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

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column in The Emporia Gazette. Did you know that researchers now say there are five distinct kinds of workdays? A person’s productivity depends on which kind of day they’re having: ideal, toxic, disengaged, typical, or crisis days. The knowledge of what kind of day you or your employees are … Read more

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column in The Emporia Gazette. Here in the United States, we are preparing to celebrate Independence Day this weekend on July 4. Now is a good time to reflect on what independence means, both individually and collectively in America. The Boston Tea Party, a political protest led by American … Read more

The right tech tools can help any business operate more efficiently, but the costs can quickly add up. Here are six small business tech tools that offer free plans for small businesses. Slack is one of the best internal communication apps for small businesses. It allows you to communicate with your employees without getting caught … Read more

Read this week’s column in The Emporia Gazette here. Proud to be an LGBTQ entrepreneur? Since June is Pride Month, it’s a great time to remind LGBTQ business owners that there are certifications and resources specifically designed for them. There are 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the United States, and these companies bring in an … Read more

Read this week’s Let’s Talk Business column in The Emporia Gazette.  The Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in a new association healthcare program that will help local businesses of all sizes potentially lower their health insurance costs. Chamber Blue of Kansas takes the buying power of more than 37 Chambers throughout the state … Read more