Maybe you can’t afford a celebrity endorsement like Taylor Swift, but there are still plenty of lucrative opportunities to do something on a local scale. Influence marketing is changing. While businesses once chased celebrity endorsements and mega-influencers with millions of followers, smart companies are discovering that their most powerful brand ambassadors might already be customers or people sitting in the next booth at the local coffee shop. The Importance of the Micro-Influencer Micro-influencers (commonly considered individuals with 1,000 to 100,000 followers, although some groups refer to those with follower counts under 10,000 as nano-influencers.) are reshaping how businesses approach marketing. Unlike their celebrity counterparts, these local voices carry something money can't buy—authentic trust within their communities. Their followers aren't passive observers; they're engaged neighbors, colleagues, and friends who genuinely value their opinions. Research consistently shows that micro-influencers generate higher engagement rates than macro-influencers. A study by Influencer Marketing Hub found that influencers with fewer than 10,000 followers achieve engagement rates of 7%, compared to just 1.7% for those with over 100,000 followers. More importantly for local businesses, 82% of consumers are highly likely to follow a recommendation made by a micro-influencer. Since these micro-influencers are part of the community the buyer lives in, they’re likely to feel more connected and act on their suggestions because doing so requires minimal effort. Imagine a digital nomad telling you all the great places to visit in Thailand. If you’re located in Iowa, following in their footsteps is going to require saving for the trip and a lot of planning. On the other hand, if the influencer is giving tips about places in your community, you’re more likely to act immediately and often. Finding Gold in Your Own Backyard The beauty of micro-influencer marketing lies in its accessibility. These aren't distant celebrities. They're your customers, community leaders, local bloggers, and passionate hobbyists. They're the yoga instructor who genuinely loves your smoothie shop, the local photographer who always tags your boutique, or the high school teacher who raves about your bookstore on social media. Start by auditing your existing customer base. Who among your regular clients has an active social media presence? Look for customers who already post about your business organically, engage meaningfully with your content, or demonstrate expertise in your industry. These natural advocates often make the most effective micro-influencers because their endorsement feels genuine rather than forced. You can also take a look at your favorable reviews. Google also makes it easy to see just how active they are in reviewing other businesses as well. Building Partnerships The key to successful micro-influencer partnerships is building that relationship. Traditional advertising feels intrusive, but when someone's trusted neighbor recommends a local business, it feels like valuable advice. This is why the most effective micro-influencer campaigns don't feel like marketing at all. Instead of scripted posts, provide micro-influencers with experiences worth sharing. Invite them to behind-the-scenes events, offer exclusive previews of new products, or ask for their input on business decisions. When a local food blogger shares their genuine excitement about helping you choose your new seasonal menu, it’s great for both of you. You get the attention from their audience and the influencer appears to have a “secret in” to your business, making them look like VIPs to their followers. Consider offering value beyond payment. Many micro-influencers are more motivated by exclusive access, professional development opportunities, or the chance to be part of something special than by monetary compensation. A fitness influencer might prefer a year of free classes over a one-time payment, especially if it includes early access to new programs they can share with their community. Instead of writing a check, consider how you can help them grow their base by giving them access to things others don’t. Quick Cross-Promotional Networks If you’re reading this and wondering how you’ll ever have time to find local influencers, try your chamber of commerce. While they may not know individual influencers, they likely have a good idea about which members are heavily involved in social media. Working through the chamber, you may be able to find a complementary business that is willing to talk you up to their audience. The chamber itself is also a local influencer so share what you’re trying to do with the staff as well. The Mechanics of Local Influence Effective micro-influencer campaigns start with clear objectives. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive foot traffic, or launch a new product? Your goals will determine which micro-influencers to partner with and what kind of content to create. Do your best to understand the micro-influencer’s audience. After all, you want their audience to be people who would buy from you. Local businesses have unique advantages in micro-influencer marketing. You can invite influencers to your physical location, create content featuring recognizable local landmarks, and tap into community pride. A micro-influencer's post about discovering a hidden gem in their own neighborhood carries more weight than generic product placement. Track meaningful metrics beyond follower counts. Monitor engagement rates, click-throughs to your website, foot traffic increases, and most importantly, sales attribution. Many successful local businesses use unique discount codes or landing pages for each micro-influencer to measure direct impact. Building Long-Term Relationships The most successful micro-influencer strategies focus on building lasting relationships rather than one-off campaigns. Treat your micro-influencer partners as extensions of your marketing team. Provide them with regular updates about your business, seek their feedback on new initiatives, and celebrate their successes alongside your own. Create exclusive communities for your micro-influencer partners. Private Facebook groups or Slack channels where they can share ideas, collaborate on content, and access insider information make them feel valued and connected to your brand story. Measuring Impact Beyond Numbers While metrics matter, don't overlook qualitative indicators of success. Are your micro-influencer partners becoming genuine brand advocates? Do their posts generate meaningful conversations about your business? Are they referring other potential partners or customers? Pay attention to the ripple effects. A single relatable post from a respected community member can influence their followers to become micro-advocates themselves, creating an organic chain of word-of-mouth marketing that extends far beyond the original partnership. The Future of Neighborhood Marketing As consumers increasingly seek authentic connections and local experiences, micro-influencer marketing represents more than a marketing tactic. It's a return to community-based commerce. Businesses that master the art of turning neighbors into brand ambassadors will build deeper community roots and more sustainable customer relationships. The next time you see a customer post enthusiastically about your business, don't just hit "like" and move on. That customer might be your next micro-influencer, ready to introduce your brand to their trusted network of neighbors, friends, and community members. In the world of local business, sometimes the most powerful marketing voice belongs to the person next door.

If you’ve ever parented a teenager, you know talking back is not to be celebrated. But when it comes to your business website, talking back is the next big trend. Most websites feel like digital brochures. You scroll, you click, you squint at tiny menus—and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in 20 seconds, you’re gone. On to the next one. But what if you landed on a website that immediately addresses your needs: “Hi there! Looking for a haircut, a color, or some products?” You type “Color,” and the site replies: “Excellent. Want to see our stylists’ availability this week?” No scrolling, no clicking, no calling. Just the information you want right away. That’s a conversational website—and it’s not just for tech giants. Thanks to new AI tools, even the smallest businesses can create sites that chat with customers, not just sit there looking pretty. Why Conversational Websites Could Be the Next Big Thing There are many benefits to a conversational website. Most visitors want quick answers but they don’t want to speak to a person. If they did, they would’ve called. This gives them the answers they want when they want them. Additionally, a conversational website can: Save time: Customers get quick answers any time of day or night instead of calling or emailing you. It will also save your employees time because they won’t have to put off customers to answer the phone or respond to an email. Make sales easier: Instead of a clunky order form, a friendly bot can walk people through the buying process step by step. With advances in AI and search, people are migrating away from typing answers and questions. Most rely on verbal commands and conversations. Search and inquiries are becoming more and more conversational. Feel personal: Customers want to feel seen, not like they’re filling out a tax form. A conversational flow makes your brand warmer and more approachable, especially when you create the tone for your virtual assistant. But I Can’t Code The good news is you don’t need to know a single line of code. Seriously. Tools are popping up every day that do the heavy lifting for you. 1. Build a Site Just by Talking to It Platforms like Wix’s AI Builder let you describe your business in plain English— “I run a bakery that specializes in birthday cakes and gluten-free treats.” —then it generates a full website, complete with text, design, and images. 2. Replace Boring Forms with Friendly Chats Instead of “Fill out this contact form,” tools like Landbot or Tidio turn that process into a conversation. Bot: “What’s your name?” Visitor: “Samantha.” Bot: “Hi Samantha! Want to see today’s specials or book a table?” Lead captured. Customer happy. 3. Let AI Test and Tweak Your Site for You Services like Coframe quietly improve your site in the background. They test different headlines, buttons, and layouts to see what gets the most clicks—no knowledge of A/B testing required. A Few Tips to Keep It Human Even with all this cool tech, the magic is in your brand’s personality. Keep these best practices in mind: Use your voice. If you’re a playful boutique, let your chatbot be sassy. If you’re a financial planner, keep it calm and professional. Be clear it’s AI. Customers don’t mind chatting with a bot, but they do mind feeling tricked. There are some really good AIs out there. It may not be obvious to them that they are not talking to one of your employees. Be transparent about that. Guide people forward. Every conversation should end with a next step: “Book now,” “Call us,” or “See more.” Anticipate what would logically come next. Ready to Make Your Website Talk? Your customers (and potential customers) want quick answers, easy booking, and a sense that someone’s listening and understands what they want—even if that “someone” is AI. With today’s tools, you don’t need a tech team or a giant budget. You just need your unique voice and a willingness to let your website have a conversation instead of being a silent billboard. Internet interactions are becoming more conversational. Watch how people around you are using their phones. They’re talking to AIs more often than people. You want to make sure you’re prepared to answer them back.

