Not a Retail Biz? You Can Still Be a Strong Part of Small Business Season

December 13, 2023

The holiday season is upon us, and 'tis the season for shopping! As a small business owner, you might think that participating in the "Shop Local" movement or Small Business Season is reserved for retail and restaurant establishments. That's not the case!

 

Small businesses from every sector can actively join in on Small Business Season, which begins November 1 and goes through the end of the year. This initiative creates a vibrant, supportive local economy and helps businesses like yours reap the benefits of increased visibility and customer loyalty.

 

So let’s explore a few creative ways for non-retail or food industry businesses to participate in Small Business Season and have the best holiday season ever.

Collaborate with Retailers

One of the most effective ways to be a part of Small Business Season as a non-retail business is by collaborating with local retailers. It can be a lot of fun, introduce you to new audiences, and create opportunities for further collaborations in the future. For example, if you run a local grocery store, partner with a retailer that sells cookware and promote a holiday cooking demo. By working together, you both strengthen your ties with the community and increase your visibility.

 

Offer Exclusive Discounts or Packages

While you may not be selling products, you can still create exclusive holiday offers or packages for local customers. For instance, if you're a law firm, you can provide a discounted consultation for individuals or businesses in your area. This not only encourages people to use your services but also shows your commitment to the community.

 

Plus, if you tie it into something that is completely irrelevant to what you do but a part of the holiday season like a special “Pumpkin Spice Consultation” or a “Have family in town for the holidays? Need to make last-minute changes to your will because of the way they’re acting? We’ve got you covered.”

 

Sponsor Local Events

Another way to engage in Small Business Season is to sponsor local holiday events through the Chamber and other high-profile organizations. Ideas include the annual tree lighting ceremony, charity fundraisers, or even a Small Business Season challenge or Bingo Card. By sponsoring these events or contests, you show your support for the local community and gain valuable exposure among the event attendees.

 

Decorate Your Business

Get into the holiday spirit by decorating your business. Even if you're a B2B company or a service provider, a festive atmosphere can help your employees and clients get into the holiday mood. Consider hosting a small holiday party for your clients and associates to celebrate the season.

 

Create Local Gift Guides

Regardless of your industry, you can create local gift guides that highlight the products or services of local retailers. Share these guides on your website, through social media, or via email newsletters. It not only supports your local business community but also positions you as a resource for holiday shoppers.

 

Partner with Charities and Nonprofits

The holidays are a time for giving, and small businesses can show their community spirit by partnering with local charities. Consider organizing food drives, toy drives, or fundraising events to support those in need during the holiday season. Some businesses with good locations set up a “giving tree” where the needs of the community are sponsored by an individual or company that takes a tag and promises to satisfy the need listed on the tag. This not only fosters goodwill but also demonstrates your commitment to your area.

 

Highlight Local Success Stories

Use your platform to showcase local success stories. Bonus points if those success stories feature your clients. Post interviews or profiles of local business owners, artists, or community leaders. This not only supports local talent but also positions your business as an advocate for the community.

 

Engage on Social Media

Stay active on social media platforms during the holiday season. Share and engage with content from local businesses and use relevant hashtags to join the #SmallBusinessSeason conversation. Encourage your followers to do the same.

 

Participating in Small Business Season during the holidays is not exclusive to retail businesses. As a non-retail small business, you can play a significant role in fostering a strong sense of community, supporting the local economy, and strengthening your own business in the process.

 

By collaborating and participating in these activities, you can make a meaningful contribution to the holiday season's spirit of giving and community support.

 

This Small Business Season let's all join hands and shop local and small to build a stronger, more vibrant community.

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

Regional Sourcing Turns Local Partnerships into Lasting Advantages

August 12, 2025
Local sourcing brings speed, quality, and deeper connections. Being nearby means more control and faster problem-solving. Investing locally builds community goodwill and brand trust. Start small today—test one item with a local partner. 579 words ~ 3 min. read Sometimes the best way to grow your business isn’t about going bigger—it’s about going closer. More companies are finding that partnerships with local suppliers aren’t just about where products come from—they shape how quickly a business can move, how closely it can control quality, and how much value it can create for customers and community. Speed You Can See When your suppliers are nearby, orders arrive while the ink on your sales order is still drying. Questions get answered before lunch. Product tweaks happen in days, not months. That kind of responsiveness means you can serve customers better and seize opportunities while they’re still fresh. A Front-Row Seat to Quality Working locally lets you see the process up close. You can step onto the production floor, smell the freshly cut materials, and shake hands with the people bringing your products to life. This connection makes it easier to uphold high standards, solve issues before they snowball, and create offerings you’re proud to stand behind. Partnerships That Feel Personal Local sourcing often turns into more than a transaction—it becomes a relationship. When your vendor is a short drive away, you’re not just an invoice; you’re a partner. That trust leads to creative solutions, extra care during busy seasons, and a shared investment in each other’s success. An Investment in Your Community Dollars spent locally ripple outward—supporting jobs, other small businesses, and local services. Customers notice when you make that choice, and it often strengthens loyalty. People like to buy from businesses that invest where they live, and they remember it. A Story Worth Sharing More customers want to know where their purchases come from. Being able to say, “We work with suppliers right here in our region,” isn’t just a point of pride—it’s a story people tell each other, and it builds trust faster than any marketing campaign. Your First Step Making the shift doesn’t have to mean rewriting your whole supply chain. This week, pull up your purchase list and choose one product or service to source locally. Make a call, ask a few questions, and see how quickly a handshake can turn into a partnership. Once you’ve tested the waters, you can decide where else local sourcing fits. The Bottom Line Local sourcing is about more than cutting costs—it’s about speed, quality, trust, and connection. It helps you deliver faster, control outcomes better, and strengthen your brand’s story. Global trade can move mountains, but local sourcing moves at the speed of trust—and that’s the kind of supply chain that lasts.  Read More: 5 Advantages to Localizing Your Supply Chain Local Business Partnerships Strengthen Communities and Drive Growth --- 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.

