Maximizing Momentum From Small Business Season

December 18, 2023

Movie franchises, sequels, and prequels are all the rage in Hollywood these days—and for good reason. They make money. They’re a known commodity. If you’re an entrepreneur who’s thinking about launching a second business, a spin-off can be wildly popular. Before you decide to go after a brand-new market, consider the opportunities you might have with your existing audience.

 

There’s no better time to do this than during Small Business Season. Keep reading to understand how you can use your current business as a springboard to launch a new, exciting venture.

 

Launching a Spin-off Business During Small Business Season

First, we’re not telling you to launch the spin-off during the remaining weeks left in the year. There’s too much to do. But we are suggesting you look at some of the data and actions of your target market now that could help you shape a spin-off in the coming year. If you do, by this time next year you could be sitting on a very lucrative undertaking.

 

Identify Opportunities

Before diving into the spin-off venture, it's crucial to identify opportunities that align with your current business. Assess market trends, customer needs, and emerging technologies to pinpoint areas where your expertise can be leveraged for maximum impact. Look for gaps in the market or areas where your unique strengths can be a game-changer.

 

Small Business Season tip: If you’re a brick-and-mortar business, pay attention to the bags and cups people are carrying when they enter your place. What do they have in common and what do those places sell? Your target market is buying from them. Take notice.

 

Another good idea is to look for trends in your business as to what products or services are bought together, what questions are asked at checkout, and what items are returned. This data also reveals hidden desires and purchasing patterns.

 

Leverage Existing Resources

One of the key advantages of launching a spin-off business is the ability to leverage existing resources. Utilize the knowledge, infrastructure, and customer base you've built with your current business to give your new venture a head start. This not only reduces startup costs but also accelerates the growth of the spin-off.

 

Small Business Season tip: if you already know what you want to sell in your new undertaking, provide a sample in your current business and share those with buyers and/or visitors. You can also charge for items as a trial run. For instance, if you own a bookstore, and you’re thinking about creating a coffee shop nook, give away a few samples or do a poll on your audience’s favorite types of coffee drinks. Note: if you decide to sell something, be careful you’re not breaking any laws about food and beverage sales and licenses in your area.

 

Ask Your Audience:

Let the proverbial cat out of the bag and tell people (in store, on your website, and those following you on social) what you’re considering. Ask them what they think.

 

Small Business Season tip: Create an interactive display of 1-3 things you’re thinking about for a new business. Create voting boxes and let customers have a say as to which idea they like best. You can also give them a little something for their opinion. For instance, if you’re trying to decide between launching a coffee business, bookstore, or wine bar, and you have a brick-and-mortar store front, buy 3 types of stickers. Explain to each customer that the stickers are a vote for a new type of business and encourage them to “cast their vote” by taking a sticker. At the end of the day, see which category has the least number of stickers left.

 

Listen:

What questions do you get asked most frequently regarding your offerings? What are people asking for that you don’t sell? Consider how you might meet those needs in the future.

 

Small Business Season tip: when the next person asks you if you carry an item that you don’t, make a note of it. If you get several of the same request, this is a good indication that your customers want that item or service. It’s possible their request would fit into your current business, or you might decide to launch a side project to address their desires.

 

Also, pay attention to how customers navigate your store, what products they linger on, and what questions they ask employees. This reveals their unspoken needs and interests.

 

Consider How You Will Maintain Brand Consistency

Maintaining consistency in branding is vital when launching a spin-off. Leverage the positive reputation and brand recognition of your current business to build trust in the new venture.

 

Small Business tip: The brand for your new business doesn’t have to be the same as your existing one but there should be a close enough resemblance that you build on your other business’ recognition. After all, in a spin-off business, your target market is likely to be the same as your current one.

 

If you’re a little farther along in your business ideas, you can use Small Business Season to get people excited about your upcoming spin-off.

 

Building Buzz for Your Spin-off During Small Business Season

  1. Host product demos, sample services/items, or consultations. Listen to the conversations that happen around your stations.
  2. Set up interactive displays and feedback stations. Create product displays with touchscreens or feedback boards where customers can share their opinions and ideas.
  3. Host a "customer appreciation day." Unveil the new undertaking and invite customers to meet your team, ask questions, and share their thoughts. Let them be the first to know.

 

In-person interactions during Small Business Season offer a unique opportunity to connect with customers on a deeper level and understand their needs in a more nuanced way. By being creative and proactive, you can turn these interactions into valuable insights that drive growth and strengthen any new undertaking.

------



This article published by the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce with permission from Frank Kenney Chamber Pros Community.