If the thought of “tracking KPIs” makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. For many small business owners, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) sound like something reserved for corporations with big budgets, bigger teams, and even bigger Excel spreadsheets. Who wants the hassle? But here’s the truth: KPIs are just numbers that tell a story and if you’re not paying attention to them, you’re running your business with the lights off. The good news? You don’t need 47 dashboards or a data analyst to track the KPIs that matter. You just need to choose a few that tell you whether you’re growing, stalling, or unknowingly throwing money out the window. Consider this article a crash course on basic KPIs. KPIs You Should Be Tracking If you’re like most businesses that are just beginning their financial tracking and analysis you’re concentrating on two things—what did I make and how much did I spend? That’s a great start but it’s a lot more nuanced than that. If you’re ready to play in the big leagues but aren’t ready to hire your own analyst, here are 5 simple KPIs you should track (and you don’t need a business degree to do so): 1. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) What it is: How much it costs you to get a new customer. Why it matters: If you’re spending $100 to get a $50 sale, that’s not marketing—it’s expensive gambling. How to track it: Divide your total marketing + sales costs by the number of new customers gained in that period. Example: $1,000 spent / 10 new customers = $100 CAC Pro tip: Keep an eye on every month. If it’s creeping up, your ads, outreach, or messaging may need a tweak. 2. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) What it is: The total revenue a single customer brings to your business over the course of your relationship with them. Why it matters: It’s not the first sale that makes you profitable—it’s the second, third, and fifteenth. How to track it: Average purchase value x number of purchases x average customer lifespan. When CLV > CAC = happy business owner. 3. Lead-to-Customer Conversion Rate What it is: The percentage of leads that turn into actual customers. Why it matters: Getting leads is great. Very exciting when someone shows interest in you but converting them is where the money happens. How to track it: (Number of new customers ÷ number of leads) x 100 Example: 10 customers ÷ 100 leads = 10% conversion rate Pro tip: If this number is low, your follow-up process or sales messaging might need work. 4. Revenue per Employee (or per Hour) What it is: A productivity metric that shows how efficient you or your team really are. It’s not about being busy, it’s about what you’re/they’re adding to the bottom line. Why it matters: Working hard is great but seeing results from that work is critical to your business’ success. For instance, imagine one employee having a laundry list of work accomplished over 40 hours but no sales to show for it or an employee working three hours and making the week’s sales number. Which employee is more valuable? How to track it: Total revenue ÷ number of employees (or hours worked, if you’re a solo act). This outcome calculates it in a general sense. If you want to figure out which employee is bringing in more revenue, you will have to create a system to assign sales to individual employees. Some PoS systems allow for codes, for instance, while most CRMs allow you to assign clients to salespeople. This calculation helps you see if you’re scaling well or just staying busy. 5. Churn Rate (a.k.a. Goodbye Rate) What it is: The percentage of customers who stop buying from you over a given period. Why it matters: A leaky bucket never fills, no matter how much water you pour in. How to track it: (Customers lost ÷ total customers at the start of the period) x 100 If this number is high, focus on customer experience, retention, and loyalty programs. Tracking Tips You don’t need to check these KPIs every day. Just set aside one hour a month to review them. Use a simple spreadsheet or dashboard, and ask: What’s improving? What’s declining? What actions should I take based on this? If you’re not sure what the trends mean, try plugging them into the AI of your choosing and ask it to run a basic analysis of the numbers and offer suggestions. KPIs aren’t just vanity metrics—they’re your early warning system, your gut check, and your business GPS. Track them consistently, and you’ll be more attuned to your businesses and where it’s headed.

