How to Get Unstuck in Your Small Business

September 16, 2024

If you’re a business owner or feel responsible for a business (regardless of your actual job title), it’s not unusual to feel stuck. No, I’m not talking about the golden handcuff-kind-of-stuck where because of the cost of living, you can’t get off the work treadmill. I’m talking about feeling stuck from a mental perspective—completely uninspired.


Like the business version of writer’s block, when you’re stuck, you’re not feeling creative, and your business is paying the price for it. Yes, the simple answer to when you feel this way is to take some time off—a vacation or, if you’re able, a sabbatical.


But that’s simply not feasible for many of us.


So, what do you do to bring back that loving feeling? To feel the excitement you used to feel about your business? To see things from a new perspective again?


You must first recognize that there is a problem and then you need to shake things up.


6 Ways to Get Unstuck

These creative approaches to getting past business boredom may not all work for you. They’re not designed to. This isn’t a step-by-step list.


Consider how you might loosen a knob that’s stuck or a car that’s trapped in the mud or snow. You start off applying consistent pressure. When that doesn’t work, you shift to spurts of momentum and exaggerated force. And in the case of getting a car out of the muck, it’s often the rocking (the rhythmic application of force followed by a rest that creates rocking) that frees it.


Your mind (and outlook on your business) likely needs a little on/off switch, which can be accomplished by doing something different. If any of the following are part of your daily practice, skip over that idea or do it in a new way. Psychologists refer to this as Divergent Thinking.


1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation 

Engaging in mindfulness practices can help you improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance decision-making abilities. Regular meditation fosters a clearer mindset, allowing for better management of daily challenges and long-term strategic planning. With less stress, you may feel invigorated again.


2. Engage in Cross-Disciplinary Learning 

Exploring subjects outside of one's industry can spark creativity and innovation. For instance, a tech entrepreneur might benefit from studying art or philosophy, which can provide fresh perspectives and inspire new ideas applicable to their business.


Cross-disciplinary learning isn’t hard, expensive, or time-consuming. Read a book, listen to an audiobook, subscribe to a newsletter in an area you know little about, join Blinkist to have access to thousands of book synopsis (like Clift Notes for adults), sit with an employee and ask them to teach you something—professional or about an interest they have. Learning something new can give you a fresh perspective.


Next, try to find correlations in the learning you’re doing. How do these seemingly random lessons fit into what you normally enjoy or pursue?


3. Seek Out Mentorship and Reverse Mentorship 

While traditional mentorship is valuable, reverse mentorship—where younger or less experienced individuals provide insights to seasoned professionals—can offer new viewpoints on emerging trends, technologies, or even language (ever try to have a casual conversation with a Gen Zer? They use a completely different dictionary). This reciprocal learning can enrich your understanding of your market and customer base.


Check with your chamber. They may have a mentorship program or might be able to match you with someone who can expand your understanding in a new area of interest. If you don’t have time to invest in a new mentor/mentee relationship, attend one of the Lunch & Learns in a subject you would never have thought of attending before.


Again, look for correlations between what you’ve learned and how you might use it in your business or life.


4. Participate in Community Service or Volunteering 

Engaging in community service can enhance leadership skills and empathy, which are crucial for effective management. It also allows you to build networks and understand community needs. If you don’t have an interest in a cause, talk to your chamber. They’d be glad to put you to work.


5. Use a Swipe File or mymind

Ever stumble across something that interests you, but you don’t have the time to pursue it? Well, that time is now. Take out whatever notes you’ve taken or swipe file you’ve kept and pursue something on your bucket list. If you don’t have a swipe file or bucket list, create one and start adding to it.


I use mymind because it keeps a beautiful visual representation of books I’m interested in, website articles I want to read, movies I want to watch, etc. Prior to the app, I was using my notes function on my phone but it’s harder for me to find the snippets I wanted to save on there. (My notes are extensive so I needed a better solution.)


If you’re always finding articles on the web that you don’t have time to read, try Pocket to save them for later. Pocket will also make suggestions on content to check out based on your interests.


6. Experiment with Personal Projects 

Undertaking personal projects unrelated to your business can foster creativity and innovation. These projects allow for risk-taking in a low-stakes environment, encouraging problem-solving and adaptability that can translate back into the business realm. They can also reduce stress, help you meet new people, and teach you the value of patience. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even uncover a new love or revenue stream!



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Christina Metcalf is a writer/ghostwriter 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 loves road trips, hates exclamation points, and is always taking notes on interesting tidbits.

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Medium: @christinametcalf

Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking

Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

The Smarter Way to Grow Customer Value

April 15, 2025
Growth isn't about getting more leads—it's about making more of the customers you have. Alex Hormozi's Four R's—Retain, Review, Refer, Resell—focus on post-purchase impact. Traditional marketing builds attention. Hormozi's model builds revenue. Combine both strategies for stronger loyalty, social proof and long-term profitability. Focus on what happens after the sale—it’s where the real growth begins. 623 words ~ 3 min. read You’re working harder than ever to win new customers—but revenue still feels flat. The problem isn’t reach. It’s what happens after the sale. That’s the insight behind entrepreneur and author Alex Hormozi’s approach to business growth. While traditional marketing focuses on building awareness and brand image through the classic Four R’s— Reach, Reputation, Renew and Refer —Hormozi shifts the focus to what drives real revenue: Retain, Review, Refer, Resell. Don’t Just Fill the Funnel—Squeeze It Traditional marketing strategies are built to attract leads. They’re critical, especially for new or growing businesses. But without a strong back end, you’re pouring new leads into a leaky funnel. Hormozi’s model aims to fix the leak and turn one-time buyers into long-term profit centers. Here’s how each step works: Retain: Loyalty Is the Real Growth Hack Customer retention is one of the most reliable ways to increase profitability. A Harvard Business Review study found that improving retention by just 5% can boost profits by up to 95%. Businesses often overinvest in attracting new customers while underinvesting in the ones they already have. Retention means strengthening relationships and solving problems before they cause churn. Review: Let Your Customers Sell for You Social proof sells. According to BrightLocal, 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses. Reviews build trust, shorten sales cycles and improve conversion rates. Hormozi’s advice? Make it easy for customers to leave reviews, and make sure those reviews are visible. Refer: Turn Fans Into a Growth Engine Referral programs aren’t new—but most aren’t executed well. A structured, incentivized referral system brings in leads who already trust your brand. Referred customers typically convert faster and stay longer, making them more profitable over time. Resell: Serve More, Sell More It’s easier to sell to an existing customer than to a new one. Yet many businesses stop after the first transaction. Hormozi emphasizes the importance of upselling, cross-selling and solving additional customer needs. Your warmest leads are already in your pipeline—keep serving them. A Real-World Example Consider a local fitness studio. Instead of spending thousands each month on paid ads, they focused on automating reviews and rewarding referrals. Six months later, their revenue had doubled without increasing lead volume. The secret? Maximizing the value of their existing customer base. Combine the Old and the New This isn’t about ditching traditional marketing—it’s about completing the strategy. Use Reach and Reputation to build awareness, then activate Hormozi’s Retain-Review-Refer-Resell loop to drive repeat value. Here’s a quick comparison: Marketing R's: Reach → Reputation → Renew → Refer Growth R's: Retain → Review → Refer → Resell Together, these models form a full-circle approach: Attract, deliver, retain, and expand. Try This: One R at a Time This week, choose one of the Four R’s and put it into practice. Start with Retain: What would make your best customers stay three months longer? Growth doesn’t just come from new eyes—it comes from deeper relationships. It’s time to stop chasing leads and start growing value.  --- 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.