Hiring in a Tight Market: Your Local Playbook for Finding and Keeping Great People

August 11, 2025
Why it matters: In a tight hiring market, top candidates disappear fast... sometimes within days. Small businesses can win by acting quickly and tapping into local networks. The advantage: Local employers can decide faster, offer flexibility, and connect with candidates on a personal level. How to do it: Post jobs where your community gathers, partner with schools, and reward employee referrals. Don’t stop at hiring: Recognize contributions, offer skill growth, and create a workplace people want to stay in. The bottom line: Speed + relationships = a strong, loyal team in any labor market. When the job market tightens, the best candidates disappear fast, sometimes in days, or hours. You might see a great résumé come in on Monday and find out by Wednesday they’ve already accepted another offer. In a market like that, slow hiring isn’t just risky — it’s a dealbreaker. The advantage for small, owner-operated businesses? You can move quicker, decide faster, and connect with people in a way big companies often can’t. You’re not just offering a job; you’re offering a place where someone can belong. The Current Local Hiring Landscape Right now, almost every “Help Wanted” sign in town is competing for the same small group of job seekers. Large employers might have fancier recruitment ads, but they also have layers of approval and corporate processes that slow things down. Local businesses can spot a great fit and make an offer in days instead of weeks. That speed, paired with a personal, community-focused culture, can tip the scales in your favor. Where to Source Candidates Locally The best hires aren’t always scrolling national job boards. They might be the student you meet at a Chamber mixer, the barista who remembers your order, or the neighbor whose cousin is looking for work. Go where people already gather: coffee shop bulletin boards, community Facebook groups, Chamber events. Build real relationships with local schools and training programs so you’re top of mind when they have graduates ready to work. And don’t forget your team’s networks: a good employee referral can bring you someone who already shares your values. Retention Tips That Work for Small Teams Hiring fast is important, but keeping people takes steady attention. Flexibility is one of the biggest advantages you can offer — whether that’s letting a parent leave early for a school event or working around a student’s class schedule. Small, thoughtful gestures like public thank-yous, a shared lunch, or a local gift card can make people feel seen and appreciated. And when you cross-train employees, you’re not just filling skill gaps — you’re showing them they have a future with you. A Local Case Study Consider a local retailer who hired a high school senior for weekend shifts. She could have been just another seasonal hire, but the owner saw potential and trained her in inventory, merchandising, and customer service. Within a year, she was running weekend operations and turning down offers from bigger stores. All because the owner acted quickly and invested early. Quick-Start Checklist for This Month Post your job in at least three local spots. Reach out to a school or training program. Refresh and promote your referral bonus. Plan one new way to recognize your team. Tell people you’re hiring at your next Chamber event. The Bottom Line When talent is scarce, every day matters. Small businesses that know where to look, move quickly, and create a place people want to stay will come out ahead. It’s not just about filling jobs — it’s about building a team that grows with you and strengthens the community along the way. Read More: 5 Professional Development Practices That Will Elevate Your Team's Success From Conflict to Collaboration: Turning Workplace Disputes into Growth Opportunities The Power of 'Entry Interviews' and 'Stay Interviews': Tips from Adam Grant Recognition is Free- But it Might be the Most Valuable Investment You make Rock Stars vs. Superstars: Who's Fueling Your Team's Future? --- 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.

5 Simple Numbers Every Small Business Should Track

August 11, 2025
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. Further Reading: 6 Questions Every Smart Small Business Owner Asks Community-Led Growth: The Secret Sauce Smart Businesses Are Using to Scale Hospitality is the Hidden Edge: Why Emotional Connection Drives Customer Loyalty Think Bigger: How Systems Thinking Gives Small Business Owners a Smarter Edge -------------- 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