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.