Mind Your Business!

Wednesday, January 27

A late start today, because yesterday was another day when I spent no money at all.

But when thinking about what to write, I saw this replica of a revolutionary era coin that was sitting on my desk.  Known as the “Fugio Cent,” it is believed to have been designed by Ben Franklin.

You remember Ben.  The electric Philadelphian.  Inventor of bifocals, lightning rods and many other useful things we still use today.  Including the flexible urinary catheter.  Yup.  Good old Ben invented that, too.  Odd that we don’t seem to learn THAT one in school!

Anyway.  What can we learn from Ben about Lansdale businesses from this coin?  On one side, he had the saying, “Mind Your Business.”  Many people believe that he meant that quite literally.  As a successful businessman, Franklin understood that commerce was key to the success of a fledgling country.

As it is to Lansdale, Pennsylvania today.

What do we learn from this?  Quite a lot.

For Lansdale businesses:

·         You mind your business when you make it as attractive and appealing to area shoppers.

·         You mind your business when you take care of the outside of your establishment – making your town look as good as it can.

·         You mind your business when you keep you establishment open during the hours people want to patronize you.  That means evenings and weekends.  Don’t give up after a few evenings and weekends with little traffic.  People have to learn that you are open!

·         You mind your business when you advertise and promote your business.  Advertising not only brings people into your business, but into our town.

·         You mind your business when your business minds others.  Get involved!  Join a local business association or Chamber of Commerce.  Get involved with local civic groups.  Support local charities.

For Lansdale residents:

·         You mind your business when you shop at them.  Spending money locally will make a better town, helping not only our business district, but our neighborhoods as well.

·         You mind your business when you help spread the word that Lansdale is open for business.  When you tell people about your great experiences in Lansdale, they will want to come and see what you are talking about.

·         You mind your business when you help business owners know what your wants and needs are.  Can’t find what you’re looking for in a store?  Let them know!  They will become a better business only when they can hear your feedback.

These lists are, of course, only a start.  There are many other ways you can mind your business.  Go on – there is a comment section below.  Share ways that business owners and residents can help “mind your business.”

Now Ben was a believer in unity.  He understood that the “United” in United States was more than a word.  He put the words “We Are One” on the obverse of the coin.

Those words ring true today.  Unless we work at our revitalization as one, we will not achieve the goal we are looking for.  Businesses, business owners, home owners and residents all need to work together to build a vibrant Lansdale.

How do we start?  By getting involved.  Here’s a great opportunity.  The Penn Suburban Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Discover Lansdale is putting on a great event with Google – Let’s Put Lansdale On the Map.  Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lansdale Borough Hall.  Register at www.pennsuburban.org.

I hope to see a lot of people there.  So we can all, as the coin says, mind your business.