Business Advice
9 Success Strategies for Young Businesses
Launching a business is a thrilling journey filled with possibilities and challenges. While no year is without challenges, the first few are particularly so for most businesses. Many naive owners think that if they can make it through the first year, their success is guaranteed. Sadly, that isn’t the case. The first year actually has…
Read MoreHow to Craft Irresistible Offers for Your Biggest Holiday Sales Yet
Small businesses everywhere are enjoying the trend of shopping local. Many organizations, including the Chamber, understand the importance of helping the community realize the value of small businesses. Even with this help, your local business still has two major challenges—marketing (making sure people think about you when they’re ready to buy) and convincing them that…
Read MoreMeeting Customer Needs: Inexpensive Sensory-Friendly Ideas for the Holiday Season
The holiday season can be overwhelming with the twinkling lights, music, and crowds under the best of circumstances. For about 16.5% of the US population, overstimulation can be torturous. Over the last decade, sensory-sensitivity condition diagnoses, such as autism, have increased. Inclusion is now a mainstream topic that is generationally important to all. Taking this…
Read More16 Questions to Use to Prepare for Small Business Season Success
Do you find yourself wondering how you’re going to compete with larger, national stores with big marketing budgets and attractive loss leaders that bring in a crowd? How will you capture the attention of local shoppers, dinner, or service users and prepare for the holidays? Well, we’re here to equip you with a set of…
Read More9 Tips for Creating an Instagrammable Small Business Season
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 40%…
Read MoreSustainable Eco-Friendly Practices for Businesses on a Budget
The call for sustainability is growing louder. Small businesses, just like their larger counterparts, have a crucial role to play in reducing their ecological footprint. But for small businesses operating on tight budgets, embracing eco-friendly practices might seem like a daunting challenge. Sustainability doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are numerous creative…
Read MoreGhoulishly Good Business Tips
As the leaves turn shades of crimson and gold, and the crisp autumn air sweeps through our beautiful Island, the chill in the air doesn’t have to mean a cooling off for your business. This Halloween (actually the day after), we have a treat for you that’s even sweeter than candy corn. On November 1st,…
Read More10 Fears You Need to Overcome as a Successful Business Owner
Starting and managing a business is no small feat. While you may feel empowered to start a business or work for yourself, it can be daunting. You may be facing a myriad of fears and uncertainties. Unfortunately, there’s no magical time that they go away. It’s not like once you pass the five-year mark, you…
Read MoreSpooktacular Business Ideas for a Thrilling Halloween Season
As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, Halloween offers businesses a bewitching opportunity to embrace the spirit of the season and boost customer engagement. With a little creativity and a dash of spooky flair, you can draw crowds and appeal to your ideal customers. Here are some spooktacular Halloween-inspired ideas to help…
Read MoreShop Smart, Shop Local: Alameda’s Guide to Early Holiday Savings
The holiday season in Alameda is a magical time of year, filled with festive lights, cozy gatherings, and the spirit of giving. However, it can also be a time of financial stress–especially this year, with gift lists and expenses piling up. Fortunately, there’s a solution that not only helps you save money but also supports…
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