When you want to get to know someone better and have a great conversation, what do you do? You ask them questions, of course. Questions get the conversation started and they show you have an interest in the person you’re speaking with. The same is true of your business. Asking and answering questions about the operation of your business can increase your efficiency and knowledge. By taking the time to perform a self-audit, you will get to know your business and process better and that means greater alignment with the needs of your target audience. Get to Know Your Business with These Questions When you first start your business, you probably stitched it all together on the fly in the least expensive way you could. After all, most of us aren’t backed by angel investors from the start. We cut corners to get going, to make things happen. It’s fine in the beginning. Bootstrapping is nothing to be ashamed of. But it can leave you at a long-term disadvantage. That’s why at some point in the growth of your company, you need to ask yourself: What Am I Proud of? Questioning what you’re most proud of in your business can help you get to the root of your business story. Your story can help you connect with your target audience and increase your revenue. Take some time to think about how and why you help and what makes you beam with pride. Then incorporate that into your marketing. What Do I Feel Ashamed Of? Conversely, it’s important to know where you think your weaknesses are. If you’re ashamed of something that means you don’t feel like you’re doing your best and putting forth your best effort. Why is that? Is it because you’re not the best person suited for that activity or responsibility? Now that you’ve built your business, could someone else be doing that? What Feels Clunky or Delayed? When you talk to other businesses, watch videos on the subject, or hear others describe their operations, is there something that feels behind the times in your business? Could something run smoother or be more efficient? Don’t ask yourself how you would do it, just note the specific things that could make a difference. Look for the friction in your operations, administration, and/or sales process. What’s Still Manual That Shouldn’t Be? Tech has come a long way in the past five years. If you’re still using the same tools you did in 2020, it may be time for a revamp. Conversely, if there’s something you’re doing manually that takes a lot of time and coordination, find out if it can be streamlined with new technology. Chances are it can. What Do You Hate Doing? Is there something you hate doing in your business? Why is that? Again, is it competency, time, or resources? Maybe you hate invoicing, for instance, because you don’t see yourself as detail oriented and that’s a role where it’s required. You’re probably right. Get someone else to do it. Maybe you hate doing the books, but you have to be the one to do it. Look into ways that would make it more enjoyable for you such as using dictation. What Bad Reviews Are You Getting? Is there something in your operation that everyone hates? Are most of your imperfect reviews about the same thing? If so, it sounds like there’s a sticking point in your process. How can you remedy it so that you and your customers will be happier? Like relationships, and items for that matter, it’s necessary to revisit the way things work periodically and ensure they’re functioning at their highest levels. Without occasional introspection and examination, your business could wither. Before you make sweeping change, asking yourself these simple questions can help you prioritize the change that is most needed and most likely to yield the best results.

Let’s face it, our daily habits often run on autopilot. We grab coffee from the same place, click the same websites when we shop, and call the same service providers without a second thought. Loyalty is great but what if, just for a moment, we paused and considered the impact of those everyday purchases? Small Business Month is the perfect opportunity to rethink where your dollars go. Instead of defaulting to businesses that may have no connection to the community, consider supporting those that are actively invested in it, Chamber members. These businesses, both large and small, contribute time, resources, and leadership to make your town thrive. From sponsoring events to hiring local talent, they show up for the community every day. Supporting small and local doesn’t always mean spending more. It just means being intentional. What if you swapped your routine drive-thru stop for a visit to the neighborhood coffee shop—even just once a month? Or replace a service you use with a chamber-member provider just down the road? Those small swaps can lead to big results for your community, and they’re often more rewarding, too. Where to Start? Try these swaps: Morning Routine . Your go-to coffee spot might be convenient, but have you tried a chamber member café lately? Many offer unique blends, homemade baked goods, and personalized service. Best of all, your dollars stay close to home, supporting jobs, community causes, and your neighbors. Grocery Shopping . From local markets to butcher shops and farmers’ markets, you’ll find fresh products and friendly faces. Swapping even a portion of your grocery list to local vendors supports farmers, entrepreneurs, and small producers in your area. Health & Wellness . Where do you work out? Where do you get your healthcare needs met? Many chamber-member businesses in these sectors offer wellness consultations, fitness classes, and personal service. Some cities even offer free or low-cost programs that introduce you to local instructors. Dining Out . Next time you’re hungry, try a chamber-member restaurant. Whether it’s a taco stand, food truck, or family-owned diner, you’ll enjoy a unique dining experience, and know your meal helps a neighbor succeed. Special Occasions . Need a gift, flowers, or a card? Shop small first. Local boutiques, florists, and artisans often carry one-of-a-kind items that are far more memorable than what you’ll find online. Many chamber members offer gift guides, curated selections, and even local delivery. Ideas for Making the Switch If you're ready to support local and chamber-member businesses, try this: · Swap one of your regular purchases to a chamber member this month. · Choose a chamber-member restaurant for your next meal out. · Use your local chamber’s business directory to find trusted service providers. · Visit a farmers' market or craft fair to buy locally made products. · Look for the Chamber Member decal (or badge online), ask a business if they’re involved in the community, or next time you’re at an area event see which businesses are there and patronize them in the future. What About Franchises? Yes, many franchises are small businesses and chamber members too. Often, they're owned by residents who are invested in your community. That corner sandwich shop, dry cleaner, or gym? Chances are good the owner lives in town, employs local workers, and contributes to the same causes we all care about. If they’re Chamber members too, you can feel confident your dollars are staying local. Why This Matters When you support local businesses, especially Chamber members, you’re doing more than making a purchase. You’re investing in your community. Chamber-member businesses are often the first to step up and support schools, sponsor festivals, and donate to local nonprofits. They hire locally, mentor young professionals, and create the kind of vibrant, thriving economy we all want to see. This Small Business Month, challenge yourself to be intentional in your purchases. Try a 30-day chamber member spending challenge and discover just how many great businesses are in your backyard or set aside a dollar amount to be spent with your neighbors. Not only will you enjoy personalized service and quality products, but you’ll also be part of something bigger—a stronger, more connected community. And, in that, everyone wins.

You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable (especially with the technology available). Whether you’re just getting started or trying to grow on a tight budget, here are 15 creative and cost-effective ideas to boost your visibility and draw in customers. 15 (plus one bonus) Cost-effective Ways to Get Your Business Noticed 1. Partner with Your Chamber of Commerce Your local Chamber is a marketing gem hiding in plain sight. Many chambers offer affordable sponsorships, advertising in their newsletters, banner placement on their website, and opportunities to speak at or host events. Chamber membership also often includes social media shoutouts, ribbon cuttings, and business directory listings—all built-in exposure for your brand. Chambers have excellent reputations in their communities as well as good relationships. Many tourists and new residents rely on referrals from the chamber when they come to town. Plus, the rates chamber’s charge for this type of high-quality exposure is very reasonable. 2. Get Active on Social Media You don’t need to be on every platform—just the ones where your customers spend their time. Create short videos, behind-the-scenes posts, tutorials, or even humorous content to show off your brand’s personality. Authenticity performs better than high-budget polish. Be consistent with your posting too. The more people see you, the more they notice and recognize you. Soon you will be on their mind. 3. Run a Giveaway or Contest People love free stuff. Give away a product or service in exchange for likes, shares, or email signups. It’s an inexpensive way to create buzz and grow your audience fast. Or run a contest when you host a pop-up or sponsor a table at an outdoor event (if it fits for your business). You’ll get to talk to a variety of people. A fun contest that also gets you more visibility is encouraging people to check-in when they’re at your business. Then provide a quarterly prize to the person with the most check-ins. 4. Create Google Business Profile Posts Google Business Profiles (formerly Google My Business) are free and powerful. Use posts to highlight new products, offers, events, or blog content. Bonus: It helps with your SEO. 5. Use Customer Testimonials and Reviews Happy customers are your best marketers. Share their testimonials on social media, your website, and even printed materials. Ask loyal customers to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or Facebook. Many people will write them when asked and when you make it easy for them to do so. Use links to get them where they need to be. 6. Get Involved in Community Events Sponsor a little league team, host a booth at a local fair, or donate a prize to a nonprofit raffle. Community involvement builds trust and visibility with your target audience. 7. Start a Referral Program Reward your current customers for referring new ones. A simple discount, freebie, or exclusive perk can motivate people to spread the word about your business. 8. Offer Free Workshops or Classes If you’re an expert at something, share your knowledge. Hosting a free online or in-person workshop can position you as an authority while attracting new leads. Share hashtags at your event to remind people to share on social. 9. Pitch Local Media Send story ideas or press releases to your local newspaper, TV station, or community blog. Journalists are always looking for local angles—your business could be the next feature. 10. Use Window or Sidewalk Signs Creatively A clever chalkboard sign or window display can stop foot traffic in its tracks. Make people smile, laugh, or think—and they’ll remember your business. 11. Create a Loyalty or Punch Card Program Encourage repeat business by rewarding customers who come back. Whether digital or old-school punch cards, loyalty programs keep your brand top-of-mind. It can also sway people to choose you more often. For instance, if they know they’ll get points from buying with you, they may go out of their way to do so knowing that they will benefit from it. 12. Offer a Limited-Time Promotion Scarcity sells. Use urgency—“for 3 days only,” “first 10 people,” or “today only”—to create buzz and spike short-term interest. 13. Join (or Start) a Local Business Collaboration Team up with complementary businesses for cross-promotions. For example, a coffee shop and a bookstore might do a “Read & Recharge” special. You both win. 14. Start an Email Newsletter Email is still one of the highest-ROI marketing tools. A simple monthly email with updates, deals, or helpful tips can keep customers engaged and coming back. 15. Use Your Vehicle as a Moving Billboard A magnetic car sign or vinyl decal can turn your commute into an advertising campaign. It's a one-time investment that works 24/7. Bonus: Watch your favorite brands. What makes you stop what you’re doing or stops you from scrolling. Even if they’re in a completely different industry, ask yourself how you might use what they do to improve your marketing. You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. With some creativity and a willingness to show up where your audience is, you can get your business noticed without breaking the bank. And this isn’t a “choose one and you’re done” idea. These ideas are designed to get you thinking about what your audience will respond to. Then give it to them consistently so they get used to seeing you around. And remember—your Chamber of Commerce is here to help. Reach out and ask about marketing opportunities available to members. You might be surprised by how many resources are already at your fingertips.

Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial–a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery. It's about forging genuine connections that can blossom into leads, partnerships, and lasting relationships. It's about making those precious few seconds count, not just for what you say, but for how you make the other person feel. What most people get wrong in their elevator pitch is that they make it sound like a commercial and all about them, when it should be about your audience. Forget the rigid templates and the pressure to cram every detail into a thirty-second spiel. This isn’t about broadcasting; it’s about initiating a conversation. The key lies in shifting your focus from simply explaining your business to creating a spark of interest and establishing a human connection. If you take nothing else from this article know that: the pitch must ignite interest The Psychology of Connection in Brief Interactions Humans are wired for connection. Even in brief encounters, we subconsciously seek common ground, shared values, and genuine interest. Your elevator pitch should tap into this innate desire. Instead of launching into a list of features and benefits, start with a relatable problem you solve or a shared passion that drives your business. Think about your ideal client or contact. What are their pain points? What are their aspirations? Craft an opening that acknowledges their world and subtly positions your business as a potential solution or a valuable resource. This approach immediately makes the interaction less transactional and more empathetic. Storytelling Elements That Resonate While quick is crucial, weaving in a concise narrative “elevates” your pitch. Instead of saying, “We offer marketing solutions,” try something like, “I help small business owners who are overwhelmed by social media finally find a consistent way to connect with their customers and grow their brand. I saw my own sister struggle with this, and that’s why I started [Business Name].” This personal touch and the hint of a story make your pitch more memorable and relatable. Focus on the why behind your business. What motivates you? What impact do you hope to make? Sharing a sliver of your passion can create an emotional resonance that facts and figures alone can't achieve. Tailoring Pitches to Different Personality Types Not everyone responds to the same approach. Observe the person you're speaking with. Are they direct and results-oriented? Focus on the tangible benefits and your track record. Are they more relationship-focused? Emphasize collaboration and shared values. Having a few variations of your pitch allows you to adapt to different personalities and contexts. Practice delivering each version so it feels natural and authentic, rather than forced. The Importance of Active Listening Post Delivery Your elevator pitch isn't a monologue; it's the opening line of a potential dialogue. Pay close attention to the other person's reaction. Are they asking questions? Are they nodding in understanding? Are they looking over your shoulder to be bailed out of the conversation the moment they see someone they know? Use their cues to guide the conversation. Be prepared to elaborate on specific points that pique their interest. This shows you're genuinely engaged and interested in their needs, not just delivering a pre-rehearsed script. A thoughtful question in return can further deepen the connection and open doors for future interaction. Ultimately, a successful elevator pitch is less about perfection and more about authenticity. It's about conveying your passion, highlighting your value, and making a genuine connection in a short amount of time. By focusing on building rapport and leaving a lasting impression, you transform a brief encounter into a potential steppingstone for long-term growth and meaningful relationships. So, ditch the robotic recitation and embrace the art of the connection – and your pitch will get you all the way to the top floor.

Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved. Joining is a smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making the most of your membership—or if you’re just starting out and you’re not sure how to get the most out of it—here are ten practical ways to tap into the value your chamber offers. 1. Show Up and Be Seen The simplest way to maximize your membership is to attend events. Networking mixers, educational workshops, and signature events, and more, put you face-to-face with other members, community leaders, and potential customers. Visibility builds trust, and trust builds business. 2. Introduce Yourself Online We offer a member directory website listing, members Friday newsletter, and a social media member spotlight. Take advantage of it! Ensure your business profile is up to date, includes a compelling description, and links to your website and social media. Tag us in your posts , we will share and engage boost visibility. We also offer more marketing exposure for members in the Friday newsletter. Ask us how to get involved! Speaking of… 3. Use Member-Only Marketing Perks We provide exclusive opportunities to advertise in newsletters (soon on our website), sponsor events, or be featured in business spotlights. These are far more affordable than traditional advertising and directly reach a targeted local audience. Ask about low-cost or free ways to get featured. 4. Host or Sponsor Events Sponsorships aren’t just about logos on banners—they’re about association and visibility. Whether you sponsor a workshop, host a networking mixer, or provide space for a meeting, you position your organization as a local leader and supporter of the community. Not into event sponsorships? There may be other opportunities, and maybe you even have a suggestion we haven't thought of yet. Many chambers are doing some innovative and fun events with creative sponsorship opportunities. 5. Participate in Advocacy Efforts Your chamber is your voice at city hall and beyond. Stay informed about local legislation, zoning and parking issues, and economic development initiatives that affect your business. We host meetings throughout the year for you to connect with city leaders, regional stakeholders, legislators, and more—get involved to shape the future of your local economy. Additionally, voice your concerns and opinions so your chamber knows best how to advocate for you and your industry. 6. Leverage Learning Opportunities From business planning to digital marketing to hiring best practices, we often host workshops and panel discussions to keep you abreast of trends and best practices. Use them. These sessions can save you hours of research—and sometimes thousands of dollars. Plus, you know the products, services, and companies presented in these learning ops are vetted and (usually) chamber members. 7. Connect with Other Members Chambers are a goldmine of potential partnerships. Need a CPA? Looking for a nonprofit to support? Want a trusted supplier? Look to your fellow members first. When you do business with others in the chamber, you contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy. These new partners may also send business your way. 8. Tell Your Story People want to do business with people they know, like, and trust. Share your milestones, success stories, or community impact with the chamber staff. We are happy to highlight member achievements in newsletters or on social media—it’s great exposure and helps build your reputation. 9. Get Your Team Involved Your membership isn’t just for you—it’s for your whole team. Encourage staff to attend networking events, professional development events and leadership programs, or industry roundtables. It can boost morale, expand your reach, and help with talent retention. 10. Ask Questions and Offer Ideas Finally, know chambers are member-driven organizations. If you’re unsure how to plug in or have an idea for a new program or service, speak up. Chamber staff are eager to help and love hearing member feedback. Your input could lead to new initiatives that benefit the whole community. Your Chamber is a Partner, Not Just a Provider Chamber membership benefits your business even if you don’t partake in all its offerings, but you’ll get a lot more if you’re an active member. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a nonprofit director, or the CEO of a growing company, your chamber is there to support your success. Get involved, build relationships, and use the tools available. You’ll not only grow your business—you’ll strengthen your community in the process.

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 it? Lately, something interesting is happening. The most effective posts aren’t the polished ones with perfect lighting or studio-level graphics. They’re the real, raw, behind-the-scenes moments that tell the true story of what it’s like to run a small business. From TikToks to Instagram Reels, business owners are discovering that authenticity—sharing the ups, the downs, and everything in between—helps them connect with customers in a meaningful way. You can adopt this new highly effective approach as well. Customers Crave Connection People aren’t just buying products anymore—they’re buying stories, values, and the people behind the brand. Today’s consumers want to know who they’re supporting. They want to see the human side of business, not just the highlight reel. That’s why honest storytelling is gaining so much traction. A short video about the time you overcame a setback, or a post about your “why” as a business owner, can do more than an ad ever could. It builds trust, invites engagement, and shows the passion behind the product. We’ve also seen a lot of these types of videos where businesses share how they’re bouncing back from hurricanes, brush fires, and floods. The rebuilds are inspiring and help keep customers in the know. Why Authenticity Works There are real benefits to showing up as your authentic self online: · It builds loyalty . When customers feel like they know you, they’re more likely to support you—especially during tough times. · It boosts engagement . Real stories spark conversation. They get shared, commented on, and remembered. · It sets you apart . Big brands can’t replicate your personal journey. That’s your advantage. · It creates emotional connection . And connection drives action, whether that’s a sale, a visit, or a referral. What Kinds of Stories Should You Share? You don’t need to be a professional storyteller or social media guru to do this well. In fact, the more natural and honest you are, the better. Just sound like you. Your best friend should read the post and remark, “That sounds like you.” Be vulnerable in a business savvy way. Here are a few ideas to get you started: · The moment you decided to start your business · A major obstacle you overcame and what you learned · A behind-the-scenes look at your day (the chaos and the wins) · A thank-you to your customers or team · A mistake you made—and how you bounced back · A natural disaster or other problem that required you to rebuild, restructure, or approach something in a different way One important note: vulnerability doesn’t mean oversharing. Keep your stories focused on what will resonate with your audience. Aim to inspire, relate, or educate, rather than just vent. Need Help Getting Started to Tell Your Story? Storytelling may sound simple but showing up on camera or figuring out what to say can be a hurdle. That’s where your Chamber of Commerce can help. Many chambers offer marketing lunch and learns, social media tips, or networking events where you can learn what’s working for other local businesses. Looking for guidance, tools, or even a platform to share your story more widely? Don’t hesitate to reach out to your chamber team. They’re here to support your growth—and amplify your voice in the community. Show the Journey—Not Just the Destination One of your most powerful marketing differentiation tools is already in your hands: your story. By showing the real human behind the business, you’re not just building a brand—you’re building a community of supporters who believe in what you do. So, the next time you go to post, remember: perfection isn’t the goal. Connection is. And often, all it takes is hitting “record” and speaking from the heart.