Wasp Barcode Technologies: The Barcode Solution People

Why Support Small Business Saturday?

[caption id="attachment_3030" align="alignleft" width="150"] Small businesses offer niche products and services not found in big box retailers. Support your local companies on Small Business Saturday.[/caption] I come from a long line of small business owners. My maternal grandmother created high-end draperies and duvets for Dallas’ finest families through her small, but successful, business. My dad’s grandfather owned a jewelry store in downtown McKinney, Texas, where his son—my grandfather—later opened a 14-stool diner. That business grew into a popular eating establishment where everybody in town gathered for food and fellowship for nearly 30 years. After “retiring” in the early ‘50s, my granddad cashed in on the highway expansion craze and opened a motel on the main drag. That “retirement” effort lasted 45 years, providing sustenance for several families—including ours since my father was recruited to run the family business. I followed tradition and for about 10 years had my own marketing company that served area Fortune 500s and nonprofits. Like my father, grandfather, grandmother, and great grandfather, this single mom kept food on the table by providing a service in demand by area organizations. Because that’s what small businesses do.

Would you like a little heart with your coffee?

Born from a passion, dream, or necessity, small businesses provide a niche product or service not offered from others. A carefully crafted cupcake. Handmade home décor. Locally grown produce. Recycled office supplies. Specialized auto repair services. Independent coffee shops. These establishments find what’s missing from the big boxes in major metropolises. Maybe it’s a lower price point or a hard-to-get product or service. Or perhaps they just want to make a difference in someone else's life. Whatever the catalyst, behind every floral arrangement and wheel alignment is the heart and soul of a business owner who sometimes struggles to keep the doors open. Which is why we should support them. Saturday, November 30 is Small Business Saturday. You’ve probably seen or heard about it—ads encourage us to buy from small businesses in our communities at least one day a year. The brainchild of the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), this event competes for the Black Friday crowds but in a quieter way. Chances are you won’t find small business owners open on Turkey Day. No, they and their staff will likely be home enjoying Thanksgiving with family. But they will be competing for the mighty dollar come Friday--and especially on Saturday, when the SBA suggests that we support them.

Keeping dreams alive

Founded in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government, the SBA aids, counsels, assists, and protects the interests of small business. According to their mission statement, they want to “preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation.” To do so, they want to help Americans “start, build, and grow businesses.” One glance at the SBA site shows a variety of materials to help companies market their wares, apply for a loan, or expand their business. They also appear to help organizations understand how federal legislation may impact them. I like that the SBA remains a viable resource for small businesses, who also happen to be the bread and butter for our company, System ID.

System ID supports small businesses

For nearly 30 years a group of about 50 people have worked relentlessly to provide small- to-medium sized businesses with barcode technology that automates their operations and make them more profitable. Sure, we support huge conglomerates, too, but our niche seems to be providing personal advice to smaller groups that are looking to automate, scale, or optimize their organizations. They trust us to advise them on the best barcode solution for their specific needs. Which we gladly do every day. And because System ID employees like Rose Mary and Nicole have literally grown up in this world, we provide something that no one else in our industry can--knowledge and expertise that comes from years of dedication to barcodes. In fact, you might say that our small business unit exists to help other small- and medium-sized businesses thrive—just like the SBA. So after the turkey is gone and before you put up the Christmas lights, please take a moment to support the small businesses in your community. Some look like your neighbor down the street who opened a gift shop last month. Others look like System ID, the business unit who has been helping small companies for a while. Regardless how they appear in your area of the country, we hope you shop at small businesses on Saturday. After all, they support families like yours and mine. Editor’s note: While System ID isn’t open on Saturdays, an advisor is happy to help you Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. (CT). We hope you’ll frequent our small business on one of those days!