The Chamber Weekly Blog
Are You Accidentally Repelling Perfect Clients? (Here’s How to Fix It)
Struggling to attract ideal clients despite a strong brand? You may be using generic messaging that appeals to no one. Instead, use targeted language, like “Creative architects love our tool,” to draw in your dream customers. Employ strategic scarcity, like limited availability, to signal value and repel high-maintenance clients. Consistently align messaging, pricing, and processes with your ideal client’s needs to build a magnetic brand, fostering referrals from the right audience. Audit your magnetism:
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
NEXT EXIT: SUCCESS 6 Moves to Make in 2026
As summer fades and school starts, the buzz of Q4 looms large. This isn’t just about holiday sales or year-end reports—it’s your chance to reflect on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how to set the stage for 2026. Smart leaders use this time to zoom out, knowing the decisions made now shape long-term success in a fast-moving world of shifting economies, workforces, and technologies. To get future-ready, revisit your three-year strategy and set clear, achievable goals—whether it’s expanding markets, boosting
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Open the Business Owner’s “Secret Menu”
Most people see a Chamber of Commerce as offering standard perks—networking events, ribbon cuttings, maybe a business directory. But the real value lies in its "secret menu"—the behind-the-scenes benefits only members experience. Think referrals from competitors, early warnings on local policy changes, or exclusive supplier deals. These advantages aren't listed because they can't be promised or packaged—they happen through relationships, trust, and being present in the right rooms. Joining a chamber isn’t
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Build Loyalty Without Spending a Dime on Ads
When you’re building a small business, it’s easy to focus on the day-to-day grind—inventory, customer service, cash flow, and that never-ending inbox. But if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know if you’re getting there? That’s where a vision statement comes in. Some businesses think it’s “too corporate” or “too pretentious,” something people do to impress investors. But it’s more than a buzz phrase or a corporate checkbox. A clear, inspiring vision is your business’s North Star—and one of
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
9 Customer Loyalty Programs That Work
Attracting new customers is important, but building loyalty is where long-term success happens. Loyal customers spend more, visit more often, and refer others. According to business.com, they spend 67% more than first-time customers. Cultivating that loyalty takes more than just great service. It takes creativity, consistency, and value-driven engagement. Whether you run a retail store, restaurant, gym, salon, or professional service firm, there are many inventive ways to reward loyal customers and turn
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Helping Customers Move Past “Let Me Think About It”
Customers often hesitate or abandon purchases due to "fear of a better option," overwhelmed by endless choices. This issue affects businesses across industries, as customers endlessly compare options online or in-person. The good news is this hesitation can be addressed, as it's not necessarily a flaw in the product or service.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
7 Creative Summer and Back-to-School Marketing Ideas
As summer hits its peak (yeah, it’s hard to believe) and the back-to-school buzz begins, this is the perfect time to refresh your marketing. It’s also a great time to connect with your customers in meaningful, fun, and creative ways. And you don’t have to be a retail shop to “sell summer” or “back-to-school.” No matter what your industry, aligning your brand with what your customers are already thinking about can drive real results.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Christmas in July: How You Can Sleigh Summer Sales
A Christmas in July promotion is a strategic opportunity to boost sales, engage customers, and clear inventory during a typically hot and sunny mid-year period. This trend is gaining popularity, especially with events like Prime Days in July, which prime customers to expect deals and plan for the holidays early. Encouraging early purchases helps customers spread out holiday spending, easing financial strain. Even non-retail businesses can leverage this festive promotion to attract customers.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Reels and Groups: What People Are Talking About
Facebook remains a powerhouse for businesses to boost brand awareness and drive sales with its 2 billion users and versatile tools like Reels and Groups. However, two major updates demand attention. First, Facebook is streamlining all video uploads into Reels, simplifying content creation and prioritizing short-form, mobile-friendly videos—a win for businesses but requiring a strategy shift for long-form content creators. Second, a shocking “technical error” led to the sudden deletion of thousands of
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
6 Questions Every Smart Small Business Owner Asks
To build better relationships or improve your business, ask questions. In personal conversations, questions spark engagement and show interest. Similarly, in business, conducting a self-audit by asking and answering questions about operations enhances efficiency and understanding. This process aligns your business more closely with your target audience's needs.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
