The Chamber Weekly Blog
How Real Stories Are Boosting Business Sales
Small businesses are finding success on social media by ditching perfection for raw, real stories. Authentic posts—like behind-the-scenes struggles or recovery from setbacks—build trust, loyalty, and engagement with customers who crave connection over polish. Share your journey naturally (e.g., business origins or lessons learned) to stand out and inspire. Chambers of Commerce can help you get started. It’s about showing the human side, not just the wins.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Win Over Customers with Emotional Marketing
A Jeep commercial featuring Harrison Ford has been making waves—not because it showcases a vehicle’s features, but because it taps into something deeper. With Ford musing about life’s choices and the lack of an owner’s manual, the ad pulls you in, stirs your emotions, and subtly sells a lifestyle. You barely notice it’s a sales pitch, and that’s the point. The best marketing doesn’t just promote a product; it connects with people, entertains them, and even challenges their perspectives. Winning customers
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Spring into Success with These Fun Marketing Ideas
Spring is a season of rejuvenation, growth, and vibrant energy. After winter, most people are thrilled to be outdoors and thinking about warmer weather. It’s a time for us all to come out of sleepy hibernation and explore our areas. Spring is also the perfect time for you to connect with your customers, boost employee morale, and inject fresh life into your operations. Here are a few fun ideas to celebrate the spirit of spring:
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Celebrate Women's History Month at Your Business
Women's History Month is a fantastic opportunity for you to recognize the invaluable contributions of women, past and present. It's not just about historical figures; it's about celebrating the women who drive your business, your community, and the world forward. And let’s face it, it’s a great reminder to put some good cheer into the world. After all, people love feel-good narratives. While it may be difficult to implement these ideas before the end of the month, you can always use them to plan for next
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Are You Asking the Right Questions for Business Growth?
Growth isn’t passive—it’s a dynamic process that doesn’t happen by chance. Building a successful business takes more than hard work; it requires strategic thinking and the right questions to unlock new perspectives. Unlike viral overnight success or lottery wins, sustainable growth demands insight, adaptability, and a proactive approach to challenges and opportunities. Are you asking the questions that will elevate your business? Working smarter, not just harder, is the key to uncovering hidden potential
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Building a Fanatical Following with Email
For many small businesses, email marketing is all about promotions and sales. But the most successful businesses know that an email list is more than just a sales tool—it’s a way to build relationships, create trust, and foster a sense of community without the concerns of a platform shutdown. By shifting your focus from transactions to connections, you can turn one-time customers into long-term brand advocates.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Seeing Results
Ever planned a brilliant idea to death—or leapt into action without a roadmap? Many professionals wrestle with finding the sweet spot between over-planning and reckless action. In her article, Christina Metcalf offers a practical guide to turn ideas into results, blending purpose-driven planning with steady, adaptable execution for lasting success.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Embracing Imperfection to Strengthen Your Business
What do Han Solo (Star Wars et al), Walter White (Breaking Bad), and Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) have in common? They’re terribly flawed and we love them for it. Imperfection can also be a powerful asset for businesses when approached with the right mindset. So stop trying your best to be perfect and embrace imperfection as a way to connect with your customers. Here’s how:
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
The New Employee Benefit Everyone Is Talking About
First it was pet insurance and foosball tables. Then it was Friday kegs in the office and goat yoga. While those benefits seemed like frivolous ways to bring fun to the office, the current benefit trend that everyone is talking about actually improves productivity and employee well-being (at least as reported by the employees). And it’s likely something you never thought about offering. But before we tell you what it is, let’s talk about some of the results that employees who have used this benefit
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Harnessing TikTok’s Engagement Magic
Why building a castle on the sand is not always a bad thing...
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
