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Around the holidays, do you find yourself wondering how your business can stand out against large stores with huge marketing budgets and flashy loss leaders? How can the “little guy” capture local shoppers’ attention? The questions below can help you put your small business on track for big returns this holiday. Business owners, ask yourself…
The holiday season (and Small Business Season!) is upon us! It’s the perfect time to capitalize on the festive spirit to attract customers and boost sales. As a small business you also want to invite people to linger, especially if you’re in retail. According to the Wall Street Journal, sales could increase as much as…
Creating and developing a veteran-owned small business is a unique process. As the founding city of Veterans Day, all of us here at the Emporia Area Chamber of Commerce are committed to helping our local veterans succeed. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, military veterans own almost two million businesses and employ over five million…
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:…
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…
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…
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…
Each year, the third Wednesday in October is National Support Your Local Chamber of Commerce Day — and this year, that means the day to celebrate is October 18. This holiday is a chance to thank local chambers across the country for all they do to help businesses of all sizes. There are approximately 4,000…
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…
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…