Local Business Partnerships Strengthen Communities and Drive Growth

February 19, 2025
Strategic partnerships expand reach – Small businesses can attract new customers, reduce costs, and strengthen their local presence by collaborating with complementary businesses. Joint events boost visibility – Pop-up shops, community festivals, and charity partnerships create opportunities for cross-promotion and increased customer engagement. Shared marketing maximizes impact – Social media takeovers, email marketing swaps, and joint discounts help businesses reach wider audiences without increasing advertising costs. Co-working and shared spaces reduce expenses – Businesses can lower overhead costs by sharing retail locations, office spaces, or market stalls while enhancing customer experience. Success stories highlight collaboration benefits – Partnerships like breweries and food trucks or bookstores and coffee shops demonstrate how businesses can thrive together by providing complementary services. ~ 507 words / 2.5 min read Small businesses looking to expand their reach and strengthen their customer base are finding success through local collaborations. By forming strategic partnerships with other businesses and organizations, owners can tap into new audiences, reduce costs and contribute to a thriving local economy. Finding the Right Business Partner Successful collaborations often involve businesses that complement, rather than compete with each other. A coffee shop, for example, may partner with a bookstore to host book signings, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement that brings in customers for both. A fitness studio might team up with a health food store to promote wellness programs, offering discounts to each other’s customers. Leveraging Events and Promotions Local businesses can increase visibility and engagement by organizing joint events. Some popular strategies include: Pop-up shops – A bakery can be set up inside a boutique, providing shoppers with refreshments while increasing exposure for both businesses. Community festivals – Restaurants, retailers and service providers can join forces to sponsor or participate in local events, drawing in larger crowds. Charity partnerships – Businesses that collaborate with nonprofits or local organizations not only contribute to a cause but also boost customer loyalty and trust. Such initiatives create opportunities for businesses to cross-promote and introduce their brands to new audiences. Collaborating on Marketing Efforts Marketing can be a significant expense for small businesses, but shared promotional efforts help reduce costs while maximizing impact. Local businesses can work together through: Social media takeovers – Partnering businesses can feature each other on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, increasing engagement. Email marketing swaps – Businesses can promote each other in their newsletters, introducing their products and services to a wider audience. Exclusive discounts – Offering customers a deal when they visit both businesses encourages spending across multiple locations. Exploring Shared Spaces Another effective collaboration strategy involves sharing physical space to cut costs and increase visibility. Co-working environments, pop-up markets and joint retail spaces are becoming increasingly popular among small business owners. For instance, a yoga studio and a wellness clinic might share a lease, offering their clients a one-stop destination for fitness and health. Similarly, food halls that feature multiple vendors allow small restaurant owners to reach new customers without the financial burden of operating a standalone location. Success Stories in Local Collaboration One well-known example of local business partnerships is the collaboration between breweries and food trucks. Many craft breweries lack kitchen facilities, so they invite food trucks to set up outside their establishments. This arrangement brings in more customers, benefits both businesses and creates a vibrant atmosphere for patrons. Independent bookstores and coffee shops have also successfully partnered to attract customers. By allowing book lovers to enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing, both businesses see increased engagement and longer customer visits. The Bottom Line For small businesses, collaboration is more than just a marketing strategy—it’s a way to strengthen the local economy and build lasting relationships with customers. By forming strategic partnerships, hosting events and sharing marketing efforts, businesses can maximize their resources and drive mutual success. --- 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.

Stop Spinning Your Wheels and Start Seeing Results

February 17, 2025
Has this ever happened to you? A brilliant idea sparks, you meticulously plan every detail, create beautiful spreadsheets, and envision the triumphant launch. Maybe you even practice a little Law of Attraction in your meditative practices each morning. But then… . The plan sits there, gathering dust, because life has gotten busy, you’ve been plagued by self-doubt, or you moved on to the next exciting concept. Sound familiar? Or maybe you’re the opposite. Maybe you’re all about action and no planning. You’re jetting off to the next hottest thing without seeing anything ripen and produce. Many business professionals fall into this trap, leaning too heavily on either the planning or the action phase. We either over-analyze and never launch, or we jump in headfirst without a strategy and quickly burn out. So, how do we bridge the gap and turn those well-laid plans (or exuberant energy) into tangible results? Ready, Set, Go Finding the balance between planning and action is crucial for success. Too much planning leads to paralysis, while too much action leads to a game of chaotic professional ping-pong, bouncing from one thing to the next. Here's how to navigate that middle ground and start experiencing real progress: 1. Define Your "Why" and Set Clear Goals: Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, revisit the core reason behind your plan. Why is this important? What do you hope to achieve? Does it fit into what you’re already doing or is it a new undertaking altogether? If it’s new, do you aim to replace or enhance what you’re currently doing? Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation, making it easier to prioritize and stay focused. 2. Break It Down: Large, overwhelming plans are often the biggest culprits of inaction. Break your grand vision into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of "launch a new product line," think "research competitor pricing," "develop prototype," "create marketing materials." These bite-sized tasks feel less daunting and provide a sense of accomplishment as you tick them off. Building momentum is a large part of sticking with something long-term. 3. Embrace Imperfect Action: Perfection is the enemy of progress. Don't wait for everything to be flawless (or the timing to be perfect) before taking a step. Sometimes, "good enough" is better than "never done." Remember, even a small step is a step, if it aligns with your goals. That imperfect thank you note you send is better than the perfect note you never write. 4. Resist the Shiny Object Syndrome: In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get distracted by the next "big thing." Don't be a "shiny object entrepreneur." Constantly chasing fleeting trends and abandoning projects when they don't instantly go viral is a trip to Nowheresville. True success is built on consistency and perseverance. Focus on your core plan, refine it as needed, and stick with it. 5. Build Relationships, Not Transactions: Today's most successful businesses are built on strong relationships. You can't cultivate genuine connections if you're constantly flitting from one project to the next, across multiple disparate audiences, solely focused on quick wins. Invest time in building rapport with clients, partners, and even competitors. These relationships can be invaluable for support, collaboration, and long-term growth. Remember, people do business with people they know, like, and trust. 6. Review and Adjust: Your initial plan is just a starting point. Regularly review your progress, analyze what's working and what's not, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be flexible and willing to adapt. The business landscape is constantly evolving, and your plan should too. But this is where a lot of people stumble. They confuse new projects with timely adjustments. When things get rough or boring, they think innovation means a completely new undertaking. It doesn’t have to. Sometimes innovation is making changes to how you’re currently doing something and serving your market in a new way. 7. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating your accomplishments, no matter how small, is essential for maintaining momentum. It reinforces positive behavior and motivates you to keep moving forward.  8. Create Daily Habits: Following daily habits can keep you on track and accountable toward your progress. Bridging the gap between planning and action requires conscious effort and a shift in mindset. Not to mention, walking away from the idea of going viral. You still can, of course, but don’t make it your only goal. It’s too easy to get discouraged. Instead, transform your ideas into reality and achieve lasting success through these steps. ---------- 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

