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75% of hiring managers have encountered lies on resumes, posing a challenge to the trustworthiness of applicant qualifications. Pruning outdated or irrelevant job experiences from resumes can help applicants highlight their most recent and pertinent skills. Checking for employment gaps can uncover important character traits or red flags, such as incarceration, which can be further explored through background checks. Up to 85% of job seekers admit to lying on resumes about aspects like job duties and skills, making independent verification crucial. Handling discovered resume discrepancies with professionalism and aligning hiring decisions with organizational values are key. Investing in thorough verification processes, despite initial costs, is essential for reducing long-term expenses related to unproductive wages, training, and turnover. 554 words ~ 2.5 min. read In today's job market, it's quite common for applicants to exaggerate on their resumes. A surprising find by CareerBuilder shows that 75% of hiring managers have spotted lies on resumes. This highlights a big problem in hiring - how can employers trust what's on a resume? With the honesty of candidate qualifications on the line, it's important for hiring managers to find reliable ways to check the accuracy of resumes to make good hiring decisions. Read on to discover three strategies to help you fast-track the fact-checking process. Prune Old Jobs Pruning old jobs simply means removing any outdated or irrelevant information. For example, if an applicant lists a job that they held 10 years ago and haven't worked in that field since, there's a good chance their skills are no longer up-to-date. The hiring platform Indeed reminds job hopefuls to prioritize their most recent and relevant experience , so including historical work experience may also signal a lack of confidence in applying for an intended position. Check for Gaps Another way to verify the accuracy of an applicant's resume is to check for gaps. This means looking for any periods of time where there is no employment listed. These gaps could be due to a variety of reasons, such as taking time off to raise a family or going back to school. However, they could also be due to something less savory, such as incarceration. Including a background check will reveal gaps due to jail time but also other important things you may want to know like criminal arrest records or driving history. Resume gaps aren’t always a bad thing, of course. They may reveal an applicant’s character or important values, with gaps devoted to honing their leadership skills through volunteering for schools or charitable organizations. What you do with your understanding of these blank spaces is what’s important — use them to weed out applicants or to ascertain if a candidate is a value match during the interview process. Fact-Check Claims According to Good Hire up to 85% of job seekers have admitted to lying on their resume. What are they lying about? Most often, dishonest claims relate to job duties, work experience, and job skills. While it may be easy to verify if an applicant has indeed graduated from Harvard or won Teacher of the Year, it can take much more time and resources to fact check work history and job duties. For that reason, many employers rely on independent recruiters and agencies to verify resume details. What should you do if you discover something that doesn’t check out? When hiring managers spot a lie on a resume, it's important to handle it with care and professionalism. First, double-check the facts to avoid any misunderstandings. If the lie is real, talk to the applicant about it and listen to their side of the story. Then, based on how serious the lie is, decide if you still want to consider the candidate. In the end, your decision should align with your organization’s values. If you do hire someone and later discover the lie, experts recommend confronting the employee to learn more. If you want to terminate the employee, get legal counsel first. Takeaway Devoting time and resources to outside services will increase your hiring costs upfront. However, when you factor in the price tag for unproductive wages, in addition to training, firing, and rehiring costs, investing in a thorough verification process becomes a vital hiring and retention strategy. Read More: 10 Ways to Get the Most from your Chamber Membership Hiring in a Tight Market: Your Local Playbook for Finding and Keeping Great People The New Employee Benefit Everyone is Talking About The Power of 'Entry Interviews' and 'Stay Interviews' Strategies for Improving Employee Retention in Small Businesses --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

Think Twice Before Hiring or Promoting "Brilliant Jerks" Arianna Huffington criticizes valuing employees solely on brilliance, coining the term "brilliant jerks" for talented yet toxic workers "Brilliant jerks" can hide their toxic behaviors behind exceptional performance, complicating their identification and the management of their negative impact. Their presence can damage team unity, foster a toxic work environment, decrease morale and productivity, and lead to significant financial losses. Tolerating or rewarding such behavior normalizes toxicity and can drive away talented individuals, damaging the company's reputation and its ability to attract and retain top talent. Leaders often struggle to address these individuals due to their perceived value, despite the negative consequences on the team and overall work environment. Identifying toxic traits early, emphasizing emotional intelligence, and fostering teamwork in hiring and promotion processes can help create a healthier, more productive work environment. 547 words ~ 2.5 min read Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post, famously criticized the practice of valuing employees solely based on their brilliance. She coined the term "brilliant jerks" for those who excel in their job but have a negative impact on the workplace. While it can be tempting to ignore interpersonal flaws for talent's sake, promoting or hiring such individuals often leads to long-term harm. Here, we delve into why this approach is problematic and highlight warning signs of toxic traits. Identifying "brilliant jerks" at work can be tricky. Their exceptional performance and creativity may hide toxic behaviors, making it hard for supervisors and colleagues to address their negative impact. Sometimes, these individuals are socially adept, which complicates recognizing their harmful traits. This dual nature causes confusion, as their value as high performers clashes with their negative influence. Their behavior might be situationally toxic, especially under stress, making it challenging to address effectively. The problem is "brilliant jerks" can significantly impede team unity. Their arrogance or aggression can foster a toxic environment, resulting in reduced morale and productivity among team members. When collaboration and mutual respect are undermined, innovation and efficiency are inevitably impacted. Studies indicate that toxic work environments lead to nearly $50 billion in annual losses for U.S. businesses , with a toxic culture being the leading cause of employee turnover in the initial six months of the Great Resignation. Unfortunately, tolerating or rewarding such behavior promotes disrespect, egoism, and a lack of empathy. This can normalize toxicity, driving away talented individuals who seek a positive work environment. In the long run, it undermines trust and collaboration, crucial for innovation and support. This damages the company's reputation and makes it hard to attract and keep top talent who value a healthy workplace. Dealing with these individuals can be tough due to their perceived value, even if their behavior is harmful. Leaders may fear losing their skills or impacting key projects, leading to tolerance of their actions. The misconception that high performers can behave differently can cloud decision-making, sending the wrong message to the team. It can be difficult to spot 'brilliant jerks' in the hiring process, but these red flags can help draw attention to traits that may overshadow stellar performance. If you do hire someone with these qualities by mistake, Huffington advises business leaders to act quickly: “Don't go there. And if you go there by mistake, fire them as fast as possible.” Red Flags of Toxic Traits: Empathy Deficit: Failing to grasp or appreciate others' feelings and viewpoints. Excessive Arrogance: Constantly asserting superiority over colleagues and disregarding their ideas outright. Resistance to Feedback: Being defensive towards criticism, viewing it as a personal attack rather than a chance for improvement. Manipulative Tactics: Using deceit or coercion to further personal objectives at the expense of others. "Brilliant jerks" love sharing private information in the form of 'secrets.' Social Withdrawal: Drifting apart from team activities and discussions, either by choice or due to others' reactions. Recognizing these red flags is crucial for fostering a healthy work environment. By placing a strong emphasis on emotional intelligence and teamwork during the hiring and promotion processes, organizations can cultivate a culture characterized by mutual respect and seamless collaboration. This, in turn, paves the way for achieving long-term success and sustainable growth. Read More: From Conflict to Collaboration: Turning Workplace Disputes into Growth Opportunities Hiring in a Tight Market: Your Local Playbook for Finding and Keeping Great People Rock Stars Vs. Superstars: Who's Fueling Your Team's Future?  --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

At the risk of starting the year off with doom and gloom, this is a topic that’s becoming increasingly important. Whether it’s personal uncertainties leaking into the workplace or your employees have concerns about the business or their place in it, many of them are feeling like they’re operating on unstable ground. This topic, while uncomfortable, is not something to be ignored or swept under the business welcome mat. Yet for business owners, this can feel like one more thing on an exhaustive to-do list. You’re managing cash flow, customers, vendors, and growth. Now you’re also managing feelings. (Insert face palm emoji, right?)  The good news is you don’t need a corporate HR department or a perfect roadmap to support your team well. What employees need most during uncertain times isn’t grand gestures. It’s steadiness. Clarity. And signs that the person at the helm is paying attention. Smart Ways to Steady Your Team While you can’t tell someone how to feel, or squash their concerns with logic, you can use these practical, realistic ways to support your employees when things feel unpredictable, without overpromising or burning yourself out. Start with honest, human communication When something is brewing at a company, many leaders make the mistake of falling silent. They don’t have all the answers, so they don’t want to share partial information. They vow to tell employees once they have the complete picture. However, silence breeds stories, and rarely the good kind. When employees don’t know what’s happening, they tend to imagine worst-case scenarios. You don’t need all the answers, but you do need to talk. Share what you know, what you don’t, and what you’re watching. A simple “Here’s where we are right now” goes a long way. Consistent updates, even short ones, create a sense of trust. Think of it like being a lighthouse, not a weather forecaster. You don’t control the storm. You help people navigate it. Acknowledge concerns while reinforcing stability There’s a difference between acknowledging uncertainty and amplifying it. You don’t need to constantly reference challenges or dwell on what might go wrong. Instead, name the reality and then pivot to the established light on the horizon. This is not a time for platitudes like “It’s bound to get better.” Share what you know to be true not some overly optimistic view. Saying “I know this season feels unsettled for a lot of people” validates emotions. Following it with “Here’s what remains solid about our business and our team” restores balance. People don’t expect you to eliminate stress. They want to know you see it. Offer flexibility where it’s possible Flexibility has become one of the most meaningful benefits a small business can offer. It doesn’t always mean remote work or reduced hours. Sometimes it’s flexibility in scheduling, understanding personal constraints, or adjusting expectations during high-stress periods. When employees feel trusted to manage their time and energy, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal. Flexibility says, “I care about you as a whole person,” which matters deeply when life feels unpredictable. Focus on what employees can control Uncertainty is unsettling because it takes control away. One of the most supportive things you can do is help employees focus on what they can influence right now. Clear priorities, defined roles, and achievable short-term goals provide a sense of progress. Break big objectives into smaller wins. Momentum is calming. It reminds people that forward motion is still happening, even if the horizon looks fuzzy. Reinforce purpose and contribution During uncertain times, people naturally ask, “Does my work matter?” This is where small businesses have an advantage. You can connect the dots between daily tasks and real impact. Remind employees how their work serves customers, supports the community, or strengthens the business. Specific recognition is powerful. Instead of a generic “good job,” try “That follow-up you did helped retain that longtime client. Great work.” Purpose grounds people when external circumstances feel shaky. It also provides them with ideas of what you and the business value. Encourage connection, not forced positivity Team connection doesn’t require mandatory happy hours or constant cheerleading. In fact, forced positivity can backfire. What people crave is authentic connection. Create space for check-ins that aren’t solely about tasks. Ask how people are doing and mean it. Sometimes support looks like listening, not fixing. A team that feels connected is more resilient when facing uncertainty together. Model calm, realistic leadership Your team takes emotional cues from you, whether you intend it or not. That doesn’t mean you need to pretend everything is fine. It means showing that challenges can be faced with composure and thoughtfulness, not short-tempered flares. Calm leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about demonstrating that uncertainty can be navigated with intention. When you model steadiness, you give your team permission to do the same. Remember small actions compound Support doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective. Small, consistent actions build trust over time. Things like clear communication, reasonable flexibility, and genuine recognition compound quietly, like interest in a well-managed account. In uncertain times, employees don’t expect perfection. They want leadership that feels human, grounded, and responsive. Robotic repetition of the company line doesn’t instill confidence. Uncertainty may be part of the landscape these days, but how you lead through it is still very much within your control. Read More: 5 Professional Development Practices That will Elevate Your Team's Success Five Strategies for Leading Through Emotionally Charged Times From Conflict to Collaboration: Turning Workplace Disputes into Growth Opportunities Ignite and Empower Your Team with Verbal Feedback Mastering Emotional Agility: A Vital Leadership Skill for Modern Workplaces ------- Christina Metcalf is a writer, ghostwriter and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal audience. She’s the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @metcalfwriting Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinametcalf5

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 in a few minutes with the help of AI. Here’s how: Creating a Digital Sales Piece Your Customers Will Actually Buy This is the same concept as creating a lead magnet, but this one will be so intriguing that people will pay money for it. You don’t need a tech team. You need a clear problem, a simple format, and a smart way to package your expertise. Here’s how to go from idea to sale. Step 1: Start with a problem you solve every week The best digital products are shortcuts. They save time, reduce confusion, or help someone get a better result faster. Ask yourself: · What do customers repeatedly ask me to explain? · What do people mess up before they come to me? · What do I wish clients did before our first meeting? Drawing a blank? Then ask your favorite AI to help. “Act as an expert in [your industry]. List 20 common problems customers face in [your industry]. Group them by urgency and willingness to pay.” Step 2: Pick a “simple win” format You’re not building a course empire on Day 1. Start lightweight. Easy first products: · Templates: email scripts, pricing sheets, proposals, social captions, SOPs · Checklists: launch checklist, inspection checklist, onboarding checklist · Systems: think multiple connected pieces that work together. (Example: Client onboarding system: welcome email sequence + intake form + onboarding checklist + expectations doc) · Mini-guides: a 10-page PDF that gets someone from stuck to started · Toolkits: a bundle of templates + a short how-to video Rule of thumb: if it can be used in under 30 minutes, people will buy it. Step 3: Use AI to build the first draft fast (then make it yours) AI is your idea and rough-draft machine. You are the editor and expert. It’s a high performing partnership. Workflow could look like this: 1. Ask AI to Outline an idea: “Act as an expert in [your industry]. Create a one-page outline for a [checklist/guide] that helps [provide details on your audience] achieve [desired result].” 2. Make It Sound Like You: Give AI a tone and details about things to avoid or mention (or upload something you’ve written before that you like. Tell it to use that tone and cadence. “Write step-by-step instructions in a friendly, clear tone. Include examples of Y. Don’t mention X.” 3. Add your proof : your best tips, your real phrasing and examples. 4. Tighten : “Rewrite for clarity at an 8th-grade reading level. Remove fluff.” Important: don’t sell generic AI output. Sell your experience, packaged. AI is your assistant, not your brain. Step 4: Make it look clean enough to trust You don’t need fancy design, but you do need “this feels legit” and you want it to be brand recognizable. For quick “pro” options use: · Canva for PDFs and templates · Google Docs → export as PDF with your logo · Loom for a 5–10 minute walkthrough video · Descript for course-lite products and workshop replays · CapCut for quick, clean short-form videos Add a simple cover page, clear headings, and a “how to use this” section. Step 5: Price it like a shortcut, not a masterpiece Common starter pricing: · $9–$19 for a checklist or swipe file · $29–$79 for templates/toolkits · $99+ for a niche bundle with big ROI (like a full onboarding system) If it saves someone two hours, $29 is a no-brainer. Step 6: Sell it where you already have attention Start with what you’ve got: · Your website (Shopify, Squarespace, or a simple checkout link) · Etsy (great for templates) · Gumroad or Payhip (easy setup, instant delivery) · Instagram + email list: “Reply ‘PRODUCT’ and I’ll send the link.” Launch with a small offer: early-bird price for 7 days, plus a bonus (a quick-start video or extra template). Digital products can feel overwhelming when you’re creating your first one, but you don’t have to do it alone on consecutive Saturdays for six months. Instead, you can work with AI, provide your knowledge and let it do the composition. These products capture what you already know, bottle it, and put it on a shelf your customers can grab anytime, increasing your revenue outside of business hours and without a salesperson returning a call.  Further Reading: The Hidden Cash Sitting In Your Business (and how to find it) Revenue Without Regret: Designing Offers You're Proud to Sell Small Business Resource Round-Up ------------------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @metcalfwriting Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinametcalf5

For years, Instagram Stories have been like the “cool kids table” of your account: mostly seen by people who already follow you. Great for connection, not great for discovery. That’s changing and businesses should be pretty excited about this. Instagram now lets people reshare public Stories to their own Stories, even if they weren’t tagged. There’s typically an “Add to Story” option when viewing a public Story, and you can control this in your settings. If you’re a small business trying to reach beyond your current followers, this is not a tiny tweak. It’s a built-in word-of-mouth engine. Get Ready for Greater Reach When someone shares your Story to their Story, you get access to their audience without paying for ads or begging the algorithm. It’s like your best customer offering to hand out a stack of your flyers while telling their friends how amazing you are. How this helps you reach your audience: · UGC gets a turbo boost. A customer posts a Story with your product, you reshare it, then their friend reshares it again. That’s a visibility ripple that used to be harder to create on Stories. · Collabs become easier. You no longer have to rely on being tagged for someone to amplify your Story. (But don’t give up tags. They’re still good for attention.) · Your “helpful micro-content” can spread. Quick tips, behind-the-scenes, mini tutorials, reminders, myth-busting, weekly specials. If it’s share-worthy, it can move. Make Stories “share-ready.” · Add one clear takeaway per Story frame (tip, reminder, offer, before/after). · Use text overlays so it makes sense with sound off. · Add a simple prompt: “If this helped, share it to your Story.” (Yes, you can ask. People like being helpful.) · If you want Stories to stay more private-community-only, you can toggle sharing off in Settings → Sharing and reuse → Stories to stories. Early Access Reels: reward followers, attract new ones Instagram is also testing Early Access Reels. The idea: your Reel is shown to followers first, and non-followers who run into it may see a teaser plus a prompt to follow to unlock it, often with a timer for when it becomes available to everyone. Think of it like a velvet rope in an art museum. Without it, what’s hanging on the wall is just a picture. Place a velvet rope in front of it and it has instantaneous importance above all other works of art. Why this matters for small businesses: · You’re training loyalty . Followers get “first dibs” on announcements, drops, limited inventory, new menus, event registration, or seasonal services. · You turn curiosity into follows . If someone lands on your profile from a share or search and sees an Early Access teaser, the follow decision gets easier. · You can build social proof before the wider push . Post early, let your people engage, then later repost or repackage as a broader reach play. Features like this often roll out in phases and may not show up on every account right away but when they do show up on your account, you’ll be ready. Editing Upgrades That Make Your Content Feel “Bigger Than Your Budget” Instagram has been stacking practical creator tools, especially around video. Bulk Caption Editor (in Edits): Instagram’s Edits app has added bulk caption editing so you can view and adjust a transcript in one screen instead of hunting line-by-line. This is a time-saver and an accessibility win. Automated audio control / volume ducking: More tools are rolling out to help balance voice and music, so your Reel doesn’t sound like it was recorded inside a blender. Better audio = more watch time = better reach odds. Creative editing features: Edits has been shipping frequent upgrades (effects, sound effects, planning tools like storyboards). The bigger point is this: Instagram is incentivizing better-made video because it keeps people watching. “Your Algorithm” Means People Can Tune What They See Ever feel like you only see puppy Reels? Or maybe you hesitate to click on something because you know your stream will be filled with similar videos. No longer. Instagram is rolling out more controls that let users shape their Reels recommendations, including a feature often described as “Your Algorithm.” Users can view topics Instagram thinks they like, then adjust those interests. For businesses, the takeaway is simple: clarity beats variety. If your content is all over the map, you’re harder to categorize and easier to swipe past. If you’re consistently posting about a few topics your customers care about, you’re easier to recommend (and be seen). Emojis Still Matter, but Use Them Like Seasoning, not Confetti Do I hear clapping? Never mind. That’s me. Emojis can increase engagement and help your message land faster, especially in captions and comments. The expert business move is to use them with intention like pepper to bring out flavor in your posts, not to smoother them: · Use emojis to organize (bullets, steps, quick scans). · Match tone to brand (you’re allowed to have a personality). · Don’t “emoji spam” as a growth hack. People can smell that from three scrolls away. A Simple 7-Day Plan to Use These Updates Without Adding Chaos Day 1: Turn one FAQ into a 3-frame Story that’s easy to share. Day 2: Post a customer win (user generated content or testimonial) in Stories with “Share if you know someone who needs this.” Day 3: Record one Reel with clean captions (bulk edit if you have Edits). Day 4: Make one “saveable” tip carousel or mini tutorial. Day 5: Do one behind-the-scenes Story and invite resharing. Day 6: If you have it, test an Early Access Reel for an announcement or limited offer. Day 7: Check what got shared, saved, and replied to. Double down on that format next week. Instagram is quietly turning Stories into a bigger distribution channel and turning follower relationships into a stronger growth lever. If you make content that’s genuinely useful and/or entertaining, people will do the sharing for you. Just give them something worth passing along. Read More: 15 Ready-to-Use Social Media Captions for Business Owners Reels and Groups: What people Are Talking About Your Community Is Your Best Marketing Tool ------------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle, rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @metcalfwriting Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinametcalf5

Small Business Season is almost in the rearview mirror. The shopping rush may be fading, the wrapping paper is in the trash, and your brain is trying to do two things at once: recover and prepare. So let’s make this simple.This is not the moment for a dramatic reinvention. It’s the moment for a clean, confident reset. Think of these next few days like sweeping the shop floor before opening day. Not glamorous. Deeply powerful.  Here are end-of-year moves that help most without turning the last week of December into a stress fest. 1. Capture the “Truth” While It’s Still Fresh Before January turns this year into something for the history books, spend 30 minutes answering three questions: What worked this year that you should repeat? What drained you that you should redesign? What surprised you, good or bad, that you need to plan for? Write it down. Not in your head. On paper or in a notes app. Your future self will appreciate it. 2. Do a Five-number Year-end Check You don’t need a 12-tab spreadsheet right now. You need a snapshot. Pick five numbers that tell the story of your year. Examples: Total revenue (or best estimate if you’re still closing books) Average monthly expenses Your top-selling product or service Your best marketing channel (the one that actually brought customers) Your cash cushion (how many weeks you could operate if sales dipped) This gives you clarity without drowning you in data. Clarity is the point. 3. Fix the One Thing Customers Trip Over Every business has a small “friction point” that quietly costs sales. It might be: Confusing hours online A clunky booking link A checkout process that feels like a maze Slow response time to inquiries No clear “what’s next” after someone buys Pick one. Fix it this week. Small tweaks are like tightening the bolts on a ladder. Suddenly everything feels sturdier. 4. Clean up Your Digital Front Door If you do nothing else, do this. Customers are making decisions fast, and your online presence is often the first handshake. Quick checklist: Update holiday and New Year hours everywhere (website, Google Business Profile, socials) Confirm your phone number and address are correct Add 3 new photos (don’t get bogged down with scheduling professional shots. Your phone is fine.) Make sure your top service or product is easy to find in one click This is low effort, high return. 5. Ask for Reviews the Right Way End of year is perfect for review requests because customers are already in a reflective, generous mood. Send a short message to your happiest customers: “Before the year wraps up, would you be willing to leave a quick review? It helps more than you know.” Include the direct link. Always include the link. Make it easy enough that they can do it while waiting for coffee. 6. Turn Holiday Buyers into January Regulars Holiday sales are great. Holiday repeat customers are better. If you sold gift cards, ran holiday specials, or gained new customers, plan a simple January follow-up: “New Year thank you” email with a bounce-back offer A “first visit of the year” perk A limited-time add-on that’s easy for you to deliver The goal is not a big discount. The goal is a reason to return. 7. Do a Quick Inventory of Your Marketing Assets Open your social posts and emails from this season and ask: Which post got the most engagement? Which offer got the most clicks? Which message made people reply? Now circle those. That’s your “winning language.” Bring it into Q1. Let your best words do more reps. If you’re using an AI assistant, communicate this info to it. It can be invaluable in creating future winning content. 8. Choose one Focus for Q1 and Make it Measurable January feels like possibility, which is inspiring… and also how we end up with 37 goals and zero traction. Pick one primary focus: Increase repeat customers Improve cash flow consistency Raise prices strategically Build your email list Get more appointments booked in advance Then choose one simple measurement. One. If your focus is repeat customers, your metric might be “number of return visits per week.” Keep it clean enough that you’ll track it. 9. Build Recovery into the Plan on Purpose You are not a machine. You’re the engine. Before the year ends, put one recovery decision in writing: One day off One half-day with no inbox One week of lighter blog or social posting (recap posts of popular content work well this time of year—like sharing memories of 2025.) One boundary you’ll protect in January Rest is not what you earn after you finish. It’s what makes you able to keep going. Small Business Season may be ending (technically), but your business isn’t. The goal now is to close the year with your head up, your notes saved, and lessons learned incorporated into a new plan. There’s no need to sprint all a mess into January. Instead, walk in steady, like you own the place.

The start of a new year begs for reflection and plans. We make promises and resolutions and say things like, “This year will be THE year.” But unless you win the lottery, making this year radically different requires work and change. Those two things aren’t always easy or sustainable, especially when you’re looking at revenue goals, marketing plans, staffing realities, and that lingering question in the back of your mind: How do I grow without burning myself out? We have an easy answer to that question. If you’re a chamber member, there’s a good chance you aren’t making the most of your benefits. We get it. Life gets in the way. You’re busy. Maybe you attend an event here and there. You skim the emails. You tell yourself you’ll “use it more this year.” This is that year. Because chambers in 2026 aren’t just about ribbon cuttings and business cards. Chambers are quietly helping businesses solve real problems. Here are six ways to tap into that value in a strategic way that makes the most of your limited time. 1. Turn Visibility Into Credibility Marketing is noisy. Consumers are skeptical. Trust is currency. One of the most underrated benefits of your chamber is third-party credibility. When your business is featured in a chamber newsletter, social post, directory, or event spotlight, you’re borrowing trust that’s already been earned. You’re being seen in the right places and the “company you keep” has a great reputation. Make it a habit this year to say yes when your chamber asks for member features, testimonials, or spotlights. And if they don’t ask, raise your hand. Visibility compounds when it’s consistent. 2. Use Education to Stay Relevant (Without Going Back to School) You don’t need another generic webinar. You need insight that applies to your market, your customers, and your challenges. Chambers bring in experts on topics like AI, workforce trends, marketing shifts, local regulations, and leadership. The advantage is context. These sessions aren’t abstract. They’re grounded in what’s happening right outside your door. It’s difficult to get that anywhere else. Instead of chasing every online trend in 2026, choose one or two chamber programs that sharpen your skills where it matters most. Think of it as professional development without the fluff. 3. Leverage the Chamber as a Connector, Not a Crowd Networking doesn’t have to mean working the room like it’s speed dating. (Although feel free to do that if you enjoy it.) One of the smartest ways to use your chamber is behind the scenes. Staff and board members know who’s growing, who’s hiring, who’s struggling, and who’s looking for partnerships. If you need an introduction to a lender, vendor, collaborator, or even a future client, ask. Chambers exist to connect dots. You don’t have to draw the map alone. Intentional introductions outperform random handshakes every time. 4. Get a Seat at the Table Before Decisions Are Made Regulations, policies, zoning changes, and local initiatives don’t appear overnight. They’re discussed long before they’re decided. Your chamber tracks those conversations so you don’t have to. More importantly, they advocate for business voices to be included. Even if you never attend a council meeting, your membership helps ensure someone is asking, “How does this impact local employers?” That kind of representation is hard to quantify until you need it. Then it matters a lot. 5. Build Community, Not Just Contacts Business ownership can be isolating. If your social circle doesn’t include business owners, you can feel misunderstood. Chambers create space for peer-to-peer learning, shared challenges, and honest conversations. Sometimes the most valuable takeaway from an event isn’t a lead. It’s realizing you’re not the only one navigating a tough season or a big decision. Resilience comes from relationships as much as strategy. Use your chamber to build a community that supports you when things get complicated. 6. Think Long-Term, Not Transactional The biggest return on chamber membership rarely shows up in one month. People often expect instantaneous results, but there is action required. When your business becomes known from those actions (showing up, being a part of the conversations, etc.), people refer you without being asked. Opportunities come your way because you’re visible, involved, and trusted. Treat your chamber like a long-term growth partner, not a vending machine. Engage consistently. Show up where it makes sense. Use the resources already built for you. The New Year doesn’t have to be about doing more. Instead, you can use what you already have, better. Think of chamber membership like the wind. It’s blowing whether you harness it or not. But if you shift your sails slightly to leverage its power, you can go where you want to a lot faster. Learn More: 10 Ways to Get the Most From Your Chamber Membership Beyond the Mixer- Maximizing Your Chamber Membership Local Business Partnerships Strengthen Communities and Drive Growth Your Chamber Listing Matters More Than Ever

It’s almost Christmas and we’re in the home stretch to catch those last-minute shoppers, diners, and spenders. But how do you do it without sounding desperate. One word—help. No, we’re not talking about you bringing in more help (that’s a you question). We’re pointing out that people who aren’t finished with their list are now feeling the panic. And that’s when you can step in and make their lives easier. They’ll be relieved and will also remember how helpful you were when they were in the weeds. Plus, last-minute shoppers aren’t browsing. They’re mission-driven. They want fast wins and clear choices. If you can provide those, you’ve got the sale. If you meet them where they are, this week can quietly become one of your most profitable of the season. Here’s how to make the most of it without adding chaos to your already full days. Start with Gifts That Remove Decision Fatigue Last-minute shoppers don’t want options. That’s sooo November. They want answers. Create a short list of “grab-and-go” gifts that require no customization and minimal explanation. Think bestsellers, crowd-pleasers, or services that solve a real problem. Put them front and center in your space, both physically and online. If you can name it, price it, and say who it’s perfect for in one sentence, you’ve done your job. · “This is our most popular gift for teachers.” · “This is a safe and thoughtful choice.” · “This is a TikTok fave.” Clarity sells faster than creativity this week. Bundle What You Already Have You don’t need new inventory to create something that feels new. Bundles work because they do the thinking for the customer and increase your average sale at the same time. Pair complementary items. Add a small bonus that costs you little but feels intentional. Give it a name that makes sense in five seconds. The key is not perfection. It’s momentum. Thrive Causemetics does a great job of this on its social media ads. They package three products (mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow—which they call Eye Brightener™) under the “3-Step Signature Eye. 3 minutes. 3 products. 1 lifted eye look.” It makes shoppers confident that they can achieve a polished look in the very short time and have everything they need in just these three products. Remember this when putting together your packages. You’re not curating a museum exhibit. You’re helping someone finish their list and get home. Lean into Gift Cards, but Elevate Them Gift cards are last-minute saves, but only if they don’t feel like a cop-out. Many shoppers feel like gift cards are an impersonal gift. If you can make them feel otherwise, you can win big. If you sell gift cards, pair them with a simple suggestion. A card that says, “Perfect for a January reset” or “Best used on a day you need a break” instantly reframes it as thoughtful, not rushed. You can even post a funny sign like “Get a gift card. No one wants to look like a ‘pink nightmare.’ ” Or “It’s not a Jelly of the Month Club membership. They’ll actually appreciate this.” (Hat tip to those two classic Christmas movies.) If possible, offer a small incentive. A bonus value. A future perk. A gorgeous box or card. Even a handwritten note option goes a long way.  You’re not selling plastic or a digital code. You’re selling relief and giving the recipient something they really want when they’re probably getting a lot they don’t. Create Urgency Without Panic Last-minute shoppers already feel behind. You don’t need flashing red lights. What you do need is clear timing. · “This is available through December 24.” · “Order by Thursday for pickup.” · “Last chance before we close for the holidays.” When people know the rules, they move faster. Uncertainty slows everything down. If you have extended hours, special pickup windows, or same-day availability, say it everywhere. In your window. At checkout. On social. In person. Make it easy for them to say yes now. Offer Experience-Based Gifts Stuff is easy. Experiences feel meaningful. If your business can offer lessons, sessions, tastings, classes, consultations, or events, this is your moment. These gifts work beautifully for people who already “have everything” and for shoppers who ran out of time but still want to show intention. Package the experience simply. Clear description. Clear value. Clear next step. Bonus: experiences often deliver revenue now and fulfillment later. That’s a January gift to yourself. Don’t Forget the People in Front of You One of the most overlooked revenue opportunities is the customer who is already standing in front of you. Train yourself and your team to mention relevant add-ons, upcoming specials, or gift options during checkout. Not as a pitch. As a reminder. “You know, a lot of people are grabbing one of these as a gift too.” “If you still need one more thing, this has been popular this week.” Your loyal customers already trust you. Help them solve one more problem while they’re there. Use Social Media Like a Signpost, not a Scrapbook This is not the week for poetic captions or long origin stories. Use your platforms to point clearly to what’s available right now. Show the product. Show the bundle. Show the gift card. Show the hours. Show the process. Short videos, quick photos, simple captions. Repetition is your friend. If someone scrolls past your post, they should instantly know: · What you sell. · Why it works as a gift. · How fast they can get it. That’s it. Add a Small “Thank You” Incentive A modest, well-timed incentive can tip a hesitant shopper into action. This doesn’t have to be a deep discount and probably shouldn’t be. Think small but specific. A bonus item. A future discount. A complimentary upgrade. Something that feels like appreciation, not clearance. Frame it as gratitude for shopping local and supporting a small business during the holidays. People want to feel good about where they spend their money. Let them. Remember, Last-Minute Doesn’t Mean Low Value These shoppers aren’t cheap. They’re busy. They’re willing to spend for convenience, clarity, and confidence. If you respect their time and remove friction, they’ll reward you for it. Take them out of the scramble mindset and simplify things. Make the path obvious. Make the choices easy. Make the experience calm. Help them finish strong, and you will too.

Small Business Season brings a beautiful rush or familiar faces and new customers. Your business is abuzz with activity and you’re doing the hard work. You’re showing up. And yet, you could be leaving opportunity on the table simply because life gets busy and marketing gets…well, pushed to the corner like a forgotten present in the back of the closet. That’s why when it comes to marketing, you need to go for the low-hanging fruit, the easy wins. Many businesses rely heavily on their email lists and that’s great. Those lists can be gold. But this time of year, inboxes are overflowing and it’s easy for even your most loyal customers to miss something. Here are five areas worth a gentle tune-up. These missed chances can deepen connection and spark repeat visits with very little effort. Treat Loyal Customers Like Insiders If someone chooses your business again and again, they’re not casual shoppers. They’re your people. Don’t rely on email alone to keep them updated. When they’re already in front of you, share what’s coming up. Something as simple as “By the way, we’re doing a holiday sip-and-shop next Thursday if you want to swing by” creates a moment of attention. Loyal customers love being in the know. Give them that moment. Don’t expect them to see every email. They’re as busy as you are during the holidays. A gentle reminder or heads up can ensure they make it to your next event or special. You have more than sales to gain by doing this (or lose if you don’t). If you’re hosting a big event (particularly one that will sell out), your most loyal customers may feel slighted if they don’t know about it until it’s too late. Telling them “you should’ve received an email” won’t make them happy if it’s something they wanted to attend and now it’s sold out. Post Your Specials Where People Actually Stand Storefronts are full of magic this time of year, but too often the only place a December deal exists is…in a newsletter or email. Add in-store signs, table toppers, checkout prompts, or a simple “What’s happening this week” board. Sure, some customers may forget the second they step into the parking lot. But many won’t. A quick snapshot of a sign or a note in their phone is all it takes to turn a one-time visit into a planned return. Make Your Social Feed a Living Bulletin Board People scroll while waiting in line. They scroll when they can’t sleep. They scroll when Aunt Linda starts talking politics. They’re scrolling even during the busiest time of year—especially during the busiest time of year. During the holiday season, don’t be shy about posting reminders, deals, behind-the-scenes teases, and event invitations. You’re not being repetitive. You’re helping your fans remember you in a noisy season. Create a Simple In-store “Highlight Moment” If someone discovers something delightful when they visit—whether it’s a staff favorite, a limited-edition item, or a seasonal service—give them a reason to mention it to a friend. A simple prompt like “Perfect for holiday gifting” or a tiny card explaining why it’s special creates a moment customers can repeat later. You’re giving them a story to share, and stories travel farther than coupons. Additionally, if you see someone hesitating on a purchase, surprise them with a discount on the spot. You can tell them Santa just informed you they were on the nice list and deserved a little something extra. If another customer overhears the offer, extend one to them too. A purchase is better than a stroll in and out of your store. You can also do this via text. Send them a message telling them you heard from Santa or they “won” is discount or bonus with purchase. The thrill of the surprise may bring them in. Invite the Next Step While They’re Still Smiling Small Business Season is full of warm exchanges: conversations at the register, compliments on décor, “I love this place” moments. Those are perfect openings to invite one more action. A follow-on step could be: • joining your text list for specials • grabbing a punch card • picking up a flyer for next week’s event • taking advantage of a “today only” add-on People are most receptive to engagement at the moment they’re enjoying your business. Use that natural goodwill. A Final Marketing Reminder The goal isn’t to cram more marketing into your December. We know you’re already busy. It’s to make the most of the interactions you already have. You’ve worked hard to bring customers through the door. A few small, thoughtful touches can turn those holiday visits into return trips long after the lights come down. If you have a special event, promotion, or sale coming up, let us know about it . We’d be happy to spread the word.  Read More: 5 Customer-Focused Strategies to Build Loyalty and Drive Growth 9 Customer Loyalty Programs that Work Win at First Impressions

You spend a lot of time encouraging everyone else. Your customers. Your team. Your family. Even total strangers on social media. Today, it’s your turn. Before the year gets away from you, give yourself a gift that costs nothing and can pay off all year long: write a letter to yourself to read this time next year. Not a to-do list. Not a strategic plan. A pep talk. Think of it as sitting down with the future you, looking them in the eye, and saying, “Here is what mattered. Here is what I dream for you. And here is why you’re stronger than you remember.” Here is how to do it in a way that actually supports you as a business owner, not just adds one more thing to feel guilty about. Step 1: Start With Where You Are Right Now Before you talk about dreams, honor the reality. Where are you today in your business? Be honest and specific. You might write about: Revenue or customer growth New services you launched Systems you finally put in place Tough seasons you walked through or goals that remained in the either because they never materialized You do not have to dress it up to make it sound impressive. This letter is not marketing copy. Your competition won’t read it. It is a snapshot. You might write something like: “Right now, I am tired but hopeful. We got through a difficult quarter, but we also retained our best customers and improved our online reviews. I am nervous about cash flow and still figuring out staffing, but I can see how far we have come from a year ago.” This gives your future self context. A year from now, you will likely forget what this moment really felt like. The letter will remind you that you were doing your best with what you had. Step 2: Name What You’re Proud Of Business owners are experts at moving the goalposts. You reach one milestone and immediately focus on the next thing you haven’t done. Slow down here. List what you are proud of this year. This might include: A customer you went above and beyond for A risk you took, even if it did not turn out perfectly A boundary you set to protect your time or health A partnership you formed A new skill you learned If this feels uncomfortable, pretend you are writing about a friend. How would you describe what they achieved? Your future self will need this reminder. There will be days next year when you will wonder if you are making progress at all. Reading your own words about what you already accomplished can be powerful proof you are capable, resilient, and resourceful. Step 3: Talk About The Hard Things A good pep talk does not skip the hard parts. It acknowledges them and then points forward. In your letter, gently name your current challenges. Staffing, supply chain, energy, pricing, burnout, uncertainty, or simply the pressure of wearing every hat at once. Then, write to your future self with compassion: “ If you are reading this and still facing some of these same issues, that does not mean you have failed. It means these are real, complex challenges. You are allowed to grow at a human pace.” You are not predicting disaster. You are promising yourself grace. That is fuel, not fluff. Step 4: Cast A Vision For Who You’re Becoming Now shift from where you are to where you want to be. Think about this time next year. What would you love to be true about: How you show up as a leader? How your business feels day to day? How much time you have for your life outside of work? The kind of clients or customers you attract? The way your business contributes to your community? Write in the present tense, as if it is already happening: “You are more confident delegating. The business is less chaotic and more goal-driven. You have a clearer sense of which opportunities to say yes to and which to politely decline. ” This is not magical thinking. It is a quiet nudge to your brain: this is the direction we are headed. Step 5: Give Yourself Instructions For Tough Days Every business has days that make you question everything. Use your letter to speak to that future version of you. You might include: A reminder of why you started A story of a customer you helped A phrase that always steadies you Permission to rest without guilt For example : “ When you feel like quitting, remember the customer who said, ‘You made my day.’ Remember that the work you do matters here, in this town, with these people. Take a day off if you need it. The world can wait 24 hours.” Future you will be grateful you took the time to write that. Step 6: Seal It And Set A Reminder When you are done, put the letter somewhere safe. If you write it by hand, seal it in an envelope and label it: “Open December 2026.” If you type it, save the file with a clear name and set a calendar reminder to open it. If six months from now, you’re having a tough day and need a pep talk, open it then. But write yourself another one. Why This Matters For Your Business Running a small business is demanding. You are constantly pushed to plan for the future: next quarter, next campaign, next season. It is easy to lose sight of the person at the center of it all—you. Writing this letter is a simple practice that: Grounds you in what you have already accomplished Clarifies what you want more of (and less of) Reconnects you to your “why” when things get noisy Offers your future self encouragement from the one person who truly understands Your business is part of the fabric of the community. When you are strengthened, focused, and supported, everyone benefits. So, sometime this week, give yourself 20-30 quiet minutes. Pour a cup of something warm. Put your phone in another room. And write the pep talk you will be glad to read a year from now. Your future self is already cheering for you. This letter is your chance to cheer back. ------------------ Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Facebook: @metcalfwriting Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinametcalf5

We made it through Small Business Saturday, and we hope it was a great one for you. But guess what? The holiday season shifts into high gear from now on. Foot traffic gets wild, inboxes overflow, and your customers are juggling a million decisions at once. They’re feeling the pinch of not having enough time. In the middle of all that zaniness, your biggest advantage as a small business is the experience you create and the connection you keep. People want to support local. They just need reminders that you’re here, you’re human, and you’re worth choosing. Here are simple, sustainable ways to stay engaged all month long without adding stress to your plate. Show the “Real Life” Moments Behind the Scenes People love feeling like they’re part of the process. A quick photo of your team wrapping orders, prepping inventory, or laughing their way through a busy day makes your business feel warm and relatable. No polish required. A little authenticity builds a lot of loyalty. Use Countdowns That Build Excitement You don’t have to be a big-box brand to create anticipation. Try a countdown to shipping deadlines, holiday bundles, in-store specials, or even a “12 days of local shopping” series. It keeps you top-of-mind and gives your audience a reason to come back tomorrow. Spotlight the Customers Who Keep You Going Feature a shopper of the week, share a heartwarming review, or highlight a longtime supporter. Even better, ask customers to tag you so you can repost. These little spotlights do two things: they show gratitude and they hint to others that they could be featured next. You don’t have to be in retail to participate in this for the holidays. One veterinarian decided to post a picture of the “Pet of the Month” in the lobby and now all their clients want to know how they can get their pet featured. Say a Genuine Thank You—And Say it Often In the holiday rush, people crave sincerity. A quick post thanking your community for shopping local makes a bigger impact than you think. Gratitude reminds people they’re participating in something meaningful, not just making a purchase. When people buy from you, don’t just thank them. Go a step further and tell them why it means so much to you. A couple of extra words can make them feel like hometown heroes. Additionally, if you had someone who just bought a lot from you (or someone who buys on a regular basis), send a handwritten card offering a discount. It doesn’t even have to be large ( or it could be based on another purchase, like a “buy one, get X% off the second one”). It’s much easier to get a past customer to buy again than a new customer. Repurpose Your Content Across Platforms You don’t have to reinvent anything. A behind-the-scenes video becomes a Reel, which becomes three photos for Facebook and a carousel post, which becomes a still image for your Google Business profile. A customer spotlight or Google review can double as a testimonial on your website. Make your content work harder for you. Share Small, Helpful Reminders Post your hours, gift ideas, top sellers, or last-minute stocking stuffers. Highlight easy wins like “order online, pick up in store,” or “gift cards available.” These practical posts reduce friction and help customers make quick decisions. Ever wonder why candy is right next to every cash register? It’s an easy impulse buy. When you make suggestions or bundle products for ease and value, it helps your customers take quick action. After all, as much as we all love the holidays, they’re a lot of work and any help we can get from others to lessen decision fatigue makes our lives easier. Lean into Community Connection When you’re local, you have something bigger than any national chain: roots. Celebrate other small businesses, share local events, or partner with a neighbor for a cross-promo. Customers love seeing small businesses support one another. Spur on Impulse Buys There are some things people always need more of during the holidays. If you operate that sort of business, consider a “secret” bonus offer that is revealed at the register and they have only minutes to decide. This worked well at a winery. When customers purchased one or more bottles, they had the opportunity to buy additional bottles in that transaction for 20% off. It was a great way to incentivize people to make a quick decision on something they knew they would use ( or could give as gifts or hostess presents). Close With Consistency, Not Perfection You don’t need a massive campaign to stay connected this month. You just need regular touchpoints that feel personal and true to who you are. Show up consistently, give people something to smile about, and remind your audience why shopping small matters—not just on Small Business Saturday, but every day this season and beyond. If you keep customers feeling included, appreciated, and excited, you won’t just ride out the holiday craziness. You’ll turn this month into momentum for the new year. -------------------------- Read More: Building a Fanatical Following with Email How Real Stories are Boosting Business Sales How to Win Over Customers with Emotional Marketing

If you have repeat customers, you already have the foundation of something powerful: a community. You just need to ensure they understand that. Not a punch-card club. Not just “regulars.” A real group of people who feel connected to you, your team, and each other. Community is what keeps people choosing you even when a cheaper, closer, or flashier option pops up. It is also a lot more fun than chasing new customers all the time. Here is how to turn those repeat visits into a community that loves coming back. Shift from Transactions to Relationships Most businesses stop at “Thank you, have a great day.” Community starts when you get curious. Ask yourself: · Do I know anything about the people who come back again and again? · Would I recognize them outside the business? · Do they feel like guests, or like familiar faces? You do not have to become everyone’s best friend. But a small shift in how you see them changes everything. When you view repeat customers as “our people,” you naturally look for ways to take care of them, remember them, and connect them. That is the beginning of community. Learn Names, Then Learn Stories One of the simplest, highest-ROI moves you and your staff can make is learning names and using them. “Hey, good to see you again” is nice. “Hey, Maria, how did your event go last weekend?” is loyalty. You can make a quick note after a conversation in your POS system or a notebook behind the counter. Capture just a few details: kids’ names, pets, big projects, favorite order. Train your team to glance at those notes before serving someone. You are not being intrusive. You are being attentive. In a world where most people feel invisible, that level of care is rare. Over time, you will know who just started a business, who is new in town, who is training for a race, who is caring for a parent. That is how your space stops feeling generic and starts feeling like “their place.” Create Simple Rituals People Can Join Community loves a shared ritual. This does not have to be complicated or expensive. Think about small traditions, such as a “regulars’ hour” once a week where you test new items, a wall of fame for long-time customers or milestone purchases, or a daily question on a chalkboard that everyone can answer. Rituals give people a reason to come back and something to talk about. When someone says, “On Fridays they always…” that is community behavior. You have given them a story to tell. Start a Club That Gives People a Reason to Return One of the strongest ways to turn repeat customers into a true community is to create a recurring club that meets at your business. The club should fit your brand and your customers’ interests. For example: · A bookstore or café could host a monthly book club or writers group. · A yarn, craft, or gift shop might host a weekly knitting circle or “maker morning.” · A fitness studio could run a “goals group” that meets once a month for coffee and conversation. · A wine bar could host a “Wednesday Tasting Club” where members try a new flight together. Keep it simple: 1. Choose a consistent day and time. 2. Give the club a name so it feels special. 3. Offer a small perk for participants, such as a discount, early access to products, or a reserved table. Over time, the club becomes a steady heartbeat in your business. People come not only for what you sell, but for the friends they know they will see there. Turn Repeat Customers Into Insiders People do not just want to buy from you. They want to feel in on it. Treat your regulars as insiders, not just transactions. You might give them early access to new products or menus, “first to know” messages about special items or events, or a quick behind-the-scenes look at what you are working on next. Ask for their input: “We are thinking about adding X. What do you think?” “We have two logo options for this new product. Which one would you pick?” When customers feel like insiders, three things happen: they show up more often, they bring people with them, and they defend you when someone criticizes you online. Make Your Space a Place to Connect Community is not just between you and your customers. It is also between your customers and each other. Look for small ways to help that along. Arrange seating so people can sit, not just stand in a line staring at their phones. Host tiny, low-pressure events: coffee tastings, lunchtime learning sessions, local maker pop ups, or “meet the owner” Q&As. When it feels natural, introduce people: “You two are both new business owners on this street, you should meet.” “You both come in after the school run. Have you met?” You are not planning a conference. You are creating moments where conversation is possible. Those moments are what people remember. Share Their Stories, Not Just Your Promotions If every post or email is “Here is what we are selling,” your marketing will always feel like noise. Community-building content looks different. You highlight customer stories and shared moments. You might feature short spotlights of regulars, with a photo and a quote about why they come in. You can show customers enjoying your space (with permission, of course), or share stories of how your customers support one another, like referrals or collaborations that started at your business. This makes featured customers feel seen and signals to everyone else, “People like you belong here.” Suddenly your brand is about more than what is on the shelves or the menu. It’s about who gathers around them. Build Light Systems So It Survives Busy Season Community sounds warm and fuzzy, but it works best with a little structure behind it. To keep it going even when you get swamped, create a simple “regulars” tag in your POS or email system. Add a short team habit, such as “two genuine conversations per shift” or “ask one follow-up question of a regular each day.” Once a month, review who you are seeing a lot and who you have not seen in a while. You do not need a complicated points program. You need a repeatable way to notice, remember, and appreciate the people who show up. The Quiet Advantage of Being “Their Place” When customers feel like they are part of a community at your business, a few things shift quietly in your favor. They are more patient when something goes wrong. They choose you even when a big chain runs a sale. They tell people about you without being asked. In a world where so many experiences feel rushed and anonymous, being the business that remembers their name, knows their story, invites them into clubs and rituals, and connects them to others is not just nice. It is a serious competitive advantage. You are not just building foot traffic and revenue. You are building a small, loyal neighborhood around your business, one repeat customer at a time, and that feels really good for everyone involved. Read More: 5 Customer-Focused Strategies to Build Loyalty and Drive Growth Hospitality is the Hidden Edge: Why Emotional Connection Drives Customer Loyalty Winning Back Lost Customers: Smart Strategies to Reignite Trust and Revenue -------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

Even with concerns about the economy being on every newscaster’s lead story, the holidays haven’t been cancelled. Your customers are still planning to celebrate. The question is not “Will they spend?” It is “Where, how, and with whom?” Here is the good news: national forecasts say 2025 holiday retail sales are expected to top 1 trillion dollars for the first time, with overall growth around 3.7% to 4.2% over last year. Online spending alone is projected to hit roughly $253 billion , up more than 5% from 2024. Here is the tension: despite those industry predictions, individual shoppers say they plan to cut their own holiday spending by about 10%, mostly because of higher everyday costs. They still want to honor traditions, but they are trimming extras and searching for real value in every dollar. While it may not always feel like it, there is plenty of money moving through the season. But it won’t land with businesses that look generic or transactional. It will go to the places that feel worth it. So what can you do to be recognized as one of “those places”?  You need to show value and create memorable experiences to attract your community’s dollars right back into local storefronts. You can do this by: 1. Sell Solutions, Not “Stuff” When people feel financially tight, they become laser-focused on solving gift-giving challenges. Reframe your offers around that instinct. Create named bundles that solve a specific holiday headache “Holiday Hosting Rescue Kit,” “Teacher Gift in a Bag,” “Self-Care Sunday Set,” “New Year Refresh Box.” Put everything they need together, price it clearly, and show the “compare if you bought separately” value. Build “good / better / best” options Give three price points for your most popular services or gift sets so people can stay on budget without walking away altogether. Put the value in writing Use shelf talkers, cards, or social posts to explain why something is a smart buy: durability, local sourcing, free refills, included follow-up, or time saved. Make the math visible. 2. Turn Your Space into a Mini Holiday Experience If customers can get the same item online, your edge is the experience. It does not have to be expensive or elaborate to be memorable. Try a few of these: “Five-Minute Reset” station Offer a quick chair massage, essential oil hand rub, hot cider sample, skincare mini consult, or stretching corner. Market it as “your five-minute break from the chaos” to draw them in. Wrapping or personalization bar Offer free or low-cost gift wrapping, hand-lettered tags, simple engraving, or custom notes. Offer an upsell with festive ornaments and ribbon on the packages. Partner with another local creative if you do not have staff capacity. Micro events that do not overwhelm your team Think 60–90 minute happenings: · “Bring Your List” shopping night with one-on-one gift suggestions · “Ask the Expert” Q&A for holiday makeup, tech setup, or wellness · Kids craft corner so parents can shop in peace 3. Collaborate so Your Offers Feel Bigger Than Your Budget In a cautious economy, partnerships are one of your strongest tools. They expand your reach without expanding your costs. Try sharing your spotlight. Feature each other on social with quick “If you are here, also check out…” reels or posts. Tag the chamber so they can amplify. Customers see a thriving, interconnected local scene, not isolated businesses struggling alone. You can accomplish a similar boost by creating a list of your favorite holiday things in town including businesses and events you love or create a video of “Here’s where I plan on doing my holiday shopping” and share why. 4. Help Customers Feel Like Financial Grown-Ups, Not Guilty Spenders This year, people are highly aware of prices and tired of surprise bills. If you help them feel in control, they will trust you more. Promote “planned generosity,” not impulse splurging Run early “Plan Ahead & Save” weeks where shoppers who bring a list or spend over a certain amount can lock in gift-wrapping, free add-ons, or January discounts. Make it about smart planning, not scarcity panic. Offer clear, fair payment options If it fits your business, consider buy-now-pay-later, deposits on larger services, or simple payment plans. Be transparent about terms. Position it as budget-friendly, not pressure. If you can, eliminate the credit card usage upcharge that businesses are implementing today. No one feels good about paying your credit card fees, especially when they spend a lot of money. If you can’t eliminate them, remarket them. Instead of saying “there’s a 3% convenience fee for using your credit card, have the price tag reflect the credit card price and give cash users a discount. Don’t penalize people for using a card. Incentivize them to use cash. Teach tiny money wins Content is powerful here. Short posts, emails, or in-store signs like “Three gifts under $30 that still feel luxe,” or “How to build a skincare routine under $75” prove you are on your customers’ side. Don’t make customers think about value. Point it out to them. 5. Use Digital Tools to Capture Online Spend, Not Compete With It With online holiday spending expected to grow over 5%, you do not have to beat the big players. You need to meet your customers where they already scroll and shop. Make it easy to buy from you without coming in Even a simple “DM to purchase,” online invoice, or quick checkout link is better than “Call the store.” Turn experiences into content Film your “Five-Minute Reset,” passport events, or behind-the-scenes prep for short reels. Show your inventory on a reel. Add clear “Here is how to get this” instructions in the caption. Feature value loud and clear Pin posts that show your bundles, your warranties or guarantees, your local impact, and your limited-time perks. People are scrolling quickly. Make the “why you” obvious. Don’t worry about a gloomy economy. It won’t cancel the holidays but it does force you to be sharper, more creative, and more community-minded. If you can show value, design small but meaningful experiences, and work together, your business will not just survive the season. It will become part of how your neighbors remember it.

