The Chamber Weekly Blog
The Missing Piece in Your Business Story
Instead of asking only why your business exists, ask a more revealing question: How did you end up here? Your origin story often uncovers the beliefs, values, and experiences that shape how you serve customers today. Discover how understanding your beginning can strengthen your brand, sharpen your marketing, and create an About page that truly sets you apart.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Being Findable Online Just Changed a Little. Here's Your Checklist.
As AI increasingly shapes what people see in search results, getting found online means more than ranking on Google. Discover five practical ways to make your business easier for both customers and AI to find—from improving your website and keeping your business information consistent to showcasing your expertise and keeping content fresh.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Are You Still Doing These 5 Tasks Yourself?
Stop Doing Busywork: 5 Tasks You Can Hand Off This Week Many business owners spend their days keeping things running instead of moving their business forward. The good news? You don’t need to hire a full-time employee to reclaim your time. With AI, automation tools, and affordable support options, many repetitive tasks can be handled faster and more efficiently. Discover five everyday tasks you can stop doing yourself—from writing routine emails to managing schedules and organizing files—so you can focus
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Your Best Customers Probably Don’t Know Everything You Offer
Do your customers really know everything your business offers? Probably not. Even loyal customers can miss products, services, and solutions that could benefit them. Discover simple, effective ways to keep your offerings top of mind, strengthen customer relationships, and uncover new sales opportunities—without spending more on advertising.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Your Business Has Changed. Has Your Insurance?
When you first opened your business, you probably checked a long list of boxes. Business license? Done. Website? Yep. Insurance? Handled. But here’s the thing about your businesses—you’re probably not the same business today as you were when you opened. Not if you’re successful. You’ve had to change, keep up with demand, even possibly pivot. Maybe you added services, hired people, bought equipment, or moved locations. Perhaps you branched out to selling online or hosting events. If you now use
Christina Metcalf
How to Harness the Power of Your Reviews to Increase Sales
A good review is a sales team member you didn’t have to train, pay, or gently remind to update the CRM. It’s also the most brilliant marketer you have. Hopefully you’re already collecting positive reviews. But it’s likely you read them, feel good for 12 seconds, and then they sit quietly on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or LinkedIn, where they only do half the work they could be doing for you. That’s a missed opportunity. When someone says something specific and positive about your business, they’re giving you
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Need Money for Your Small Business?
Here’s What You Need to Know About SBA’s Patriot Pitch Competition The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Patriot Pitch Competition as part of its Freedom 250 initiative. It offers a $1 million cash prize pool for innovative small businesses that have used qualifying SBA capital products (such as 7(a), 504, or SBIC financing). Key Details: Deadline: June 10, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET Businesses must be at least 3 years old, generate $100K+ in annual revenue, be 100% U.S.-owned, and
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Are You Accidentally Killing Your Business’ Unique Value Proposition?
Most businesses lose their edge quietly — by sanding away their personality until they blend in. Your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) is the special combination of what you offer, who you serve, and why you do it. It’s what makes customers choose you. Common ways businesses accidentally kill it: Following bad expert advice Chasing mismatched trends Using AI generically Going too broad to “grow” Copying competitors Ignoring real customer feedback Over-professionalizing the brand Key question before any
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Turn One Happy Customer Into Three New Leads
Unlock More Customers with Referrals Your happiest customers are already talking about you — but most small businesses leave those referrals to chance. Referrals are powerful because they come with built-in trust and deliver warm leads that close easier than ads. You don’t need a big budget or complicated program. Just a few simple habits: Ask right after a great experience Be specific about who to refer Make it easy with a ready-to-share message or QR code Use chamber events for warm introductions Follow
Julie Carroll
One of the Most Affordable (and Effective!) Ways to Advertise Your Business
Why Your Chamber is Your Best Local Marketing Hack Social media ads get expensive fast — and you’re often paying for the wrong eyes. Instead, reach motivated local buyers through trusted channels for pennies on the dollar. Your Chamber offers website banners, newsletter ads, member directory spots, event sponsorships, and social features — all in front of warm, community-minded audiences. Build real visibility and relationships without draining your budget. Smart marketing starts at the Chamber.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
