Learn how user‑generated content builds trust, boosts engagement, improves SEO, and helps small businesses grow through authentic customer voices and visuals. By: Justina Luther , Contributor As a small business owner, word-of-mouth referrals are one of your company’s strongest assets. In the digital era, these referrals can be captured and published in the form of…

    A new study suggests that addressing security can build customer trust and boost financial performance. By: Erica Sweeney , Contributor   Customer data, cloud systems, email, and software are all essential tools for small businesses. So it’s important to safeguard these systems – and the data they contain – with a solid cybersecurity…

Marketing gets expensive fast. Even social media, which used to be one of the cheapest avenues for exposure, requires paid placement these days. But while social media is still affordable, and targeting is pretty good, if you don’t choose your audience effectively, you’re paying for people to see your content event though they’ll never buy…

Summer is a great time to consider the advantage of temporary labor. You know that project you’ve been putting off? How about the organization structure you wanted to build? What about that technology trial? Or maybe there’s something you’ve been doing that could easily be managed by someone else so you can free up your…

LENOIR, NC – At this year’s Industry Appreciation Banquet, local leaders, businesses, and partners were recognized for their contributions to economic growth, community advancement, and workforce development. Herman Anderson Award The Herman Anderson Award was presented to Alan Merck for his long-standing impact on economic development and infrastructure improvement in the region. Merck joined Blue Ridge Energy in 2012…

Tax refund season creates a short spending window. The IRS writes that most refunds are issued within 21 days, and people can start checking status shortly after e-filing through the IRS refund tracker. In other words, your future customers are getting a little breathing room in their bank account right now, and that changes buying…

Social media is filled with perfect lives-you don’t see the dirty dishes in the sink, or the tears shed. You see the wins and the brags. The same is true of many social media accounts for business. As business owners we want to show our best selves. Anything less is weak and unappealing. Or is…

Small businesses everywhere are realizing that success isn’t just about how good your product is-it’s about how connected your customers feel to you and each other. The new growth model that’s gaining serious traction? Community-led growth. This approach focuses on creating value and shared experiences before the sale ever happens. When done right, it doesn’t…

It’s getting to be that time of year again-the summer scramble for capable employees. Colleges are about to go on break. High schools will finish up soon there after, and eager summer employees are looking for jobs now. In the past, you probably posted a job, hired fast as fast as you could, and hoped…

There was a time when a sponsor could write a check to the chamber, show up at the golf tournament, and call it a good year. Their boss understood. The community mattered. The logo on the banner was enough. That time is over and it’s not coming back. Sponsors are asking harder questions at renewal…