Understanding the rules and following email marketing best practices is key to ensuring your commercial messages comply with regulations. By: Julianna Lopez , Contributor Email marketing is a highly effective marketing channel with an impressive return on investment (up to $40 for every dollar spent, on average). However, small business owners must comply with email marketing rules and…

As summer hits its peak(yeah, it’s hard to believe)and the back-to-school buzz begins, this is the perfect time to refresh your marketing. It’s also a great time to connect with your customers in meaningful, fun, and creative ways. And you don’t have to be a retail shop to “sell summer” or “back-to-school.” No matter what…

By: Thaddeus Swanek, Author The Q2 2025 Small Business Index rose slightly but was accompanied by lingering economic uncertainties about the future. The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for Q2 2025 rose slightly to 65.2 this quarter, up from 62.3 in Q1. While this uptick reflects optimism around business health and cash flow,…

CNBC ranked North Carolina the No.1 state in the U.S. to do business in 2025. Gov. Josh Stein said $17 billion in investments have been announced this year alone. Picture: Courtesy of Josh Stein. May was North Carolina’s second-busiest month on record for new business starts, new data shows. Secretary of State Elaine Marshall said…

These expert-approved strategies can help small business owners create a smart and financially healthy budget. By: Kaytlyn Smith, Contributor Creating a budget is vital for the financial health and longevity of your small business. However, it can also be a daunting task. From monthly budgets to vendor choices, there are many elements to plan for…

A decade-long study reveals that turning your passion into a career can lead to fulfillment, but it also comes with trade-offs like financial instability and burnout. By: Erica Sweeney, Contributor Have you ever dreamed of starting a business based on your favorite activity? If you think starting a business based on your passion will make…

Christmas in July: How You Can Sleigh Summer Sales It may be extraordinarily hot and sunny (at least it is in most parts of the country right now), but it’s also the perfect time to jingle your way to more sales with a Christmas in July promotion. This festive mid-year moment is a golden opportunity…

Facebook continues to be one of the most powerful platforms for businesses to connect with customers, build brand awareness, and drive sales. With over 2 billion users and tools that support everything from video marketing to community building, it remains a key part of many business marketing strategies. And that’s why it’s important to keep…

(Your success may depend on how honestly you answer these) When you want to get to know someone better and have a great conversation, what do you do? You ask them questions, of course. Questions get the conversation started and they show you have an interest in the person you’re speaking with. The same is…

Even though being part of the chamber is one of the easiest ways to increase your network, we understand that some business pros can’t make it to networking events. But networking is incredibly important because people want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. If you don’t have the time to attend…