Chamber Insights: For Business Owners - A Smart QR Code Playbook
QR codes have faded in and out of popularity over the past decade, but they’ve finally surpassed trend status and they’re here to stay. They are convenient ways to drive traffic to desired information or action platforms. When used with intention, QR codes quietly remove friction and move customers exactly where you want them to go. QR codes are great for information that could change such as daily specials. QR code stickers can also update old info on printed materials (perfect for the extremely
Chamber Insights: Is Your Business Owner-Dependent?
It’s a simple question. Slightly uncomfortable. Surprisingly revealing.If you stepped away from your business for two weeks starting tomorrow, no email, no Slack, no “just checking in,” what would fall apart?Most business owners don’t love this thought experiment. Not because they’re doing anything wrong, but because many small businesses are built on proximity. You are the system. You are the memory. You are the fixer of last resort.That works. Until it doesn’t.We’re not suggesting this asking this
Chamber Insights:One Easy Revenue Stream Most Small Businesses Don’t Know About
Unless you’ve been on the show Survivor’s island for the last six months, you probably have gotten wind of the notion that AI can help you save time, but did you know it can also help you make money? I’m not talking about becoming an AI expert and training the masses. That would take time you probably don’t have. In this case, I’m referring to creating a digital product for your business that you can sell and make money even when your business isn’t open. And best of all you can likely create it
Chamber Insights: 10 Intentional Ways to Get a Jump Start on Holiday Revenue
Traditionally, marketers at this time of year are busy trying to attract Black Friday and other shoppers in the days right after Thanksgiving. But thanks to the uptick in pre-Black Friday sales, today’s customers are shopping earlier than ever, spreading out their spending and looking for ways to avoid the December scramble. In fact, nearly half of U.S. shoppers now begin their holiday shopping before Black Friday.That means November isn’t just the warm-up. It’s your time to shine. With a few smart
Chamber Insights: A Small Business Survival Guide for the Holidays
We’re fast approaching the time of year where it can like you’re running a marathon on a tightrope. Customers need attention. Promotions are queued up to be launched (or designed). Your inventory is giving you nightmares and you have huge goals for the end of the year.And you’re supposed to stay cheerful, strategic, and somehow well-rested through it all.But the problem isn’t your big aspirations for 2026, nor does the problem lie in trying to solve the things you can’t control.It’s your habits.James
Chamber Insights: How to Protect Your Peace During the Busiest Season in Business
With the holiday season approaching with the speed of a bullet train (holiday prep, year-end sales pushes, family gatherings, budget reviews, etc.), it’s no surprise many of us feel our blood pressure and tension rise, while our patience comes crashing down. While this season is one of the most exciting of the year, it brings lots of extra stress. But what if some of that stress was unavoidable? Maybe we can’t keep that troublesome relative away but we can borrow wisdom from the minimalist movement and
Chamber Insights: Talking Websites: A Game-Changer for Small Business
If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know talking back is not to be celebrated. But when it comes to your business website, talking back is the next big trend.Most websites feel like digital brochures. You scroll, you click, you squint at tiny menus—and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in 20 seconds, you’re gone. On to the next one.But what if you landed on a website that immediately addresses your needs:“Hi there! Looking for a haircut, a color, or some products?”You type “Color,” and the
Chamber Insights: Open the Business Owner’s “Secret Menu”
Does your favorite coffee shop have a secret menu? One where the drink’s not on the board, but the regulars know to order? The one that gives you a little more for the same price or offers you a flavor you didn’t even know existed just because you’re a regular. Or maybe you know a speakeasy club that opens every weekend to people who know the “password.”A chamber of commerce is like that for business owners.Most people see the posted “menu” like networking events, ribbon cuttings, maybe a business
Chamber Insights: 5 Simple Numbers Every Small Business Should Track
If the thought of “tracking KPIs” makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. For many small business owners, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) sound like something reserved for corporations with big budgets, bigger teams, and even bigger Excel spreadsheets. Who wants the hassle?But here’s the truth: KPIs are just numbers that tell a story and if you’re not paying attention to them, you’re running your business with the lights off.The good news? You don’t need 47 dashboards or a data analyst to track
