Don't get me wrong, I LIKE to buy local. I understand the reasoning behind putting our purchasing dollars back into local business and into our local economy. This helps drive Juneau's economic engine and helps Juneau's small businesses flourishing.

BUT . . . there are some things I expect in return as a customer. I want to be treated as if my business matters and is appreciated -- because many times I am paying much more for something I could purchase elsewhere for much less. I would also like to be able to call a local business and for them to know if they have an item in stock -- and if they don't know, they should be able to find out pretty quickly. And if they don't have it in stock, they should be able to tell me within a reasonable amount of time when they expect it -- AND it should arrive within that timeframe.

If I'm purchasing a local service, they should show up on time for appointments, do a quality job and stand behind their work.

Quite frequently, my purchases and interactions with service providers here in Juneau doesn't quite go this way -- and you all know what I'm talking about. So if you own a business here in town and you want more customers -- give me a reason to shop with you. Show me you appreciate my business. Do what you say you will do, when you say you will do it. THEN I'll be sure and shop locally every time.

Dogs are great companions. Most of us who own dogs leave them home for the day while we're away at work. For many of the self-employed whose businesses are located in our homes, we get to stay home and our dogs keep us company. Mine keep careful tabs on my whereabouts in the house and my actions, such as watching to see if I'm putting on any clothing that is typically used on their walks, i.e., boots, rain coat. They are like miniature weathermen. They KNOW when the weather is nice and it would be a good time to head out for walkies. Being able to take a short break from work, and head out to a nearby trail for some fresh air and to stretch my legs is beneficial not only to them, but to me as well. I get to return to whatever project I was working on with fresh and and if I'm lucky, some fresh ideas. Granted, it might be a bit self-serving on their part, but dogs are good office helpers, too.

Dru Fenster of Spectrum Design is offering a class at the Small Business Development Center on Marketing your Small Business using Social Media. Classes are Monday, February 14 and Monday, March 14, 2011. Please contact Ian at the Small Business Development Center to sign up. Come learn how you can bring in more customers and create a more personal connection with them at a very low cost.