The Chamber Weekly Blog
How Do I Raise My Prices Without Losing Loyal Customers?
Raising prices doesn't have to mean losing loyal customers—if you do it right. In this practical guide, discover why price hikes feel scary (hint: it's rarely about the money), the quick self-check to justify your increase, and three smart moves that keep customers happy: repackaging services for clarity, setting minimums to protect profitability, and adding fees for urgency or extras. Learn perfect timing, confident (no-apology) scripts to announce changes, and how to handle pushback without panic. Plus, a
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Build a Culture People Want To Be Part Of
Small business owners: Tired of hearing “prioritize wellness” like it’s a luxury you can’t afford? Think again. 24% of workers are struggling or burnt out—and replacing even one person can cost 50–200% of their salary. For small teams, that’s not just expensive; it’s dangerous. You don’t need ping-pong tables or corporate budgets. You need micro-actions that prevent meltdown without draining time or money: 10-minute weekly pulse checks Clear decisions + “no-reply-needed” after-hours messages One protected
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
For Business Owners: A Smart QR Code Playbook
QR codes are here to stay as frictionless tools to guide customers to one clear action. Smart usage essentials: One job per code (e.g., "order now" or "see specials"). Match context (table = seated, packaging = post-buy). Link to fast, mobile-optimized page with one clear action. Tell people exactly what they get ("Scan for today's menu"). Use dynamic codes for updates + tracking. Prioritize scannability (contrast, size, space) over looks. Build trust—no surprises or long forms. Test thoroughly and
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
The 48-Hour Rule: Turning Business Ideas into Reality
Got brilliant business ideas in the shower, car, or 3 a.m.? Most small business owners do. But here's the brutal truth: Great ideas die from inaction, not because they're bad. Discover the simple 48-Hour Rule that turns fleeting sparks into real progress—before doubt and daily chaos kill them. One tiny scheduled next step. 15–30 minutes. Massive momentum. Read the full post and try the challenge this week → your business (and brain) will thank you.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
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
