Arconic Foundation Announces 2023 Scholarships
Arconic Foundation recently announced the winners of the 2023 Scholarship Program. The program awards grants of $5,000 to children of Arconic employees to recognize their outstanding achievements and provide financial assistance to help pursue further educational opportunities. The number of scholarships is limited to 25% of the applicants received. Therefore, of 64 applications, 16 awards were given to Arconic facilities with Kawneer Bloomsburg receiving two of the scholarships. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, Maggie Stauder and Kylie Kingston. Each of their fathers are employees at Kawneer, an Arconic Company.
Maggie Stauder graduated from Southern Columbia School District and will attend Messiah University where she will study Sustainability. Shown in the photo from left are Mindy Stauder, mother; Maggie Stauder, scholarship recipient; Jim Stauder, father and Kawneer Take-Off Technician/Programmer; Bruce Schlichter, Kawneer Plant Manager and Andrew Knipfer, Kawneer Human Resources Manager.
Kylie Kingston, a recent graduate of Central Columbia also received a scholarship. Kylie will extend her studies at Bloomsburg University majoring in Early Childhood and Special Education. Gathering for the photo from the left are Angie Kingston, mother; Damion Kingston, father and Extrusion Crew Supervisor for Kawneer; Kylie Kingston, scholarship recipient; Bruce Schlichter, Kawneer Plant Manager and Andrew Knipfer, Kawneer Human Resources Manager.
Boost Your Productivity with These Practical Habits
SUMMARY
- Batching tasks allows you to group similar tasks together and focus on them for a specific period of time, improving concentration and allowing you to monotask rather than multitask.
- "Eating the frog" is a productivity hack that prioritizes the most difficult task first, leading to feelings of accomplishment that can carry over into the rest of the day/week.
- Automating your attention by turning off notifications, putting your phone on silent, and using online scheduling helps avoid distractions.
- Power napping for 10-20 minutes before 2pm (or 5pm for night owls) can improve cognitive function and boost creativity.
- Incorporating these habits can help increase productivity and make you more efficient - practice proactively to see real results
~ 593 words / 3 minute read
Although productivity is an essential component to work and life, it’s not a subject most people learn in school. At first glance, the ability to stay focused, get organized, and finish tasks on time seems to be a talent bestowed at birth on the lucky. Thankful productivity experts have another view. Your productivity does not manifest from your genes but from your habits. The following productivity hacks will help you take control of your time and transform the way you work.
Batch Your Time
Time batching is a technique where you set aside specific timeframes for certain tasks. Instead of jumping from one task to another, time batching allows you to group similar tasks together and focus only on them for a specific period. For example, instead of reading emails throughout the day, you schedule a specific time to read and respond. Likewise, you might set aside specific times each day for returning calls or scheduling appointments. Time batching improves concentration and allows you to monotask rather than multitask, which research has shown to be ineffective. We all wish there was more time in a day. By batching your tasks, you'll be able to work more efficiently, save time, and minimize distractions.
Eat the Frog
American humorist Mark Twain once wrote, “If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first.” Productivity experts have latched onto Twain’s metaphor to address the way many people avoid hard tasks. Unfortunately, that avoidance has a cost. Stress, anxiety, and low-energy happen when we put off important work. Much like ripping off a band-aid, ‘eating the frog’ means prioritizing difficult work. Once you've conquered a challenging task, your feeling of accomplishment will carry over into the rest of your day, even your week.
Avoiding Distractions
Distractions can significantly affect productivity. Edward G. Brown, an efficiency and workflow consultant, argues that our biggest time bandits come from momentum loss, starting over, and do-overs because of errors. Nir Ayal, author of Indistracible: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life, recommends using technology to automate your attention. Simple habits like turning off notifications during work hours, putting your phone on silent, and having clients book appointments through an online scheduler keeps your attention on your most important work and saves you time throughout your day.
Power Naps
Can sleeping in the daytime really make you more productive? Just ask some of the world’s most successful basketball players like Lebron James or Derrick Rose, who have relied on naps to boost performance. Research shows that it’s not just athletes who benefit from napping. Power naps, defined as a 10-20 minute daytime sleep burst, can help recharge your energy, improve cognitive function, boost your creativity, and improve your work performance. When’s the best time to power nap? Sleep experts recommend before 2pm for most people or as late as 5pm for night owls. When you find yourself reaching for afternoon caffeine, you’ll know it’s time for a quick nap.
