Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column online at The Emporia Gazette. Do you ever feel like you have a sixth sense when it comes to knowing who to trust—and more importantly, who you should not? In fact, that may actually be true. Research is increasingly indicating that entrepreneurs have a more refined sense of … Read more

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column online at The Emporia Gazette.   As a manager, you manage tasks; as a leader, you influence people. This thought-provoking statement comes from a recent newsletter by The Presentation Excellence Group. One of the positive after-effects of the pandemic is that more and more business owners and managers … Read more

Women’s Equality Day is observed on Aug. 26, commemorating women’s suffrage, and equality in all areas of life, work, and society. The day celebrates the achievements of women’s rights activists and reminds us of the unique daily struggles women face. American women could not vote, they could not inherit property, and generally were paid only … Read more

Everyone has questions about their business from time to time, whether you are a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner. The good news is that we have an outstanding resource right here in our town: the Kansas Small Business Development Center (KSBDC), located at Emporia State University, 1428 Merchant St., in Cremer Hall, Room … Read more

Read this week’s column in The Emporia Gazette. Are we in a recession? While we cannot absolutely establish yet whether we’re truly in a recession, the risks are increasing. Small businesses need to be prepared either way. The U.S. economy has shrunk for two quarters in a row. With two straight quarters of economic decline, … Read more

You should update your business plan more frequently than you think. It’s important to keep that information up to date and in line with the changing goals of your organization. Here are eight situations in which it’s necessary to update your business plan. Has it been over a year since you updated it? Your business … Read more

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column in The Emporia Gazette. The MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index celebrates five years of publication this quarter. In honor of this milestone, they offer a look back at five years of small business trends, the major challenges small business leaders have faced, and how … Read more

The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to offer another important benefit to our members. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS), in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) and 45 local chambers across the state, has created an association health plan (AHP): Chamber Blue of Kansas. This AHP offers … Read more

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column in The Emporia Gazette. In many communities, ours included, the pandemic sparked a groundswell of support for small businesses. As the pandemic subsides, however, it is time to take stock. Many customer trends have changed for good. Curbside pickup, e-commerce, and digital experiences are here to stay. It … Read more