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Facebook Likes: Quantity vs. Quality

Nov 22 9:32 am

By Kelsey Roth

Having more of something is usually better, right? More money is better than less money, and more cupcakes are better than fewer cupcakes. But when it comes to Likes on your business’s Facebook page, the quality of those Likes is often more important than the quantity.

Turn your fickle fans into loyal followers!

We often judge the quality of things by their popularity. Lists like “Top Sellers,” “Most Popular,” and “Most 5 Star Reviews” help us sift through the sea of products and services. The idea is that if a certain product is popular, then it must be good. And for most things, that system works well. So when Facebook business pages came along, it was natural for businesses to care about the total number of ‘Likes’ on their page. Afterall, more Likes are better. A lot of early Facebook marketing campaigns were geared toward only getting people to Like the page in exchange for a free gift or coupon. And many of these campaigns were successful in doing just that. Lots of people Liked the page, entered the contest or got the free gift and Likes for that page increased. But therein lies the problem. Getting a lot of Likes on Facebook isn’t difficult – if you don’t care who Likes your business’s page. There are companies out there who will guarantee you 1000 Facebook likes or more for a flat fee, and giveaways and incentives to Like a page have been shown to work reasonably well at getting Likes. But are these Likes benefiting your business? If that visitor is only on your page for that one time Like – and does not interact further by sharing or posting comments, then it might not be the benefit you’d hoped for. With the recent interface changes to Facebook, this question is even more important to ask.

To find our answer, we have to take a quick peek behind the Facebook curtain and see how it all works. Facebook uses an algorithm called EdgeRank to determine what shows up in your timeline as a Highlighted Story. One of the most important elements of this algorithm is user interaction, which they refer to as Weight. The more comments and Likes a post has, the more likely it will show up at the top of the timeline. If you commented on or Liked a particular post, future posts from that person are more likely to go to the top as well. Facebook does this to try to bring you content that will interest you the most.

On Facebook, you want people talking about you!

Companies that purchase Likes or run contests for free products in exchange for Likes can harvest thousands of Likes on their Facebook page, but these Likes tend to be from people who could care less about the business and rarely interact with them on Facebook. In their recent redesign, Facebook gave businesses a valuable tool to gauge how well fans are interacting with the business. If you look on the left side of your Facebook page, you will see “like this”, “talking about this” and “were here”. The “talking about this” is a quick indicator to see how many of your fans are interacting with your page. There isn’t an optimal percentage here, but it gives you an idea of how you are doing. If you have 2000 Likes and only 7 people are “talking about this”, you probably need to do more to engage your fans.Just having a large number of Likes for your business’s Facebook page is meaningless unless those people are interacting with it by Liking, sharing, and commenting on posts. Without engaged fans, your posts are probably getting lost in the vast ocean of pet and baby pictures. When your fans are engaged with your business, not only are your posts being seen by them, but they are also being seen by their friends. Building up your fan base on Facebook naturally will ensure that those who Like your page are more likely to engage with your business in positive ways and help your business grow. If you run a campaign to generate Likes, make sure you have a plan to engage them afterwards. It’s better to have 20 fans who care about your business and are interacting with it on Facebook than 2000 fans who could care less.

Filed under: Local First, Our Members

Walmart in Somerville? Attend community forum and have your voice heard

Nov 02 10:12 pm

Walmart has stated they plan to open in Somerville, but the community has a voice in this process.

Join us for a discussion on how this development might affect the community and what you can do about it.

Have your voice heard! Attend our first community form, presented by The Somerville Coalition for a Responsible Walmart

When:
Wednesday, Nov 16th @ 6PM

Where:
Somerville City Club
20 Innerbelt Road
Somerville, MA

Event sponsored by Somerville Coalition for a Responsible Walmart

For more information please contact:
Edwin Argueta at edwin@massjwj.net or (617) 335-9501

Informational links:
SLF Op-Ed on Walmart and how their traditional operation doesn’t belong in Somerville:

Research on Walmart Impact by The New Rules Proejct

Current Coalition Members:
Brazilian Women’s Group
CORES
First Church Somerville
Groundwork Somerville
Massachusetts Interfaith Worker Justice
Massachusetts Jobs with Justice
New England Jewish Labor Council
Somerville Climate Action
Somerville Local First
UCC
UFCW 1445
…and still growing

Filed under: Local First, Our Members, Walmart

SLF and Walmart: Dialogue, Education, and Thoughtful Development Are Our Goals

Sep 29 10:36 am

by Joe Grafton

As you may know, Walmart has recently announced their intention to open for business in Somerville. And for the first time in our history, SLF has decided to engage in an opposition stance. Read more in our Boston Globe Op-Ed. This post covers, at length, why and how we made this decision and how we will be moving forward. If you don’t want to do all that reading, here’s the summary (and if you’re interested in the volumes of data/research available on this topic, click here):

SLF believes the business model Walmart has used for decades causes devastation to local economies across the country and is not a good fit for Somerville.
We are actively engaged in a coalition of organizations, community groups, religious organizations, and organized labor to engage the community in a dialogue about this potential development and its potential effects.
Our coalition will seek to negotiate a set of conditions by which we could support Walmart opening in Somerville. This is an important point. It’s not “No” for us under any conditions, but rather “Yes, if” we can get Walmart to agree to be a responsible business community member.
Our work will be done in the vein of open dialogue, education, research and study, and cooperation. There will be no torches or pitchforks.

If you’d like to get involved, email us. If you’d like to learn more, please read on…

We believe and advocate for strong local economies

Before making this decision, the SLF board spent a significant amount of time discussing what this meant for Somerville, for the local business community today and in the future, and for our mission and vision of building a strong local economy.

Somerville Local First has never, in our some 3 and 1/2 years of operation, taken a stance in opposition to a business opening in Somerville. Our core values are positive and strive to encourage and educate our community of the benefits of what we are for: strong and sustainable locally-owned and independent businesses.

In our deliberation, we considered a range of factors, including:

Are we an organization that opposes anything or takes a stand? What is it about this particular situation that would cause us to do so? How would this impact future decision-making around non-local businesses attempting to locate in Somerville?
With organizational resources already stretched thin, what are the implications of dedicating time to opposing the single most powerful business in the world, which has virtually unlimited resources at its disposal?
Would taking a stand against this cause us to lose members who were disillusioned with this stance. Would not taking a stand cause the same thing among a different population of members?
If we were to oppose Walmart, do we risk polarizing segments of the community? Will we burn bridges with individuals or organizations by doing so?

After much discussion, our Board voted unanimously to publicly oppose the potential Walmart location in Somerville and support the organization of a community education campaign to affect that result. We also decided that SLF will not make a habit of opposing businesses opening in Somerville; though we will review and consider developments like this on a case-by-case basis going forward.

We chose to act in this particular case because:

We believe that Walmart has been so egregious in its behavior and is such a significant threat to the long term health and sustainability of our local economy, that its opening under its normal business model is in direct conflict to our mission and vision.
We believe that, while Walmart is proposing a grocery store for now, their strategy in other metropolitan areas (namely Chicago) has been to enter the market with this type of business and once stablished, rapidly expand and absorb the market share of closed local businesses. After a single Walmart opened in Chicago in September 2006, 82 of the 306 small businesses in the surrounding neighborhood had gone out of business by March 2008. (Study reference here)
We believe that the cost of inaction is more of a threat than the potential use of resources and loss of goodwill that may result from taking an opposition stance in the community.

Here are the parameters by which we will engage in this work:

First and foremost, this work will be done without a ‘torch and pitchfork’ mentality. We will engage in a thoughtful, inclusive process that seeks to educate our community and local policy makers and political leaders.
SLF is now part of a coalition that includes Somerville Community Coalition, Groundwork Somerville, Jobs with Justice and many others. We’ll be holding our first public meeting soon.
We will use our internal expertise to ensure Somerville has an informed discussion about the short and long term issues related to this potential development.
We will use the resources and relationships we have in the local movement (including access and support from leading national experts) to add further expertise to the discussion.

So, there is our plan and how we came to this decision. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, or if you would like to get involved, please feel free to contact us.

It is our belief that there are times when you have to stand up for what your organization believes in, and this is that time for SLF. Stand for something or stand for nothing. SLF stands for strong and sustainable local economies. We hope you’ll stand with us.

Filed under: Local First, Our Members
Tags: Walmart

Get to know Aircraft Aerial Arts with a Taster Class

Aug 04 11:16 pm

SLF Member Aircraft Aerial Arts wants to give you a taste of what it can be like to fly.

Check out a Taster Classes, only a few spots left for the next one this August 25th.

Instruction will be aimed at those who are new to aerial arts, and will introduce students to basic moves on aerial silks, corde lisse, static trapeze and aerial hoop. Each $25 class is 75 minutes. Please email info@aircraftaerialarts.com to sign up.

Keep up with Aircraft on Facebook: facebook.com/AirCraftAerialArts.

Aircraft is Greater Boston’s new home for the study and practice of circus aerial arts. Opened in January, 2010, Aircraft offers instruction to beginning and experienced practitioners on aerial silks, corde lisse, lyra/hoop, and static trapeze.

Filed under: Local First, Our Members
Tags: Aircraft Aerial Arts, SLF Members

The 2011 Local First Coupon Book: Get up, get out, and explore local business!

Feb 28 1:13 pm

Fresh local food for lunch? Yes, please!

One of Somerville Local First’s community bloggers Alison Preston (@themoxstopshere) was given a challenge: Grab a copy of the new Somerville and Cambridge Local First coupon book and write about where the discounts take her! This is the first of six posts chronicling her adventures in local savings. Stay tuned to the SLF blog to find out where she goes next!

As sunny days become more frequent, it’s time to get off the couch, throw on a coat and explore your neighborhoods. I’m very excited to help highlight the 2011 Somerville and Cambridge Local First Coupon Book and even if a small period of cold weather still lingers, the book inspires me to head outside. For only ten dollars, you receive over $1,000 dollars in discounts, and a chance to support local business. As a new transplant to Boston, my coupon booklet is a map and I’m the local explorer on the go. My journey is your journey, so please follow as I discover six local businesses over the next six months.

For my first exploration experience, I chose The Independent in Union Square situated at 75 Union Square in Somerville. My choice came from the simple need to eat, and the coupon offered 20% off lunch. Immediately upon my arrival I could tell my choice was right on.

Here are my top five reasons why I will be back and why you should visit The Independent:

The Independent offers (as they promise on the website): “a casual, comfortable neighborhood restaurant and pub located in the heart of Union Square.” The dark wood and simple decor was very inviting and cozy, as was my friendly, knowledgeable server who made me feel right at home. The space is great for a date, as well as for a drink with friends after work.

The fare is not your typical bar food. New chef Mark Cina creates seasonal dishes with an attention to detail while also using local, sustainable, fresh ingredients, a BIG plus in my book.

You must try: the Stuffed Peppadew small plate. Peppadews resemble mini red bell peppers, sweet with a hint of heat. The Independent presents them on a plate stuffed with avocado puree and jicama salsa, and the tiny bites are flavorful and a refreshing start to a meal.

The beer and cocktail lists are other areas that show evidence of a careful eye and attention to variety. Offering a diverse selection of beers, from regional favorites like Harpoon and Narragansett to a selection of Belgians for beer connoisseurs, I took time to choose whilst I enjoyed reading about selections I didn’t recognize. Cocktails run from standard to inventive and are graced with fresh squeezed juices and house made syrups. I can’t wait to come back when the temperatures warm to have a cocktail with the windows open.

When entering an eating establishment for lunch, it is so much nicer to hear selected music instead of a TV or top 40 blaring. A few big screen TVs are located by the bar, which are great for sports nights, but I offer a big thank you to The Independent for playing Radiohead instead of Britney Spears or a sports update during my meal.

A cocktail menu that gets creative with the classics.

Even on my first visit, I felt right at home at The Independent and I will definitely be back. For an eclectic menu, friendly service, and a great drink selection, The Independent should be on your map when exploring new spots around Somerville. Stay tuned for my next post when my map of coupons leads me another Somerville gem.

Filed under: Coupon Book, Local First
Tags: Alison Preston, beer wines & spirits, food, SLF Coupon Book Challange, The Independent

‘Villen in the works

Feb 01 10:47 am

by Katie Riedman

About 4 months ago when I began my search for a spring internship, I found myself scrolling through pages of gofer jobs at law firms and libraries with descriptions reading “daily responsibilities include running the dish washer, sending faxes , and making coffee.” And while I am quite good at doing the dishes and I love a good cup of coffee, I felt my intern experience needed a little more substance. After a few weeks of discouragement, I stumbled upon a marketing internship at Somerville Local First. The SLF job description sounded motivating and fun and after doing my research, the company description sounded moving and exciting and I wanted to be a part of it.

Before moving to the greater Boston area, I grew up in a Seattle suburb where going green wasn’t a trend, but a lifestyle and most of my friends had worm bins in their backyard. Needless to say, moving to Boston was a huge transition. I love living in a new city and getting to explore a new part of the country. However, I still missed the comforts of home and felt that something was missing.

Now 4 months later, I’m going into my 3^rd week at SLF and I already feel like a part of the Somerville family. The city itself has a Seattle-esque atmosphere and offers the vibrancy and variety that I miss in Boston. And the opportunities I’ve been given within my internship have broaden my perspective and allowed me to participate in the community. Currently, I’m working on a Public Service Announcement video that will capture Somerville’s local businesses and connect them to the community. Next on my agenda is the annual Coupon Book that offers a lot of great promotions that will be sure to entice a Somervillian into checking out a new place or going back to an old favorite. And even though it’s not until June, I’m already excited to start planning for our Somerfun festival.

I still have 6 months of my SLF internship to go and I’m looking forward to learning more about the community, the organization, and taking on all the future projects to come.

Filed under: Coupon Book, Local First, Our Members
Tags: intern, Katie Riedman, opinion

Shopping locally, joyfully and mindfully

Dec 10 12:02 pm

(Michael Kanter is really one of my favorite people, though an outside observer watching one of our conversations, riddled with lovingly acerbic New England wit and mocking, might find that hard to believe. Michael is a leader, a business owner and one of the key people in New England when it comes to authenticity of the movement. I’m glad to have him as a partner in this work, and was inspired by reading his thoughtful message here. I hope you will be as well. ~ Joe, SLF)

by Michael Kanter

We all have heard that this time of year is often critical for the success of many businesses. But why should anyone care? Those businesses made their own decisions to open their doors, why should I worry myself about their success? And what can my purchases do to help those businesses? Besides, I need to watch my own finances carefully especially in this economy. And, what difference is it if they stay in business or not? All of these are actually and seriously important questions.

First I want to make the distinction of what businesses I believe deserve your greatest support. Full disclosure, I am the co-owner, with my wife Elizabeth Stagl, of Cambridge Naturals which we started and have owned for 37 years. That noted, I assume that if you are reading this you are likely at least aware of and perhaps a supporter of the “local movement” and in particular that you are aware of the benefits to your community of spending your dollars at locally owned and independent businesses. So, of course, I am suggesting that this season, like all seasons, you mindfully and intentionally make your gift purchase at such businesses.

Michael has also been instrumental in helping Cambridge Local First and Somerville Local First develop a strong working relationship

As the news of a very challenging economy continues to circulate many of us have gotten very nervous about our savings, our jobs, our homes and our communities. And many of us worry about our friends and loved ones for the same reasons. The daily papers (what’s left of them, anyway), the radio and tv news, internet updates, etc., etc. rarely feature anything positive that is happening in the world or even our communities. Quite the contrary; open up or turn on any of those sources and it seems to be all bad news all the time.

I am not here to argue that there is not enough ugly and destructive “stuff” happening. I am suggesting, however, that the local movement in all its ramifications is one of the very brightest and most optimistic movements to “come down the pike”. Furthermore, I suggest that joyfully supporting (read: shopping at) your locally owned and independent businesses is one of the ways you can directly participate in this positive movement for social change.

Here’s why.

Most of us who have opened such businesses have done so with the intention of offering the community products and services that are unique and we are thrilled to be part of the fabric of our towns and regions. A mere fraction of us have set out to “get rich” (and of those few that did, very few succeed).

Further, few entrepreneurs have thoughts or plans of attempting to build our businesses in ways that would take us out of our communities such as franchising or other growth concepts that would make us less active and direct participants in our place.

In fact, in my long retail experience in this area, I am really impressed with the activism and involvement of locally owned and independent business owners and managers in supporting non-profits and in truly being honorable members of the communities where we work and often live.

As well, the existence of unique locally owned and independent businesses is part of what makes our towns attractive to residents and visitors alike. And, yes let’s remember those studies that show that so many more dollars that are spent at independent community businesses have the power of staying in the area and strengthening our communities.

Most if not all of us have people we want to buy gifts for at this time of year and most if not all of us have limits to our budgets. Just like our local and state and national governments need to be mindful of spending we all wish to be mindful of not going beyond our “comfort levels” or beyond our budgets.

My suggestion is this: It is to all our benefit if we consciously and very intentionally purchase such gifts from businesses that are in our communities because they have chosen to be there for the good of the community…as well as to make a honest living.

Let’s also be very clear about what is at stake. Your community businesses simply can not survive without your support. Though many are thriving, many are facing the same challenges that individuals and local governments are. Some are truly hurting. Your active support is vital for their financial survival and as importantly for the morale of the owners and staff alike.

Shifting your Shopping for the Holidays gives multiple gifts

Your thoughtful holiday purchases have much more power than you may realize. Buy joyfully! By making those purchases, you are giving a real gift to those businesses while helping to build a strong local economy.

Some may call this “win, win”…I call it community, community.

Filed under: 10% Shift, About SLF, Buy Local, Community Bloggers, Local First, Our Members, Our Partners, Shift Your Shopping
Tags: holiday, Local Movement, Michael Kant, Shift Your Shopping campaign

Cook Local for the Holidays: Where to Buy Locally Sourced Ingredients in Somerville and Cambridge

Dec 07 11:16 am

JJ Gonson

Having trouble finding local ingredients for your upcoming holiday feast? Today on the Somerville Local First blog JJ Gonson, Gourmet Chef Extraordinaire of Cuisine en Locale and co-founder of Cambridge Community Kitchen, gives us the inside scoop on where to buy the best fresh local food items:

When the farmers markets begin to close all around us it means that finding local food will go from a bit of work to a downright chore. Happily, as awareness is growing about the value of eating food produced close to home, so the demand is making availability easier. There is no simple solution to the winter food acquisition dilemma, but I think it is in the finding that the best experiences are had. Here is a round up of places I like to go when I am on the hunt:

Let’s start with markets; places that are there, and don’t move about, or have irregular hours:

Sherman Market 22 Union Sq in Somerville

The market arm of the excellent Sherman Cafe, this is our “local market” where everything is sourced from local producers. Winter items of particular interest here are root veggies, maple sugar, oats, whole wheat bread flour, and a full selection of dairy goods and delicious local kimchee from Lion’s Share Foods

Formaggio Kitchen 244 Huron Ave in Cambridge

Formaggio is a luxury market, rather than a local-centric one, but still an excellent place to gather local cheeses, crackers, beer, honey and some produce, just ask if it is local, they will be happy to tell you. I could not live without cheese. Some of my current faves are Bayley Hazen Blue, Cabot Clothbound Cheddar and Ascutney. We call Ascutney the Brangilina of the cheese world. It’s a sort of aged gouda/cheddar marriage- absolutely gorgeous!

Savenor’s Market 92 Kirkland St in Cambridge and 160 Charles St in Boston

Always the “best on the block” for the highest quality (aka most delicious) meats, a recent understanding of the benefits of local meat has made them even more dilligent about sourcing and carrying a dependable supply of excellent meats and eggs from the area. Try the Double J Farm beef!

The Harvest Cooperative Market 581 Mass Ave in Central Sq, Cambridge

This is an open Coop, so anyone can shop there. I wouldn’t suggest you go there for meat, but they do have an excellent bulk department, and they carry many local grocery items such as Teddy’s Peanut Butter (as local as peanut butter can get- if you cannot live without PB, and my hubby cannot, this is the locavore’s acquiescence),

Market Basket 400 Somerville Ave, and all over MA and NH.

Yes, you read that right, Market Basket. There isn’t a huge number of items I will buy at this Tewksbury MA business, but they do have the big name local stuff at a good price, so I go here to stock up on Kate’s Butter, Cabot Cheese and Stoneyfield Farms Milk, plus they have a lot of the organic cleaning stuff I like to use. I don’t go often, and never after 10am, for fear of being mowed down by a tiny woman dressed entirely in black driving a shopping cart like it is the Grand Prix.

Other ways I get stuff I can’t get at those markets:

For meat, mostly, I buy direct from my friends at Stillman at the Turkey Farm. For the next couple of weeks they are going to be at the Holiday Market at Downtown Crossing every day. EVERY DAY! Wow, that is almost easy! You can send an email (kstilly29@aol.com) or call them ahead if you want them to bring you anything special. They are very accommodating about that. In addition, I organize something called a Meat Meet with Kate on a regular basis. There isn’t much to it. The truck shows up and you dig through the coolers, or you can order ahead of time by posting a comment below the blog posting about the upcoming Meet. It’s a little rustic, but it’s been working for us for a few years now, so you know what they say about things that ain’t broke. The next Meat Meets are on the 18th of December- the first is from 2:30-3:30 at Harvard Law School, in the Pound Parking Lot, the second is from 4:30-5:30 in the parking lot behind Quest Diagnostics in Central Sq, at about 47 Bishop Allen Drive. Keep track of upcoming Meat Meets by signing up for the Stillman email list, or checking my blog.

There still is no real year round farmers market in the Somerville/Cambridge area. Not, to be honest, in the whole greater Boston area, even! But there is a lot of movement in the direction of creating one, and no one has done more to get there than Shape Up Somerville, who will be holding a winter farmers market every Saturday from 10-2pm, at the Somerville Armory, from January 8- March 26 2011

Once a week there is a new service called Farmers To You coming from Vermont, and bringing down stunning and very well priced products, direct from those farms. I cannot emphasize how much like this company- they are solid people on a mission, and you can find them in a number of places which is growing regularly as demand increases. The Misty Knoll chickens are deeeelicious, and I’ve never seen them at a better price- nice!

Enterprise Farm Share CSA

Finally, if you are interested in a winter CSA (Community Supported Agriculture share- a predetermined selection of food you buy into in advance and get a share of weekly/bi-weekly) you can still get in on the action with the Red Fire Farms and Enterprise Farms food programs, both available through Metro Pedal Power in Somerville. Red Fire are bringing the storage foods they grew- lots of gorgeous roots and cabbages. Enterprise are consolidating foods from where they are in the Pioneer Valley, as well as something referred to as the “East Coast Food Shed”, which means that they bring foods from as far South as FL, like amazingly delicious, candy sweet, small grove, organic pink grapefruits. You can talk to the fine folks of Metro Pedal Power about what is on offer, and they can arrange to deliver it to you, by bicycle, if pick up is inconvenient.

Yes, the opportunities are out there, and with some planning and some running about, it really is still possible to eat local. Thanks for making the effort- the farmers really appreciate it!

Happy Holidays, and I hope to see you out there in the mix, hopefully over a cup of local eggnog,

xo JJ and Cuisine en Locale (locavore personal chefs, cooking and blogging about it at www.cuisineenlocale.com)

Filed under: Local First, Our Members, Shift Your Shopping
Tags: Cuisine en Locale, Enterprise Farms, food, Formaggio Kitchen, Holiday Meals, JJ Gonson, Metro Pedal Power, Red Fire Farm, Savenor's Market, Shape Up Somerville, Sherman Market, Shift Your Shopping campaign, Stillman at the Turkey Farm, The Harvest Cooperative Market

Shift Your Shopping This Holiday: A Somerville Local First Member’s Perspective

Nov 24 11:16 am

Grand Home Goods and Apparel

Today’s post comes from Somerville Local First member Jon O’Toole, owner of Grand in Union Square. While you might be swayed by the deep discounts of big box Black Friday promotions, Jon weighs in on the importance of thinking local for your holiday shopping list. In support of the Plaid Friday movement, take a moment to read Jon’s thoughts on the matter:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… Or at least that’s what Andy William says. Right?

Well this year, as a small business owner, all I can say is that depends. See 2010 has been a hell (sorry Santa) year to own a small business. From restaurants to retail and lawyers to landscapers this recession has really made it’s mark on each of us.

But, we can change that and make that old Andy Williams song ring really true with one simple act. Shift Your Shopping and shop locally and independently this holiday season. It’s literally easy as that.

Why you ask? Well mostly because shopping locally keeps money within OUR community. To illustrate this powerful fact look towards one of the many, many studies backing this up check out Somerville Local First’s Economic Studies on the Buy Local and 10 Percent Shift Movements. As you can see when you spend your money locally at a small/independent business your spend really makes a difference. Plus, it just feels right.

Study schmudie you say? Here’s a simpler more immediate reason for those of us in the Somerville business community. We need it. Small/independent businesses need the local community like no time in the past. Your dollars matter more than you can imagine this year. Each of you reading this can sincerely make a powerful statement with your wallet. Believe it!

I leave you with one simple request:

Just think about shopping locally this year. I’m not talking you have to do all your shopping at a small business, but maybe think about taking the 10% Shift and Shift Your Shopping just a tiny bit. It’s these baby steps that day after day, month after month, and year after year that will make Somerville even more great than it is today.

Sincerely,
Jon O’Toole owner of Grand

Filed under: Local First, Our Members, Shift Your Shopping
Tags: Grand, Jon O'Toole, Plaid Friday, Shift Your Shopping campaign

On To The Next One ~ What’s Coming Up @ SLF

Nov 10 12:09 pm

by Joe Grafton

When our blog team got together last Saturday, we decided it might be a good idea to have me write a post about what’s coming up at Somerville Local First. As usual, that’s anything but a short answer.

Before I get there, however, I thought I’d share this, the SLF Logic Model.

SLF Logic Model - Thanks to Ariel Harms

So, this looks really complicated, I know. But that’s because our work is complicated. I am posting this simply to show you that, while its always very much about the ‘next thing‘ at SLF, our efforts and programs are bound together strategically.

And so what exactly are we up to next? Well…..

SHIFT YOUR SHOPPING (November/December)

This holiday season is crucial for local businesses. And I think its safe to say that this year is the most critical I’ve seen in my time doing this work. Working with and speaking to business owners on a daily basis, it seems like our local economy has slowed in the past few months. Many businesses have confided in me that they are concerned if they can’t make it work this holiday season, they won’t be able to survive.

So with this in mind, SLF will launch our 2nd annual holiday shopping campaign, Shift Your Shopping.

You'll see a refreshed series of posters/postcards designed by Oat again this year.

Shift Your Shopping will feature:

–A robust online content plan that will offer a TON of info on where you can do your holiday shopping. We’ll incorporate photos, maybe video, shopping lists, event promotions and more.

–The launch of our Mobile Deals application for iPhone and Android users. By accessing our site, you’ll be able to see real-time offers from our members to save you money as you make the Shift.

–A collaboration with other Somerville organizations to create/promote – ShiftYourShopAPalooza on 12/4 & 5.

–The introduction of “Plaid Friday”, a viral, social media campaign designed to help communities understand the importance, and advantages, to remaining far away from the consumerist driven “Black Friday” concept.

–A campaign themed scavenger hunt!

–Some surprises !!

Where The Locals Go Coupon Book (January)

Last year, the City of Somerville was gracious and crucial in helping build SLF capacity by sponsoring our innagural Coupon Book. As with everything we’ve done, the first year of the project helped us learn and year two is primed for improvement.

We learned some things in our first year...

So we are pleased to announce that in January, 2011. Somerville Local First will be collaborating with our sister organization, Cambridge Local First to produce the Where The Local Go coupon book.

Sneak Preview - Here's what the cover of this years book will look like though we're still revising/improving

The book will be for sale this year, and will be a key fundraising tool for SLF & CLF. For only $10, you will get a book filled with approx 100 coupons, valued at approximately $1,000. Best yet, this project helps demonstrate to both of our communities that buying local is important, wherever you are, and that local economies don’t stop at the border of each city.

I’ll close with a phrase common amongst our organizer friends….Next Thing!

Filed under: Campaigns, Local First, Our Members, Shift Your Shopping, The Movement

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