If you’re a busy professional, “keeping up with tech” can feel like a second full-time job you did not apply for. New tools launch daily. Your inbox is full of “game-changing” software. Meanwhile, you still have customers to serve, a team to lead, and probably at least 47 open browser tabs. Right? While there’s enormous pressure to keep up with innovation these days (it’ll make you more efficient), you can’t be on top of everything. And you don’t need to be. You just need a simple system that keeps you informed about the right things, so you can make smart, confident decisions to reach maximum efficiency without losing your mind (or your evenings). Start by Shrinking What “Tech” Means “Tech” is a massive category. If you treat all of it as equally important, you will burn out and do nothing. Instead, filter what you pay attention to through three questions: Will this help me grow revenue? Things that fall into this category include: better customer relationship tools, email marketing, online booking, e-commerce, paid ads, social scheduling. Will this save time or reduce friction? Things that fall into this category include: automation, project management, AI assistants, e-signatures, online forms, scheduling apps. Will this reduce risk? Things that fall into this category include: cybersecurity basics, password managers, backup systems, compliance tools. If a new technology does not hit at least one of those, it goes into the “interesting, but not for me right now” pile. You acknowledge it, you do not adopt it. Build a Tiny “Tech Intel” Ritual Keeping up with tech should not be an endless scroll. Otherwise, it becomes much like the empty promises you make to yourself of “one more reel, then back to work.” Treat it like you would your financials or strategy. Give it a container. Once a week, block out fifteen minutes on your calendar and label it “Tech Check In.” That becomes your standing appointment to look up, not just grind through. During that time, you are not randomly Googling. You are returning to a small set of trusted sources you have already chosen. Which brings us to your next move. Making the most of your time means having the learning materials at your disposal when you’re ready to review them. But ensure you keep this appointment with yourself. Otherwise, things stack up and you end up deleting them and not learning anything. Let a Few Smart People Review Things for You You do not need to read everything. You need to follow a few people who already do. Pick two or three “filters” you like, such as a newsletter that reviews tools for small businesses or your specific industry, a YouTube channel that breaks down tools and trends in simple language, or a podcast that recaps what actually matters each week. The humans behind these channels are doing the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Your job is not to chase every link they share. Your job is to skim their summaries and ask a simple question: Could this help our revenue, our time, or our risk in the next 6 to 12 months? Again, schedule the time to actually read or listen. Subscribing is not the same as using it. During your Tech Check In, spend those fifteen minutes with their recap instead of random scrolling. Find a “Guru” Who Speaks Your Language It also helps to have one or two “gurus” you follow consistently. Not the loudest tech celebrity shouting about the future, but someone who translates tools for real-world businesses. Look for people who work with companies roughly your size, explain things in plain language, focus on outcomes and use cases (not just features), and share honest pros and cons instead of hype. You can find them by asking peers who they follow, noticing which experts show up again and again on business podcasts you like, or searching phrases like “small business tech review,” “tools for [your industry],” or “non techie tech tips.” When you find a voice that feels grounded and practical, stick with them. Consistency beats chasing a new expert every month. Let AI Be Your Research Assistant You do not have to read every two-thousand-word review to get the point. This is where AI can quietly make your life easier. You can copy an article into an AI tool and ask it to summarize the key takeaways for a small business owner and flag any obvious risks. You can paste a software homepage and ask what the product actually does, who it is best for, and whether it is overkill for a business with fewer than twenty employees. You can ask for a simple comparison between two tools you are considering. You can even create your own GPT that you train on your business and talk to it about how those products may or may not be a good fit for you. The goal is not to become a technician or a tech consultant. Instead, you want to quickly understand whether something is worth a deeper look. Use Your Network as a Shortcut You are not the only one trying to sort this out. Other people are already testing things. Borrow that. At your next networking event, ask one question that cuts to the chase: “Is there any app or software you started using this year that you now swear by?” Inside your own organization, invite more tech-comfortable team members to do short “show and tell” sessions. Ten minutes, one tool, one way it saves them time. And do not forget your chamber. Many already host tech focused webinars, workshops, or lunch-and-learns that are curated for small businesses. That curation is half the value. Experiment. Do Not Overhaul Everything. The fastest way to stall on technology is to decide you need a giant digital transformation before you do anything. You do not. You need small, low-risk experiments. Start with a single problem: missed appointments, slow invoicing, messy lead follow up, repetitive manual tasks. Choose one tool that might help, ideally with a free trial or month-to-month plan. Decide what success would look like. Fewer no-shows. Faster payment. Less time spent on a tedious process. Run a 30-to-90-day test with one team or one process, then choose to keep it, switch it, or drop it. That is it. No epic overhaul. Just repeated, thoughtful experiments. Park the Shiny Objects on a “Not Now” List You will see plenty of tools that look cool but are not right for this season in your business. Instead of feeling guilty for not jumping in, create a simple “Not Now” list. It can be a note in your phone or on Notion (it’s a cool app), a page in your planner, or a shared document. Any time you hear about something promising that is not urgent, park it there with a short note like “future CRM upgrade” or “AI chatbot to explore next year.” When you plan your quarterly or annual priorities, you can revisit that list and choose one or two to evaluate. You are not saying “never.” You are saying “not right this minute.” You Are Aiming for Literacy, Not Perfection You are not trying to become a tech expert. You are becoming a tech-literate decision maker . That looks like this: You understand, at a high level, what matters and what does not. You stay curious in small, consistent doses. You test tools in bite-sized ways. You keep the focus on how technology supports people, not the other way around. If you put even a light system around how you track and test new tools, you will be far ahead of businesses that only react when a trend goes viral. You do not need every new app. You need the right few that make your work smoother, your customers happier, and your business more resilient. That is what “keeping up with tech” looks like when you have an actual life. Read More: 15 Tech Tools to Elevate Your Work-Life Balance How to Make Time for Innovation Maximizing Efficiency: Tools and Techniques to Boost Team Productivity ----------------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

You already know this but you will never out-doorbuster the big box stores. You are not supposed to. Your power is not in pallets of TVs sold near cost to get people in the door. It is in how people feel when they walk through your door. If you lean into experience, Black Friday can shift from “we cannot compete” to “we own this lane.” Here’s how: 6 Ways to Win at Black Friday 1. Position Your Business as the Calm in the Chaos Black Friday is loud, crowded, and a little unhinged. Use that to your advantage by being the opposite. Think of your business as a holiday oasis. Ideas you can try: Quiet Hours Shopping. Offer “calm hours” in the early morning or later evening with softer lighting, relaxed music, and a limited number of shoppers by RSVP. This is an ideal way to stand out. Cozy Comfort Station. Set up a hydration and warmth bar. Think hot cocoa, tea, cucumber water, and maybe a simple snack. You are literally refueling tired shoppers. Phone Drop Zone. Create a “scroll break” basket where people can put their phones while they browse. Add a small sign: “You will not find peace in your notifications. Try here instead.” You become the place where shoulders drop and breathing slows. That alone is a competitive edge. 2. Make Black Friday Feel VIP, Not Bargain Bin People love to feel like insiders. Use that instinct. Ideas to elevate the day: By-Appointment Shopping. Offer 30-minute mini appointments for styling, gifting help, or product demos. Shoppers leave with decisions made and gifts checked off. First Look Access. Give your email list, top customers, or loyalty members early access to your best bundles or limited items. Frame it as a thank you, not a gimmick. “Done and Dusted” Gift Packages. Curate grab and go gift sets for specific people: “Teacher TLC,” “Hostess Hero,” “Self-Care Sunday,” “Office Secret Santa.” The value is not only in the items. It is in the decision fatigue you remove. You are not trying to be the cheapest. You are trying to be the easiest and the most thoughtful. 3. Turn Shopping into a Memory, Not a Chore If the big box experience feels like a stampede, yours can feel like a respite. Add small, memorable touches: Gratitude Wall. Invite customers to write what they are grateful for on tags or sticky notes and hang them on a wall or tree. It creates a moment of reflection and looks great on social. Photo Moments. Set up a simple photo nook. A decorated chair, a small backdrop, a “We survived Black Friday together” sign. Offer to take photos for customers on their phones. Word of Mouth Marvels. Ideally, word of mouth testimonials will come from customers in the form of reviews or social posts. But you can also use the help of your employees. Help customers feel more confident about their purchases by telling them things like, “That’s one of our biggest sellers” or “I bought that for my son’s teacher and she loved it.” These short employee-led testimonials work in-person and even as physical signs near a popular product or service. If you’re not a believer, check out how Amazon designates some of its products as “Amazon’s Choice.” 4. Create Sensory Experiences That Match Your Brand Use all five senses to stand out. Sight. Make your best bundles and gift solutions front and center. Use clear signage like “Gifts under $25” or “Perfect for the person who has everything.” Sound. Choose a playlist that fits your brand. Calm acoustic, jazzy holiday, or upbeat pop. Just be deliberate. Smell. A subtle holiday scent can make your store feel warm and inviting. Candles, diffusers, or even a simmer pot if it is safe. Taste. If allowed, offer small sips or bites. Think sample cocoa, infused water, or a local treat. Touch. Invite people to try, test, feel, and flip through. Hands-on experiences make products more real and more likely to be purchased. You want people to feel like they have stepped into a curated world, not just another errand. 5. Partner with Other Local Businesses You do not have to do Black Friday alone. Collaboration makes everything bigger without blowing your budget. Ideas: Oasis Trail. Partner with nearby businesses to create a “Holiday Sanity Route.” Each shop offers a comfort element or mini perk. Share a simple map online and in print. Shared Experiences. Host a pop-up inside your store featuring a local baker, maker, or artist. It brings their audience to you and gives your customers something extra to enjoy. This is how you turn one good experience into a whole neighborhood story. 6. Communicate Clearly and Early A great experience still needs promotion. Share your Black Friday “experience menu” on social media, your website, and via email. Focus the message on how people will feel. Less “10 percent off.” More “Skip the chaos and actually enjoy your holiday shopping.” Let your chamber know what you’re doing. They may share it in their newsletters or social feeds and send more people your way. If you can make Black Friday feel human, calm, and a little bit magical, you will not just survive it. You will stand out from all the noise and become a place people seek out year after year. They’ll feel like you understand their needs. You don’t want to compete in the race to the bottom on price. You are competing in something much more powerful: the memory of how your business made people feel in the middle of holiday madness.  Read More: Last-Minute Black Friday Promo Ideas Meeting Customer Needs: Inexpensive Sensory-Friendly Ideas for the Holiday Season Tips for Reaching Holiday Shoppers This Small Business Season Unwrap the Magic: Using Nostalgia to Boost Holiday Sales ------------ Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith