Articles

Battling Meeting Fatigue: 5 Elements of Productive Meetings Source: CO by U.S. Chamber, Emily Heaslip , Contributor Good meetings require focus, a clear agenda, and actionable next steps. As much as many people bemoan meetings, gathering your team together to move a project forward is sometimes necessary. Fortunately, some strategies can make meetings a little less…

Data-Driven Benefits: How Mid-Sized Employers Can Boost ROI and Retention Source: My Benefit Advisor For mid-sized companies, every benefits dollar counts. Yet too often, employers renew their insurance plans without fully understanding what is driving costs or which benefits employees truly value. By using data more strategically, these employers can design a benefit program that…

Understanding the US energy mix: An introduction for small and medium-sized business owners Source: World Kinect Navigating the complexities of the US energy market can be daunting for small business owners. However, a clear grasp of the nation’s energy mix and the balance between renewable and non-renewable sources can empower you to make informed decisions,…

A Complete Guide to Hiring and Recruiting for Your Small Business Source: CO by U.S. Chamber; Danielle Fallon-O’Leary , Contributor Today’s job market feels challenging for job seekers and employers alike. While some companies are holding back on hiring due to economic uncertainty, others are struggling to secure talent amidst a tight labor market. This mix of caution…

Why Warren Buffett’s Simple Definition of Leadership Still Matters for Small Businesses Source: Chamber Today The core idea: Leadership is not about being indispensable. It is about making others effective. Why it matters now: Small businesses cannot scale if decisions, knowledge, and confidence stay trapped at the top. The common trap: Owners confuse involvement with impact and become…

What Is Your Business Worth? Understanding the Value of Your Business Source: McKonly & Asbury; Eric Blocher, Author Business owners often develop a “value” for their business based on outside transactional data. The transactional data could come from published summarized data, such as DealStats Quarterly Value Index, or be based on what they “heard another business…

Humanize Your Brand to Win Bigger Deals Source: Chamber Today Buyers aren’t just comparing features; they’re choosing partners they trust. B2B sales are increasingly emotional, not just rational. Brands that show empathy, values, and humanity close bigger, longer-term deals. The key: align your storytelling, culture, and client experience with what people feel, not just what…

Waste Not: Solutions for Food Supply Chain Losses Source: McKonly & Asbury; Brett Bauer, Author Whether you’re a farmer experiencing price volatility, a food manufacturer facing a less reliable supply chain, a grocery store responding to customers’ ever-rising expectations on what “fresh” looks like, or a household consumer still recovering from a challenging inflationary environment,…

How to Apply for Small Business Tariff Refunds Source: C.O. by U.S. Chamber The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down certain tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has created an opportunity for many small businesses to seek refunds. However, navigating the refund process can be complex. Here’s what small businesses need…

How to Conduct Competitive Research: Sizing up the Competition Source: CO by U.S. Chamber, Jamie Johnson , Contributor Competitive research can reveal trends in the marketplace and gaps in your business plan. Here’s how to implement it. Competitive research is a crucial part of any good marketing and business plan. Many companies lose business to competitors…