Let’s Talk Business for October 27, 2023

Love it or hate it–AI is here to stay. Artificial intelligence might not seem like a natural fit for recruiting and hiring new employees. However, those processes involve many repetitive, time-consuming tasks that AI can easily automate. Artificial intelligence can help in three specific areas: Sourcing: Allowing recruiters find and connect with talent faster. Screening: … Read more

Emporia Area Chamber Foundation Receives Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Award

The Emporia Area Chamber Foundation is pleased to announce they are recipients of the Capital Projects Fund Accelerator Award in the amount of $1,756,759.00. This grant opportunity was made possible by the U.S. Treasury received by the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and Trust Fund. Factors influencing funding recommendations of this grant include alignment with the requirement … Read more

Let’s Talk Business for October 20, 2023

We all know people who possess seemingly innate leadership skills. They communicate well, are respected by their peers, and navigate challenges with ease. However, many people in leadership positions worked tirelessly to sharpen their talents. In “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” author and leadership expert John C. Maxwell wrote, “If you want to be … Read more

Let’s Talk Business for October 13, 2023

We all know that Halloween falls on October 31st every year. So why do we see decorations and other holiday-related merchandise in stores long before then? According to a professor of economics at Virginia Tech, this strategy allows retailers to attract the early-bird shoppers and capture a larger share of the holiday spending. Since a … Read more

Let’s Talk Business for September 29, 2023

Each time a customer interacts with your business is an opportunity to strengthen your brand and build a valuable relationship. Great customer service is essential in helping your business stand out from its competitors. Your company’s response when things go wrong is equally as important as providing an exceptional experience. Here’s how to effectively transform … Read more

Let’s Talk Business for September 22, 2023

It’s the bane of small business transactions: the dreaded credit card processing fee. Reducing fees can improve your bottom line, but your strategy depends on transaction volume, industry, and customer base. Choose a credit card processor with a surcharge program. A payment card surcharge or checkout fee is when a business passes the credit card … Read more

Let’s Talk Business for September 15, 2023

Business disruption costs your company money, resulting in lost revenues and extra expenses. The worst part is that potential threats can come anytime and anywhere. A natural disaster or sudden illness can leave your company without a leader, supplier, or office space. A business continuity plan (BCP) ensures your organization can function during a crisis. … Read more

Let’s Talk Business for September 1, 2023

In early August, we talked about the advantages of AI in this column. Today, however, we’ll play contrarian. While there are many tasks that artificial intelligence can perform, some jobs are best left to humans. Experts are discovering new tasks that AI can perform every day. However, there’s limited value in using AI to take … Read more

Let’s Talk Business – August 25, 2023

As college-aged employees head back to school, businesses face the challenge of filling gaps in their teams, especially for seasonal positions and internships. Here are some effective strategies for businesses to address staffing needs during this transition period. To figure out how many people you need on your team, assess what your business needs to … Read more