The Chamber Weekly Blog
Is Your Business Owner-Dependent?
If you vanished from your business for 2 weeks—no contact—what would collapse? Many owners are the entire system: decisions, customer lifeline, undocumented knowledge. This creates bottlenecks, burnout risk, and fragility. Don’t wait for “slow season.” Ask quarterly: What stalls without me? What questions hit first? What’s only in my head? Document just those essentials, delegate with context, and use simple “if-this-then-that” guides. Result: A resilient business that runs without you being the single
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Support Your Team With Confidence in Today’s Workplace
In times of uncertainty, business leaders can steady their teams without grand gestures. Key practical steps include: Honest, consistent communication (share what you know and don't know) Acknowledging concerns while highlighting what's still stable Offering realistic flexibility Focusing employees on controllable priorities and small wins Reinforcing purpose through specific recognition Encouraging authentic connection Modeling calm, human leadership Small, steady actions build trust and resilience far
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
The Most Overlooked Growth Practice for Business Owners Isn’t What You Think. And It’s Free.
A Gift to Your Future Self You’re always the one cheering everyone else on. Today, it’s your turn. This week, take 20 minutes to write a heartfelt pep-talk letter to yourself—one to open in December 2026. No goals. No plans. Just honest encouragement, pride in what you’ve done, grace for the hard parts, and a vision of who you’re becoming. Your future self will thank you on the days it’s needed most. (Full guide inside →)
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Create Community at Your Business
Your Repeat Customers Aren’t Just Loyal — They’re the Foundation of a Real Community (Here’s How to Bring It to Life)
Christin Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Keeping Up With Tech
You’re slammed. Yet another “life-changing” tool just launched, and your inbox won’t shut up about it. Here’s the truth: you don’t need to keep up with all of tech. You just need to keep up with the tiny slice that actually moves the needle for your business. If you’re a busy professional, “keeping up with tech” can feel like a second full-time job you did not apply for...
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How Small Businesses Can Win Big on Black Friday
Black Friday doesn’t have to be a battle you lose. For independent shops, the real win isn’t matching 75-inch TVs at $199—it’s refusing to play that game at all. Instead, own the one thing the big boxes can’t touch: how it feels to shop with you. Here are 6 ways to turn the craziest shopping day of the year into your strongest.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
A Small Business Survival Guide for the Holidays
The holidays are coming in hot: endless customers, inventory nightmares, promotions exploding, and massive year-end goals… all while you’re supposed to smile like it’s easy. Spoiler: The problem isn’t the chaos. It’s relying on willpower that’s already gone by December 1st. What if a few tiny, boring habits (straight from James Clear’s Atomic Habits) could hand you calm, clarity, and your strongest January ever—instead of the usual crash-and-burn recovery month?
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Win at First Impressions
You’ve heard it before: “You never get a second chance at a first impression.” For businesses, those first 10 seconds—before a word is spoken—can make or break customer trust, loyalty, and sales. From curb appeal to digital presence, warm welcomes to sensory details, small tweaks send powerful signals. Here’s how to turn fleeting moments into lasting advantages.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
12 Easy Newsletter Formats to Keep Your Business Top of Mind
Short, low-effort email styles to stay top-of-mind, build trust, and drive sales—perfect for busy brands that want real results without the design hassle.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Start Using AI in Your Small Business (Without the Overwhelm)
AI is inescapable—every newsletter, podcast, and conference assumes you're already using it. But if you're a small business owner stuck at square one, overwhelmed by options and jargon, you're not alone. Welcome to AI paralysis: the practical fear of choosing the wrong tool or wasting resources. You’re not against AI; you just need a clear, affordable way to start.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
