The Chamber Weekly Blog
A collection of articles that we believe will add value to you and your business!
Thursday, February 19, 2026
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 simple action plan to get started this week.
Your business deserves to thrive, not just survive. Pricing sustainably is leadership—not greed.
Ready to raise prices without the drama? Dive into the full post for scripts, examples, and real-world tips that actually work.
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Thursday, February 12, 2026
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 focus hour a day
Visible workloads & specific praise
Real PTO (no vacation interruptions)
A simple “I’m at capacity” signal that actually gets respected
These tiny shifts build a sustainable culture—and turn “we can’t afford wellness” into “we can’t afford turnover.”
Read Christina Metcalf’s full post for the practical list that actually works for small businesses. Your team (and your bottom line) will thank you.
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Thursday, February 5, 2026
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 measure; kill low-performers.
Goal: smoother experiences, not just more scans. For QR menus, know your audience—some still prefer paper.
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Friday, January 30, 2026
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.
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Thursday, January 22, 2026
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 point of failure—better for vacations, emergencies, value, team growth, and sanity.
Chambers of commerce offer workshops, peers, AI tools, and mentorship to make this easier. If the question makes you pause, start small now.
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Friday, January 16, 2026
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 more than perfection or forced positivity.
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Friday, December 19, 2025
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 →)
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Friday, December 12, 2025
Your Repeat Customers Aren’t Just Loyal — They’re the Foundation of a Real Community (Here’s How to Bring It to Life)
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Thursday, December 4, 2025
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...
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Wednesday, November 26, 2025
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.
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