Archive for May 2025

Small Changes, Big Impact: Support Local Chamber Members This Small Business Month Let’s face it, our daily habits often run on autopilot. We grab coffee from the same place, click the same websites when we shop, and call the same service providers without a second thought. Loyalty is great but what if, just for a…

6 Digital Tools Small Businesses Can Use to Improve Customer Service These six digital tools will help you provide better service and build customer loyalty. Each customer has their preferred method of communication. Offer a few different options, such as live chat and phone support, that accommodate everyone. — Getty Images/andresr When a customer has a question…

The Essential Rules of Email Marketing for Small Businesses Elevate your strategy with promotional emails and newsletters while adhering to basic guidelines. Use these tips to plan your approach. After you encourage your customers to sign up for your email list, you can sort your subscribers into categories based on demographics and behaviors. — Getty Images/Petri Oeschger As…

19 Free Resources for Small Businesses to Leverage Year-Round Many organizations provide support and online tools for small business owners and employees. Take advantage of these free resources during Small Business Month and throughout the year. Trying to keep costs down? There are plenty of free business resources online. — Getty Images/filadendron From operations and logistics to…

Think Small, Act Big: Fun Ways to Boost Local During Small Business Month Another calendar page has come and gone and with it, we’re ushering in May and Small Business Month. There’s no better time to show some local love! Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They’re the coffee shops where we meet…

15+ Inexpensive Ways to Advertise Your Business You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable(especially with the technology available).…

How to Create and Optimize Your Google Business Profile and SEO Your Google Business Profile is a free marketing tool that can help you manage your business’s online presence. Google My Business can be a boon to local businesses if utilized correctly. — Getty Images/yongyuan Your Google Business Profile is a free tool to help you improve your local…

How to Write a Great Business Plan A business plan is a living, breathing document. We explain why you should write one and when you’ll know it’s time to update it. Some entrepreneurs assume that business plans have to be in-depth documents, but depending on your business, they can vary in complexity and length. — Getty Images/Hispanolistic…

How to Listen to Your Customers Like Your Business Depends on It (Because It Does) In this edition of “Ask the Board,” we feature Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Hedley & Bennett, a multimillion-dollar kitchen essentials company. Ellen explains how to use your customer feedback to grow your venture. Ellen Marie Bennett, Founder…