WHAT IS #SBS?
Small Business Sunday, shortened to the hashtag #SBS on Twitter, was created by Theo Paphitis in October 2010. The network has grown to over 3,500 small businesses and the winners benefit from a retweet to Theo’s half a million Twitter followers, marketing, access to a closed Facebook network and the chance to meet like-minded businesses. The jewel in the crown is a free pass to Theo’s annual small business event, where past speakers have included AO.com’s John Roberts, notonthehightstreet.com founder Holly Tucker, Deborah Meaden, Sir Tom Hunter, Google and more. Sponsors include NatWest, DHL, Western Union, HP, Ryman, Robert Dyas, iLaw, Autumn Fair and more.
The #SBS competition initially ran weekly on Twitter but has since launched on Instagram. Small businesses can get involved by tweeting @TheoPaphitis on Twitter and describing their businesses including the all-important hashtag #SBS, by posting @TheoPaphitis on Instagram whilst describing their business or by commenting under @TheoPaphitis’ #SBS is open Instagram post whilst describing their business. Only tweets/posts and comments made in the time slot between 5.00 PM and 7.30 PM each Sunday count.
Every Monday night at 8pm, Theo reviews and chooses his favourite lucky six who are then re-tweeted and re-posted. As he has nearly 500,000 followers Twitter followers and over 40,000 Instagram followers, this provides a massive boost to the chosen lucky businesses.
The benefits range from increased followers, to positive media publicity and crucially for many, increased sales! Of course, none of this is guaranteed as it is largely down to perseverance and hard work. A smidgen of luck comes in handy.
HOW TO BECOME AN #SBS WINNER
Small businesses can enter to be part of #SBS every Sunday between 5-7.30 pm on Twitter or Instagram.
Twitter: Winners can enter by tweeting Theo on @theopaphitis between 5-7.30 pm whilst describing their business and using the hashtag #SBS. Theo Paphitis retweets 6 small businesses a week, to the growing network.
Instagram: Winners can enter by posting on their feed or by commenting about their business under the #SBS is open Instagram post. Entrants must have tagged @theopaphitis and used the hashtag #SBS, whilst following @theopaphitis on Instagram. Instagram winners are reposted on @theopaphitis Instagram feed.
THEO-LOGY
Theo says, “I admire people who have passion and energy. If you cannot bore your friends to death about your own small business then something is seriously wrong. I was struck by the number of business owners on Twitter who wanted to tell me about their new products and services. Small Business Sunday was born so that people have a specific time slot to tweet and can pitch their ‘sell’ directly to me.
My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-tweet from me becomes part of a friendly club. Like-minded individuals can share successes and learnings. This website will give a valuable profile to the winners chosen to date and should help those who have not yet won but want some tips on how to do so. You will find news about the latest winners plus events and activities of interest.
I know I have been lucky in business and I am keen now to spread goodwill to others, of course not forgetting that very often, you make your own luck by making use of every opportunity.”
The #SBS Event
Every year, we host an event just for #SBS winners. This event sees hundreds of #SBS Winners come together for a day of networking, advice, an opportunity to meet our fantastic array of sponsors and for new winners to have a picture with Theo and receive their official certificate.
#SBSEvent2022 took place on Friday 25th February 2022 and was one of our best yet. To be at the next event you need to be a #SBS winner - so take a look at the website for more information and you could be joining the hundreds of small businesses on the day!
