Someone posted this on FB. I thought it would be a good thing to share.

Sometimes the best way to build your own business is by helping more money stay in the community. In light of the Occupy Wall Street phenomenon, the timing might be right to spearhead a new approach to the holidays this year by helping each other help ourselves.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide monstrous piles of cheap goods -- merchandise being produced at the expense of local labor and local jobs.

This year could be different ... should be different ... must be different.

This year Americans can give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans (or Canadians for Canadians, Australians for Aussies, etc.) There is no longer an excuse that nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in wrapping paper produced somewhere else in the world by somebody else's workers?

Everyone gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?

Membership at the local gym? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, locally-owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Were you thinking of plunking down hundreds of dollars on a foreign-made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift recipient would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or a few rounds of golf at the local course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local cafe?

(Do you see the power of promoting your gift certificates from this perspective?)

This isn't about big national chains -- this is about supporting home town small businesses -- your neighbors with their financial lives on the line -- and helping them to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for Mom? I'll bet she would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day ... or a nice lunch with the ladies.

Most computers could use a tune-up, and I KNOW you can find some young techie who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

If you're looking for something more personal, there are local crafts people who spin their own wool and knit it into scarves. Others make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes and kid's toys.

Needless to say, it would help if people planned their holiday outings at local, owner-operated restaurants and left their server a nice tip. And, after a great meal at your place, how about encouraging those folks to see a play or a movie at a hometown theater?

Musicians need love too, so find (or become) a venue showcasing local bands.

I could go on but you get the idea. Christmas 2011 should be about caring about US, keeping more money in town and encouraging local small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams ... starting in their own communities.

And, when we care about our fellow countrymen, we care about our neighborhoods, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS could be the new American Christmas tradition ... and you could get it started in your town ... if you are willing to spread the word and Do the Work!

Bill Marvin - Electronic Housecall

www.mickemery.com