swarm badge, but I’d rather help Bubba’s reach their goal. Besides, the food there is d-lish and who can beat a pulled pork sandwich for just $4.16 (in celebration of #4sqday, which is on 04/16). My husband, who neither participates in Foursquare (his phone doesn’t support the app), nor enjoys pork, is coming along to help increase the number of warm bodies. He’s looking forward to a tasty burger.
I know a great deal of people think this whole Foursquare activity is just another unnecessary, social media fad. It is, however, so much more. As I see it, Foursquare is a great way for local businesses to entice existing and potential customers to come on down. Heck, last month AJ Bombers in Milwaukee attracted 161 customers to the burger joint, all by the use of Foursquare. Wouldn’t it be great if more businesses could do the same?
Small business accounts for a good portion of jobs in America, and plays a major role in local economies. Hopefully, more will recognize the benefits of participating in key social media outlets and services like Foursquare, and in turn, create more jobs.
Hitting a local joint today to celebrate Foursquare? I want to know all about it…
