Another calendar page has come and gone and with it, we’re ushering in May and Small Business Month. There’s no better time to show some local love!
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They’re the coffee shops where we meet friends, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who remember our names and donate to our causes.
But before you think this is a new call to spend money, know that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact.
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 It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and tackle not just physical spaces, but also digital files, outdated processes, and even stagnant strategies.
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Business ownership is often romanticized as a thrilling combo ride of passion, innovation, and drive where one can wear a hoodie and hang out playing video games all day while money magically flows into your bank account. But anyone in business knows the idea of the effortless hustle or business is about as untrue as being discovered on a street corner in Hollywood and becoming a blockbuster star the very next day. Does it happen? Occasionally. But there are more stories of struggle and strife than instant riches.
Fast-Track Trust: How to Win Customer Trust Quickly
Trust is the cornerstone of customer relationships, driving sales and fostering loyalty. Yet, building that trust swiftly, especially in a competitive landscape filled with countless options for consumers, can be hard. Establishing credibility and rapport takes time and effort. (It’s the one thing you can’t buy at Costco.) But strategic actions can accelerate trust building. By focusing on transparency, communication, and consistently exceeding expectations, you can cultivate trust quickly and effectively. If you want to build trust with current and potential customers, check out these important values.
Create A Loyal Following
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Beginning marketers often think a Facebook group is an ideal way to bring their target market together. And while we’re not discounting the truth behind that, most novice businesses make a critical mistake when creating a Facebook group for the first time. Their mistake negatively impacts their ability to engage their target market. And it’s such a common mistake that it needs to be addressed before we give you suggestions on engaging your market through this medium. Most businesses that start a Facebook community place their business at the center of the community. And why not? That’s the point, right? You want more business so it should be about you.
The Time Crunched Business Owners Guide
Hey there, busy members! We see you. You're juggling inventory, payroll, marketing... the list never ends. And we keep sending emails about events you don’t have time to attend, right? While these events can be incredible opportunities to learn and grow professionally, we understand that “getting together” isn’t in everybody’s calendar. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get solid return on investment when it comes to your chamber membership. Even if you're busier than an internet troll during election time, there are plenty of ways to squeeze every drop of value out of your membership.
Are You Worried About Inflation?
For the past two years or so, it feels as if economists have been avoiding the words recession and inflation. No one wants to hear those terms. They’ve been pointing to economic equations and data to show we’re not “technically” in a recession because unemployment is low or the inflation rate is lower than it was this time last year. But if you’re feeling the pinch in your business, an economic turn of words means little to you. So, what can you do to combat this word no one wants to talk about?
Are You Selling What Your Customers Need?
This is not a comment on the actual item or service you sell but in how you present it. If you’re not using your audience’s language and talking to a need they’ve identified, you’re fighting a marketing battle, and you need to change that today. Here’s why:
Providing a Better Customer Experience With AI
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The business landscape is noisy and crowded for most of us. But keeping your customers happy and engaged is crucial to your success and their return. Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a powerful toolkit to elevate your customer experience in ways you might not have thought of. And it’s not about replacing your employees with robots.
As a small business owner, you can leverage AI to make your customers feel valued and keep them coming back for more.
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