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.



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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.

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Medium: @christinametcalf

Facebook: @tellyourstorygetemtalking

Instagram: @christinametcalfauthor

LinkedIn: @christinagsmith

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.

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