We Get What We Promote
A Wal-Mart associate here in Hudson, New York describes how Wal-Mart has affected our town and what issues she faces as an employee. It is a heart-breaking video.
My mother has held a job as a waitress at the same restaurant for the past 30 years. Thirthy years. That number still astounds me. Thirty years at a small neighborhood, mom-n-pop restaurant. It is the exact opposite of Wal-Mart. The management was, and still is, like family to my mother (and my mom is not the only one who pulls a 30 year employment record there)
I wish there were more businesses like the restaurant my mom works for - ones that treat their employees like family.
Seth Godin has a great post about using your voice to, as he says: “get what you promote”. If you dislike Wal-Mart for treating their employees like shit - say so. If you love the local coffee shop for remembering your name, and the drink you like, every time you walk in (Nolita!!) - say so.
Seth’s post explains:
It’s simple, I think. In a world where consumers have so much power, we now have two responsibilities:
- If you don’t like what an organization stands for, work actively to spread the word and force them to change
and
- If you will miss a product, a service, a book, a site or a professional when they close up shop, stand up, speak up and bring them masses of new business.
We get what we promote.
I can’t think of a better time than now to promote the great small businesses in our towns which are struggling to stay open. Support the places you love. Tell other people about them. Let them know they are appreciated.
to see more videos like one above check out: http://www.walmartspeakout.com/
(via: the 12534)