Embracing Imperfection to Strengthen Your Business

February 10, 2025
What do Han Solo (Star Wars et al), Walter White (Breaking Bad), and Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) have in common? They’re terribly flawed and we love them for it. Imperfection can also be a powerful asset for businesses when approached with the right mindset. So stop trying your best to be perfect and embrace imperfection as a way to connect with your customers. Here’s how: How to be Perfectly Imperfect  You’ve probably heard the adage “finished is better than perfect” or “you can’t edit a blank page.” There’s something to be said for embracing life’s imperfections, especially in business. After all, everyone can relate, and imperfections are bound to happen. So you might as well make the best of them. There’s a popular self-help book called “How to Keep House While Drowning.” It was written by a recovering overwhelmed housewife. It’s funny and terribly relatable, especially if you do most of the housework around your home. But it’s also a book about very boring things like dishes in a sink. You can use this same “common denominator” to relate with your ideal client. Relatability It's hard to identify with a perfect business or person. When someone is busy telling us how perfect they are or only showing us the perfect side of their lives, a distance between us will arise. After all, if your life is less than perfect how do you align with someone who is only showing you the sunny side? Whether it's a fictional character, your best friend, or a business, seeing flaws makes us feel like that person or entity is going through the same things we are. This relatability can be loyalty-building when it comes to business. Transparency You can also turn mistakes into opportunities by being openly honest about your shortcomings. When you acknowledge errors and demonstrate a commitment to improvement, you actually build stronger relationships with customers. In fact, 89% of people believe a business can regain their trust if it admits to a mistake and transparently outlines steps to prevent future issues. Authenticity Companies that show their human side can gain a competitive edge. For example: Domino's Pizza ran a campaign admitting their pizza had its issues , but they were addressing them. Guess what? It increased sales. Netflix publicly apologized for a pricing mistake, demonstrating accountability (and let’s not forget their Tyson debacle—again, they apologized instead of ignoring it). Coke went back to the original and admitted the change was a terrible idea. All of these companies received kudos for their honesty (and listening to customers). Fearlessness From an employee perspective, embracing imperfection can unlock creativity by removing the paralyzing fear of failure. When businesses create an environment that accepts mistakes as part of the learning process, employees feel more comfortable: - Experimenting with new ideas - Taking calculated risks - Thinking outside traditional boundaries Companies that remove the fear of failure can accomplish great innovation. Healthier Work Environment Transparency in leadership can also improve your business. When leaders acknowledge their own flaws it: - Reduces stress among employees - Increases job satisfaction - Boosts overall productivity If you’ve ever worked for a workaholic, you know their flawed views on work can be detrimental to your own. But we’re not telling you to hang all your dirty laundry out on the line for everyone to see. There is a strategy behind using imperfection to build a stronger relationship with your customers and employees. A Strategic Approach to Imperfection The key is not to aim for mediocrity, but to view imperfections as opportunities for growth. Your business is never going to be perfect; but you can be perfectly relatable. Be real, be resilient, and be ready to learn and grow. Our best relationships in life (and on the screen) are not between us and perfect people. Quite the opposite. We embrace flaws and appreciate when those around us do the same. Showing your less-than-perfect side will make you more endearing and solidify a long-term relationship between your business and your customers. ------------------------ 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
Share by: