Maximizing Momentum From Small Business Season

December 18, 2023

Movie franchises, sequels, and prequels are all the rage in Hollywood these days—and for good reason. They make money. They’re a known commodity. If you’re an entrepreneur who’s thinking about launching a second business, a spin-off can be wildly popular. Before you decide to go after a brand-new market, consider the opportunities you might have with your existing audience.

 

There’s no better time to do this than during Small Business Season. Keep reading to understand how you can use your current business as a springboard to launch a new, exciting venture.

 

Launching a Spin-off Business During Small Business Season

First, we’re not telling you to launch the spin-off during the remaining weeks left in the year. There’s too much to do. But we are suggesting you look at some of the data and actions of your target market now that could help you shape a spin-off in the coming year. If you do, by this time next year you could be sitting on a very lucrative undertaking.

 

Identify Opportunities

Before diving into the spin-off venture, it's crucial to identify opportunities that align with your current business. Assess market trends, customer needs, and emerging technologies to pinpoint areas where your expertise can be leveraged for maximum impact. Look for gaps in the market or areas where your unique strengths can be a game-changer.

 

Small Business Season tip: If you’re a brick-and-mortar business, pay attention to the bags and cups people are carrying when they enter your place. What do they have in common and what do those places sell? Your target market is buying from them. Take notice.

 

Another good idea is to look for trends in your business as to what products or services are bought together, what questions are asked at checkout, and what items are returned. This data also reveals hidden desires and purchasing patterns.

 

Leverage Existing Resources

One of the key advantages of launching a spin-off business is the ability to leverage existing resources. Utilize the knowledge, infrastructure, and customer base you've built with your current business to give your new venture a head start. This not only reduces startup costs but also accelerates the growth of the spin-off.

 

Small Business Season tip: if you already know what you want to sell in your new undertaking, provide a sample in your current business and share those with buyers and/or visitors. You can also charge for items as a trial run. For instance, if you own a bookstore, and you’re thinking about creating a coffee shop nook, give away a few samples or do a poll on your audience’s favorite types of coffee drinks. Note: if you decide to sell something, be careful you’re not breaking any laws about food and beverage sales and licenses in your area.

 

Ask Your Audience:

Let the proverbial cat out of the bag and tell people (in store, on your website, and those following you on social) what you’re considering. Ask them what they think.

 

Small Business Season tip: Create an interactive display of 1-3 things you’re thinking about for a new business. Create voting boxes and let customers have a say as to which idea they like best. You can also give them a little something for their opinion. For instance, if you’re trying to decide between launching a coffee business, bookstore, or wine bar, and you have a brick-and-mortar store front, buy 3 types of stickers. Explain to each customer that the stickers are a vote for a new type of business and encourage them to “cast their vote” by taking a sticker. At the end of the day, see which category has the least number of stickers left.

 

Listen:

What questions do you get asked most frequently regarding your offerings? What are people asking for that you don’t sell? Consider how you might meet those needs in the future.

 

Small Business Season tip: when the next person asks you if you carry an item that you don’t, make a note of it. If you get several of the same request, this is a good indication that your customers want that item or service. It’s possible their request would fit into your current business, or you might decide to launch a side project to address their desires.

 

Also, pay attention to how customers navigate your store, what products they linger on, and what questions they ask employees. This reveals their unspoken needs and interests.

 

Consider How You Will Maintain Brand Consistency

Maintaining consistency in branding is vital when launching a spin-off. Leverage the positive reputation and brand recognition of your current business to build trust in the new venture.

 

Small Business tip: The brand for your new business doesn’t have to be the same as your existing one but there should be a close enough resemblance that you build on your other business’ recognition. After all, in a spin-off business, your target market is likely to be the same as your current one.

 

If you’re a little farther along in your business ideas, you can use Small Business Season to get people excited about your upcoming spin-off.

 

Building Buzz for Your Spin-off During Small Business Season

  1. Host product demos, sample services/items, or consultations. Listen to the conversations that happen around your stations.
  2. Set up interactive displays and feedback stations. Create product displays with touchscreens or feedback boards where customers can share their opinions and ideas.
  3. Host a "customer appreciation day." Unveil the new undertaking and invite customers to meet your team, ask questions, and share their thoughts. Let them be the first to know.

 

In-person interactions during Small Business Season offer a unique opportunity to connect with customers on a deeper level and understand their needs in a more nuanced way. By being creative and proactive, you can turn these interactions into valuable insights that drive growth and strengthen any new undertaking.

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This article published by the Leavenworth-Lansing Area Chamber of Commerce with permission from Frank Kenney Chamber Pros Community.

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

The Referral Revival: 5 Proven Ways to Get More Word-of-Mouth Without Ever Asking

May 6, 2025
Wow your customers. Exceptional service sparks natural buzz. Seed the idea. Subtle cues make referrals more likely. Give to get. Reciprocity drives more introductions. Make sharing easy. Equip clients with shareable content. Recognize your champions. Public thanks reinforces behavior. 615 words ~ 3 min. read In a world saturated with marketing messages, word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful business growth tools. Yet asking for referrals can often feel pushy or awkward. The good news: it’s possible to spark more referrals—organically—without ever making a direct ask. Here’s how to build a referral engine that runs on generosity, excellence, and subtle nudges. Wow Your Customers It all starts with the experience. When customers are truly impressed—whether through speed, attention to detail, or delightful service—they naturally want to tell others. Prioritize consistency and small touches that surprise people. It’s these micro-moments that turn satisfied customers into raving fans. Make Sharing Easy Equip your customers with materials they’ll actually want to pass along. This could be helpful blog posts, visual guides, short videos, or checklists—anything that reflects your expertise and is easy to forward. Think of these as “conversation starters” your customers can use to talk about you without the awkwardness. READ MORE: Customer Referrals Are Contagious by Harvard Business Review Seed the Idea Gently You don’t need to ask for referrals outright—but you do need to make it known that they matter. In your email signature, on your invoices, or in post-project wrap-ups, include a line like: "Many of our best clients come from referrals. Thank you for spreading the word!" This keeps referrals top of mind while preserving the tone of appreciation. Give to Get Referrals are a two-way street. Proactively refer your clients, partners, and vendors when you can. When others see you championing their work, they're more inclined to do the same for you. This builds goodwill and a sense of mutual investment. READ MORE from Forbes on the power of reciprocity in business Recognize Your Champions Gratitude is a multiplier. When someone sends a new client your way, acknowledge it right away. A handwritten note, a small gift, or a public thank-you can make your advocates feel valued—and likely to refer again. The goal isn’t to incentivize; it’s to appreciate. Recognition cements the behavior you want more of. Bottom Line You don’t need a slick script or a referral program to grow through word-of-mouth. By focusing on service excellence, subtle cues, generous networking, and authentic gratitude, you create an ecosystem where your customers want to talk about you. Organic referrals are not just a bonus—they’re a reflection of how well you’re doing the fundamentals. --- 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.

Think Small, Act Big: Fun Ways to Boost Local During Small Business Month

May 5, 2025
Another calendar page has come and gone and with it, we’re ushering in May and Small Business Month. There’s no better time to show some local love! Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community. They’re the coffee shops where we meet friends, the boutiques that stock one-of-a-kind finds, and the service providers who remember our names and donate to our causes. But before you think this is a new call to spend money, know that you don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Every purchase (yes, there’s the money but wait…), referral, and review goes a long way toward helping small businesses thrive. Whether you have $5 or just five minutes, we have some creative, fun, and meaningful ways to support small businesses this month. So get out into our community and support those who help make it what it is. Small Business Is a Big Deal When we say support small business, most people think of our Main Street shops. But “small business” is any business that employs under 200 people. Ask yourself, what percentage of your weekly purchases are done with small businesses? Can you increase that percentage this month? Make a list of where you currently do business. Pull out your credit or bank card transactions. See where your money is going and how that could change this month. For instance, if you visit Starbucks every day, try a local place on the weekends or swap Starbucks for local out completely for this month. How does that feel?  But don’t stop there. There are a lot of things you can do that don’t cost a lot. 10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Small Business Month 1. Shop Small (and Share It!) When you buy from a local business, snap a photo and tag them on social media. Your shoutout helps them reach new customers—and shows your support in a way that goes beyond the checkout counter. Plus, a picture is worth a thousand words, and maybe even a purchase or two. 2. Leave a Glowing Review A five-star review on Google, Yelp, or Facebook can boost a business’s visibility and reputation. Take five minutes to write something kind about your favorite local shop or restaurant—it’s free, fast, and powerful. 3. Take the “Local Love Challenge” Try to do one locally focused thing each day this week: Monday: Grab coffee from an indie café Tuesday: Tag a small business you love on Instagram Wednesday: Leave a review Thursday: Buy a gift from a local boutique Friday: Recommend a local service provider to a friend Saturday: Try a new-to-you local restaurant Sunday: Post a selfie at your favorite business add the hashtag #ShopLocal #ShopLVCO Or if you want a monthly challenge instead, vow to spend $20 locally at a business you’ve never tried before or attend an event at a local business. 4. Buy Gift Cards for Later If you’re not ready to spend much now, consider buying a small gift card for a future visit—or to give as a birthday or thank-you gift. It gives businesses cash flow now and brings you (or someone else) joy later. 5. Host a “Small Biz Night Out” Make a night of it! Plan a dinner with friends at a local restaurant, pop into a few shops, and end with dessert from a neighborhood bakery. Bonus points if you post about your local adventure on social media! 6. Introduce a Local Business to a New Customer Word-of-mouth is still gold. Bring a friend to your favorite store, create a video/reel review on TikTok or Instagram, or tag someone in a post who might love a business’ products or services. Your recommendation could bring in a future loyal customer. 7. Get Involved in Chamber Events Check your local Chamber of Commerce calendar (like ours! Llchamber.com/events ) for small business events this month, networking opportunities, or to add your own! These events are a great way to discover new businesses and show your support in person. 8. Support Local on Social Can’t spend right now? That’s okay! Like (use the love emoji instead of just the thumb up), share, or comment on small business posts. It only takes a second to post a sticker or an emoji as a comment. Help them beat the algorithm and reach more people. Engagement matters more than you think. 9. Ask Businesses What They Need Sometimes the best way to help is to ask. Maybe they’re looking for volunteers, help spreading the word, or even someone to test a new product. Your time and skills could be just as valuable as a purchase. 10. Celebrate Them Loudly and Proudly Know a small business owner doing great work? Celebrate them publicly! Write a LinkedIn or Facebook post recognizing their contribution. Gratitude is contagious—and so is support. Small Business Month is more than a campaign—it’s a reminder that we all play a role in shaping the success and culture of our community. So this May, let’s think small, act big, and show our favorite businesses just how much they mean to us. Let us know how you’re supporting local this month—tag @llchamberofcommerce [FB] @lvlchamber [IN] and use #ShopLVCO so we can cheer you on! ----------- 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. _______________________________________ Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor LinkedIn: @christinagsmith