You've heard the phrase before. It means think about your environment and do what you can on a local level. I've always considered the statement to be about pollution and waste. Recently though, I've taken a bit of a different look at the phrase. It also applies to our local business environment.
Sometimes, a client will go out of town to use another photographer. Let's face it, we all live in a global economy. Photographers are easier to find now than they used to be. Web sites and more and more source books and sites make the search an easy one for art buyers. It's also become easier for us to reach outside our market. With electronic transfers of information, clients can communicate their layouts and get images on line. It's become easy for everyone to do business from a distance.
Business from a distance... that sure makes it hard to do business with a handshake, doesn't it? You can easily do business without ever meeting anyone face to face. The cyberworld isn't a very friendly place. But who needs friendly? "Cheap" is why we use the internet isn't it? At least that's what I hear. Oh I do use the internet for things such as props that I can't get here; the fresh lei from Hawaii, the mardi Gras mask from New Orleans... I do, however, try to buy anything I can from local suppliers!
Think about our economy. We live in a tight micro economy of sorts. We use suppliers who sell mostly to us. If we don't support them, someday they just might not be around. Who would carry the equipment for us to examine before we purchase? Who would we see with a problem? Try dealing with an online complaint department and you'll appreciate having someone locally who you can talk with, face to face.
We're living in a different world of doing business from what we are accustomed. We need to look at what's really important. The camera store has the information and equipment on hand for us to try. When I have a question, my supplier finds the answer and calls me back because we have a relationship... Our local suppliers do a great deal more for us than an on line supplier.
I'm not suggesting that we buy our supplies locally at whatever cost. I am suggesting that we all take a look at what we get for our money and what we are saving when we do business on line and locally. Think about what you are doing to the local economy when you save a small amount of money on a large order bought on line. If the difference is a large amount of money, give the local supplier an opportunity to come close to the price. Even if you pay a little more to get it locally, it's worth it to have someone to deal with face to face if there's an issue with the product.
Our micro-economy is fragile. If local suppliers go out of business, it hurts us too. Think about the added support you get in dealing with someone face to face on a regular basis. Think about the value of the relationship. Think Globally, buy locally. Support our local suppliers.