How to Turn Small Talk Into Big Opportunities

April 15, 2025
Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial–a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery. It's about forging genuine connections that can blossom into leads, partnerships, and lasting relationships. It's about making those precious few seconds count, not just for what you say, but for how you make the other person feel. What most people get wrong in their elevator pitch is that they make it sound like a commercial and all about them, when it should be about your audience. Forget the rigid templates and the pressure to cram every detail into a thirty-second spiel. This isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about initiating a conversation. The key lies in shifting your focus from simply explaining your business to creating a spark of interest and establishing a human connection. If you take nothing else from this article know that: the pitch must ignite interest The Psychology of Connection in Brief Interactions Humans are wired for connection. Even in brief encounters, we subconsciously seek common ground, shared values, and genuine interest. Your elevator pitch should tap into this innate desire. Instead of launching into a list of features and benefits, start with a relatable problem you solve or a shared passion that drives your business. Think about your ideal client or contact. What are their pain points? What are their aspirations? Craft an opening that acknowledges their world and subtly positions your business as a potential solution or a valuable resource. This approach immediately makes the interaction less transactional and more empathetic. Storytelling Elements That Resonate While quick is crucial, weaving in a concise narrative “elevates” your pitch. Instead of saying, “We offer marketing solutions,” try something like, “I help small business owners who are overwhelmed by social media finally find a consistent way to connect with their customers and grow their brand. I saw my own sister struggle with this, and that’s why I started [Business Name].” This personal touch and the hint of a story make your pitch more memorable and relatable. Focus on the why behind your business. What motivates you? What impact do you hope to make? Sharing a sliver of your passion can create an emotional resonance that facts and figures alone can't achieve. Tailoring Pitches to Different Personality Types Not everyone responds to the same approach. Observe the person you're speaking with. Are they direct and results-oriented? Focus on the tangible benefits and your track record. Are they more relationship-focused? Emphasize collaboration and shared values. Having a few variations of your pitch allows you to adapt to different personalities and contexts. Practice delivering each version so it feels natural and authentic, rather than forced. The Importance of Active Listening Post Delivery Your elevator pitch isn't a monologue; it's the opening line of a potential dialogue. Pay close attention to the other person's reaction. Are they asking questions? Are they nodding in understanding? Are they looking over your shoulder to be bailed out of the conversation the moment they see someone they know? Use their cues to guide the conversation. Be prepared to elaborate on specific points that pique their interest. This shows you're genuinely engaged and interested in their needs, not just delivering a pre-rehearsed script. A thoughtful question in return can further deepen the connection and open doors for future interaction. Ultimately, a successful elevator pitch is less about perfection and more about authenticity. It's about conveying your passion, highlighting your value, and making a genuine connection in a short amount of time. By focusing on building rapport and leaving a lasting impression, you transform a brief encounter into a potential steppingstone for long-term growth and meaningful relationships. So, ditch the robotic recitation and embrace the art of the connection – and your pitch will get you all the way to the top floor. ------------ 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

AI Isn’t Replacing SEO—It’s Redefining It

April 7, 2025
Google's AI-generated search summaries shift SEO from rankings to relevance. Local businesses must prioritize clarity, context, and authority in their content. Structured data, featured snippets, and site experience now influence AI visibility. Building topical depth helps businesses become the trusted source AI turns to. Winning SEO in 2025 means answering questions—not just attracting clicks. 581 words ~ 3 min read The SEO landscape is changing—and fast. But contrary to what you may have heard, SEO isn’t dead. It’s getting smarter, thanks to AI. Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) is a prime example. Instead of simply listing websites, Google now displays AI-generated summaries in response to user queries. These summaries pull from what the algorithm sees as the most trustworthy and relevant content—and that means your business needs to think differently about how it shows up online. This evolution is especially important for local businesses . A potential customer may never scroll down to your link if Google’s AI answers their question up top. But if your content is included in that summary? You’re not just visible—you’re the answer. What’s Changing?  Traditional SEO focused on keywords, backlinks, and meta tags. Today, search engines use AI to understand intent , not just terms. That means creating human-first content that clearly answers questions, reflects authority, and builds trust. Instead of writing for algorithms, businesses now need to write for clarity. AI doesn’t reward keyword stuffing—it elevates content that solves problems. Think of it this way: SEO used to be about getting found. Now, it’s about being useful. Case in Point A local HVAC company in Texas revamped its FAQ and service pages to clearly address customer pain points like “Why is my AC leaking?” and “How fast can you repair an AC unit in summer?” They added schema markup and structured headers. Within weeks, their content began appearing in AI-generated summaries. Bookings rose 22%—and their brand authority grew along with it. Your AI-Ready SEO Checklist Here are four moves your business can make today: Optimize for Featured Snippets Structure your content to answer common customer questions clearly and concisely. Use headers, lists, and direct answers. Build Topical Authority Group your content into clusters—blogs, FAQs, videos—that cover a topic deeply. This signals to AI that your site is a credible source. Enhance User Experience Fast load times, mobile optimization, and easy navigation aren’t just good UX—they’re now ranking signals. Use Structured Data (Schema Markup) Help search engines understand your content. Schema tags tell AI what your page is about—and how it fits user intent. Why This Matters for Your Business AI is changing the way customers find and choose businesses. If your content isn’t being surfaced in AI summaries, you risk losing visibility—even if your site ranks on page one. But this isn’t a threat. It’s an opportunity. Businesses that provide clear, trustworthy answers to common questions will not only stay visible—they’ll become the go-to experts in their space. And for Chamber members , this shift is a competitive edge. Most small businesses aren’t yet adapting to AI-driven search. By moving early, you stand out. What to Do Now ✅ Review your website’s top-performing pages. ✅ Ask: Do they clearly answer your customers’ most common questions? ✅ If not, update them with clarity, structure, and supporting content. ✅ Add schema markup where possible. ✅ Improve mobile speed and user experience SEO isn’t just about being found. It’s about being trusted. In the AI era, businesses that earn that trust—through clear, quality content—will lead the way. --- 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.