Doing The Right Thing

Tart Cherry Amaretto Toffee. Bourbon Pecan English Toffee. Key Lime Toffee. Sicilian Orange Toffee. Limoncello Toffee. Do I have your attention yet?

I've been doing a lot of soul-searching lately about the whole influencer trend and how it has changed how we interact with each other's businesses. When I have someone reach out to me wanting to do an article, or to talk about my business, the first thing I think is how much is this going to cost me, not how much will this help my business?

I've mentioned before about a great, small, women-owned business in Phoenix - The Toffee Merchant. I loved their toffee, so I talked about it. Then, when I ran out of the goodies I got at the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fundraiser, I went to Scottsdale and made a point of buying every bag I could find and brought them home. And because I love to share good things, I wrote about the new flavors I was able to try, and the really fun store that carried them. The owner of The Toffee Merchant reached out to me to thank me, and said she would love to send me some others to try. I declined, knowing that it is a small business, and every dollar counts. I was happy to buy her toffee, it was worth way more than the cost.

After being stuck at home in the crazy cold weather and solid ice, I got a note that there was a package at the post office for me, and it was the toffee flavors I couldn't find in Phoenix. I didn't ask for anything; she wanted to thank me in her own way, and I am grateful.

This used to be the way we did business, and I hope to get back to that. Sharing really cool things and ideas because I like them, not because I am getting paid to do it. Being nice without any expectations. And doing the right thing, because I can.

And if, like me, you can't wait to try some of these insanely good toffees while helping out a very creative small business, please reach out, and I would love to help you connect with them as well.

#earnedinfluence #SmallBusiness #ShopSmall #givingback #TheToffeeMerchant