4 Ways to Get More Sales this Small Business Season

December 10, 2024

It doesn’t matter what kind of business you are in. People need what you make and provide. If you’re fortunate, they’ll consider you when gift-giving this holiday season, but even if you’re not in retail or food/beverage, you can still bring in holiday customers with these ideas.



4 Ways to Sell Your Products/Services During this Small Business Season


To increase your holiday sales in a non-traditional holiday industry, it’s important to reposition or remarket your items/services. You need to show people how what you offer is essential and deserves some of their hard-earned holiday budget.

Here are some ways you can do that:


Paint a Picture (or sing a song)


Your product or service may not be sexy. It may not be on the top of every good boy’s and girl’s most-wanted list. But you can still have a great holiday if you show and tell your audience why it’s essential to buy what you’re offering. You can even do this with humor. For instance, if you’re a plumber, consider creating a parody of the song Twelve Days of Christmas to point out the workout your pipes get during the holiday. It might go something like this:


“On the first day of Christmas my nice guest gave to me, a giant clog in the potty.”


Tell Your Story


Every business owner has a story. If you're not telling it you're missing an opportunity to connect with your audience.

Small business owners sacrifice a lot for their businesses. So do their families. Posting about your family is part of your business story. Many business owners share how old their children were when they first opened their business. Some proudly point out that those children are now working for that business.


If you have a similar story, create a collage with a picture of your children (or yourself) from when you first opened and a current picture. Placing them side by side can be a really good reminder of how long you've been a part of the community. It's a very effective way to show people how important it is to help keep businesses like yours in the community. It's also a nice time to be able to thank your loyal customers and encourage others to come check you out even if you don't sell traditional holiday gifts.


Reframe


Again, not every business celebrates the holidays because the owners or marketers may not deem their product or service as holiday worthy. But you can have a lot of fun with it. Suggest buying something a product or service from you as a white elephant gift or a gift for someone they don't know that well. For instance, it could be funny and helpful to give your teacher a gift card for an oil change. It's not something you think about as a traditional holiday gift but would be very valued. If you want to increase your sales at Christmas time start marketing your products and services as unique Christmas gifts.


Tie It All In


If you don't sell a traditional holiday product or service, market your tie to the holiday. For instance, if you're a roofer explain that no one wants Santa to get his sleigh stuck on a bad roof. Perhaps a new roof is probably not something someone thinks about during the holidays. But if you're offering discounts and deals (and you're in a climate that allows you to repair a roof in December) you can tie in your service with the holiday.



Just because you don't have a traditional holiday business doesn't mean you can't increase sales during small business season. It just takes a little humor, creativity, and a whole lot of fun to get people to notice you. And when you do, you'll be glad you did it.

New Member Spotlight: Trideum Corporation

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Why Your Team Isn’t Getting It (Even When You Think You’re Crystal Clear)

May 13, 2025
Many leaders mistake communication for clarity—assuming once it’s said, it’s understood. Misalignment often stems from inconsistent messaging, assumptions, and cultural "static." True clarity requires shared understanding, structured communication, and leadership presence. Clear communication systems—not just repeated messages—drive alignment and trust. 615 words ~ 3 min. read You’ve said it in a meeting, sent it in an email, and even dropped it into a slide deck. The message seemed clear: here’s the direction, here’s what matters, and here’s how we’ll get there. So why does your team still seem misaligned?  This is one of the most persistent frustrations for leaders. Not because they aren’t communicating, but because they believe they are doing it well—and often, they are. The words are clear. The logic is sound. The intent is positive. But the outcome doesn’t match. Team members are unclear on priorities. Execution falters. Morale dips. And the leader wonders: what am I missing? The answer isn’t more communication. It’s deeper clarity. The Illusion of Communication Most breakdowns in alignment are not due to a lack of effort, but due to a false sense of completion. Leaders assume that once something is said, it’s been heard. That if it’s repeated, it’s been understood. And if no one asks questions, it must mean everyone’s on board. But communication isn’t a one-way act. It’s a shared experience—subject to the filters, biases, emotions, and workload of every individual on the receiving end. In many teams, what derails clarity isn't confusion, but collision: between different versions of the message, between unspoken assumptions, and between what’s emphasized and what’s actually practiced. When team members sense these gaps, they fill them with their own interpretations. That’s where misalignment begins. Where Leaders Lose the Thread There are some common patterns, though they may show up in subtle forms. A strategic shift is announced, but day-to-day processes remain unchanged. A new priority is introduced, but older metrics are still tracked more closely. A bold vision is shared, but frontline managers aren’t equipped to translate it into next steps. Over time, these inconsistencies create what might be called “cultural static”—background noise that makes even the clearest message hard to tune into. In some organizations, this leads to paralysis. In others, it leads to fragmented execution, where everyone is moving—just not together. What Clarity Actually Requires Clarity isn’t just about reducing confusion. It’s about aligning interpretation. That means leaders must think not only about what they say, but how it’s heard. It’s less about repeating a message, and more about shaping a shared understanding. This begins with structure. Communication that connects typically follows a clear arc: what’s happening, why it matters, what we’re doing, and how each person contributes. It continues with consistency—ensuring every leader and channel reinforces the same priorities. And it deepens with reflection—creating space for questions, doubts, and honest feedback. Importantly, clarity requires presence. It’s not enough to deliver a message and move on. Teams need to see that their leaders are still in it, still listening, still reinforcing what matters. Without that, even the best message fades quickly. The Leadership Opportunity The good news? Most communication gaps aren’t permanent—they’re just unexamined. When leaders become more intentional about clarity, alignment becomes more natural. It starts to show up not only in what’s said, but in how people behave, how they decide, and how they lead one another. At its best, communication isn’t a script—it’s a system. A shared rhythm that keeps everyone moving to the same beat, even as the tempo changes. And clarity, done right, isn’t just about being understood. It’s about being believed, trusted, and followed. --- The Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce is a private non-profit organization that aims to support the growth and development of local businesses and our regional economy. We strive to create content that not only educates but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among our readers. Join us as we explore topics such as economic development, networking opportunities, upcoming events, and success stories from our vibrant community. Our resources provide insights, advice, and news that are relevant to business owners, entrepreneurs, and community members alike. The Chamber has been granted license to publish this content provided by Chamber Today, a service of ChamberThink Strategies LLC.

Small Changes, Big Impact: Support Local Chamber Members This Small Business Month

May 12, 2025
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. Want to find local chamber-member businesses to support? Visit LLChamber.com/member-directory or look for the “Proud Chamber Member” badge in your neighborhood. ----------- Christina Metcalf is a writer and women’s speaker who believes in the power of story. She works with small businesses, chambers of commerce, and business professionals who want to make an impression and grow a loyal customer/member base. She is the author of The Glinda Principle , rediscovering the magic within. _______________________________________ Medium: @christinametcalf Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith