The Chamber Weekly Blog
Decluttering for Greater Productivity
The new year often brings a renewed focus on fresh starts and improved efficiency. Many of us are wondering how we might earn more, be more productive, and enjoy a better work/life balance. But as you’re committing to goals for the new year, consider that what your business may need is some decluttering. It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and tackle not just physical spaces, but also digital files, outdated processes, and even stagnant strategies. Just like a cluttered home can lead to stress and
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
4 Tasks to Make You a More Intentional Leader
Whether you are starting your own business or reporting to someone else, you can be the leader you want to be with just a few changes to your weekly routine. All it takes is a little awareness. Before we get into the routines you can incorporate into your week, it’s important to understand that it may feel difficult to implement these changes if you’re really struggling in your professional life. You may feel like you need to concentrate on the basics before you can take on the “fluffy” feel-good
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Make Time for Innovation
We know you're an incredibly busy business owner. It's easy to get caught up in the daily tasks and operation of your business. But if you're only doing what must be done, and never making time for innovation, you will fall behind. But how do you make time to innovate?
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How Small Businesses Can Score Big Media Wins
Public relations (PR) is just for big companies with tons of connections and celebrity endorsements, right? It can feel like a luxury for those of us with small businesses. Hiring a dedicated PR firm is often financially out of reach. But who has the time to learn the ropes of good PR while juggling everything else? It takes years or deep wallets to make those kinds of connections, doesn’t it? Not exactly. You don't need a fancy PR background or a hefty budget to generate buzz. With a little creativity
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Last-Minute Black Friday Promo Ideas for Small Businesses
Black Friday is this week! Is panic setting in? If you haven't planned a single promotion, and the thought of missing out on the biggest shopping weekend of the year is making your stomach churn, don't worry, you're not alone! Plenty of small businesses find themselves in this situation. But this is no time to sit in a corner worrying. This article can help.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
Money Management Tips for People Who Hate Money Management
If you’re the typical small business owner, you began your business with an exciting idea, a passion. No one goes into business thinking, “I can’t wait to work on cash flow challenges.” And yet, cash flow is one of the top reasons businesses close their doors. It’s not that they aren’t making money. It’s that managing it is not everyone’s skill set. Money management challenges are one of the most critical areas you need to master to be successful. This article is here to provide general information.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
15 Respectful Ways to Honor Vets on Veterans Day (and Year-Round)
Veterans Day is Monday, November 11th, and it is the ideal time to express thanks to those who have protected our freedoms and way of life. While you don’t have much time to pull it all together, honoring Veterans Day in a meaningful, non-commercial way can strengthen connections between your business and the community while showing genuine appreciation for veterans' service. And you don’t have to stop there. You can extend the relationship year-round.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
4 Simple Management Tasks to Make More of Your Limited Time
If you ask anyone over the age of 20 what the date is, after telling you, they will probably say you how quickly time flies. How it seems like only yesterday it was _____. This is especially true when you own a business. There never seems to be enough time in the day to do what you need to do. And you no sooner pay one bill than it’s due again. Making the most of the time you have is essential to business success. But how do you beat the clock?
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How to Be More Engaging
If you want more views on your business content, you don’t have to be a celebrity (although that makes things a lot easier). All you have to do is help your audience get to know you, and by doing so, humanize your business. Some people are gifted engagers. They naturally know how to get people interested in their stuff. But for most of us, it’s a learned activity. If you’re not a born engager, here are five things you can do to improve your business content.
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
How Being the Bearer of Good News Can Be a Boon for Business
If you’re like many of us, you may have decided that watching the news is not in your mental health’s best interest. From angry rants to misinformation, it’s difficult to understand the benefits these days. That’s why focusing on positivity and feel-good stories can help your business stand out and create a sense of connection with your audience. But what kind of “feel good” content can you provide?
Christina Metcalf and Edited by Julie Carroll