The Takeaway
Incorporating productivity habits like time batching, prioritizing hard tasks, avoiding distractions, and power naps are practical ways to increase productivity and become more efficient. By adopting these habits, you'll be able to work smarter, not harder. Start by trying one or two habits for a few weeks and track how your productivity improves. Remember, productivity is like a muscle you develop, so practice everyday to get stronger.
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The Columbia Montour 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.
What You Need to Know About Credit Card Processing
Source: US Chamber of Commerce
The best way to learn if credit card processing is right for your business is to weigh the pros and cons. Here's what you need to know if you're on the fence about opening a merchant account.
Consumers prefer credit, debit, and digital payment methods
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, “93% of U.S. consumers 18 and older” have a debit or credit card. It said people “rate cards highly for convenience.” Credit and debit cards are easier to carry and use and allow for control over payment timing. Indeed, the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta stated, “In every year from 2015 to 2021, credit and debit cards were ranked first and second for convenience compared to other payment methods.”
Likewise, 25% of Paysafe survey respondents said: “They're using digital wallets to pay for online purchases more often than they did a year ago.” Since many credit card processors support mobile payment options like Google Pay or Apple Pay, opening a merchant account can allow customers to choose their preferred methods.
Credit card processing applications and acceptance rates vary by provider
While merchant account providers like Square or PayPal have a relatively quick application process, others require more information. Typically, flat-rate solutions take less time to get approved. They don’t negotiate rates for small businesses with credit card processing volumes under $250,000 annually.
In contrast, merchant providers like National Processing base their rates on a company’s average transaction amount, monthly sales volume, and more. An interchange plus pricing model can be cheaper for businesses with higher processing volumes. It’s a good idea to know common credit card processing terms before comparing providers and rates.
Small companies can recover some credit card processing fees
Yes, swipe fees take a chunk of your small business sales. Fortunately, several well-known credit card processing solutions (Stax, Square, and Elavon) allow merchants to add a payment card surcharge or checkout fee to online and in-store purchases. Business owners must inform customers of the surcharge and follow certain rules. Additionally, there are several ways to reduce your payment processing fees.
Merchant account providers offer various payment processing solutions
Today’s credit card processors understand that businesses and consumers need flexibility. As such, most offer various payment and hardware options. You can decide which methods suit your customers best or add new solutions as your company grows. Partnering with a merchant account provider is a way to expand into new markets and attract a diverse customer base.
Here are some merchant account services offered by credit card processing companies:
- E-commerce: Payment processors provide gateways for accepting online payments through your existing website or online shop.
- Contactless payments: With RFID (radio frequency identification), small businesses can let customers tap to pay at the register or curbside.
- Buy now, pay later (BNPL): Some payment solutions provide BNPL services, allowing customers to pay their bills in installments.
- Virtual terminal: Many credit card processors offer a free, web-based terminal for processing card-not-present (CNP) sales, like phone or mail orders.
- Mobile: Digital wallets like Apple, Samsung, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and QR (quick response) codes facilitate payment from a customer’s cell phone. Alternatively, most processors provide mobile apps so business owners can process credit cards from smartphones.
- Automated Clearing House (ACH): Most merchant service providers charge small fees for electronic, bank-to-bank money transfers for recurring subscriptions.
- In-store hardware: Payment processing companies may sell or lease physical card readers, all-in-one point-of-sale (POS) systems, and pay-at-the-table devices.
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The Columbia Montour 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 Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the US Chamber, the source of this article.
New Member Highlight – Doing Better Business
Since 1973, the Dellaposta family of businesses has continuously evolved to meet the diverse technology needs of organizations of all sizes. Built on a foundation of service, the company has been committed to putting customers first and responding to their needs well beyond the initial sale.
The employees are advocates for your business and will earn your trust through industry knowledge, customer-focused innovation, flexibility and most of all, integrity. They work hard to provide the best service at the best price!
BUSINESS, LABOR, LAWMAKERS UNITE FOR PERMITTING REFORM
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Last Tuesday, state and federal chamber officials hosted a virtual press conference alongside organized labor leaders and a bipartisan pair of state senators to express their shared support for enacting permitting reforms to make Pennsylvania a more competitive state for business.
Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) joined the group to discuss the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 350, legislation the PA Chamber hailed in a statement as a “generational opportunity” that would lead to “more jobs, greater transparency, and ultimately, a stronger economy.”
During his introductory remarks, U.S. Chamber Senior Vice President of Policy Marty Durbin highlighted the Permit America to Build Coalition, a nationwide advocacy effort calling on federal lawmakers to enact “meaningful, durable permitting reform legislation” by the summer’s end.
“We have over 350 different organizations from every corner of the country and every industry represented,” Durbin said. “Our friends from the environmental community and from organized labor have all come together to say, ‘we have a historic chance here to really make a difference and build this economy of the future.’”
In March, the PA Chamber joined the coalition in sending a letter to Congress, outlining broad support for reforms centered on predictability, efficiency, transparency, and stakeholder input.
“The biggest obstacle we have in front of us right now has been permitting reform,” Durbin continued. “It simply shouldn’t take longer to get a permit than it does to build a project, but that’s what we’re dealing with right now at the federal level. It can take roughly five years on average to get a permit, and many projects take far longer than that.”
“The good news is there’s bipartisan support in Congress for doing something. That is why we are working with our partners at the state level and focusing on the need for us to continue the momentum and to get this over the finish line,” Durbin said.
PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein put it bluntly: “Pennsylvania needs to be more competitive.” He cited the Commonwealth’s notoriously difficult permitting system as part of why the state has seen alarming numbers of businesses and workers leave for other states.
“Pennsylvania loses out on critical investments if we have an antiquated, outdated permitting structure,” Bernstein said. “When we look at recent examples, U.S. Steel just built a $3 billion investment – 900 good-paying jobs, average salary over $100,000/year – in Arkansas.
“And when Gov. Hutchinson announced that U.S. Steel was going to make this infrastructure investment in Arkansas, he said that they would move into the building before they could have ever even gotten a permit here in Pennsylvania,” Bernstein continued. That’s not acceptable.”
Echoing this sentiment, Sen. Phillips-Hill, the prime sponsor of S.B. 350, told the story of one constituent who moved his business to West Virginia and told her he had the new facility up and running faster than he could get the permits necessary to build in Pennsylvania.
“We have a rare and unique opportunity to address the issue,” Phillips-Hill said.
Bernstein pointed to the PA Chamber’s comprehensive permitting reform plan, which offers solutions to modernize and streamline the way permits are reviewed and appealed in the Commonwealth. Additional reforms include actions to save agency resources, address permit deadlines, and establish a set timeframe in which permit decisions must be made.
Many of these reforms are contained within S.B 350, Phillips-Hill’s legislation that passed the Senate earlier this summer. Among its reforms, the bill would require state agencies to evaluate their permit decisions, examine delays, and create a list of all permits offered by state entities.
Additionally, Senate Bill 350 would create an accessible tracking system for applicants to monitor the status of their permit request online – which invited an appetizing analogy:
“If you order a $15 pizza from Domino’s, you can go to their app and see where that pizza is every step of the way,” Bernstein said. “But if you put in for a $15 million permit at DEP, you have no idea where it is in the process. We can streamline that and be more transparent.”
Jeff Nobers, executive director of both the Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh Works Together said permitting reforms efforts are supported by organized labor.
“We agree on this wholeheartedly. It’s very logical,” Nobers said. “If businesses can’t get the permits to construct, the trade unions don’t work. Nothing could be more simple than that.”
Sen. Boscola agreed. “Whether it’s building roads, houses, pipelines, solar fields, energy, broadband – you name it,” she told reporters. “These delays can often make or break a project.”
Senate Bill 350 is currently awaiting action in the House State Government Committee.
You can read more coverage from this event in City & State PA, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pittsburgh Business Times, and The Center Square.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
PA SENATE RETURNS TO ANSWER $1.1 BILLION QUESTION
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
The Pennsylvania Senate returns to Harrisburg this week at a critical time in the state budget process. More than $1.1 billion in state funding remains in legislative limbo, despite Gov. Josh Shapiro having signed Pennsylvania’s main budget bill more than three weeks ago.
Disagreements between the GOP-led Senate and Gov. Shapiro have stalled progress on this funding, which includes programs ranging from education to emergency services.
Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward announced last week that the Senate would return three weeks earlier than originally scheduled to resume work on the underlying code legislation, emphasizing that some matters “continue to be negotiated.”
Several education programs are still awaiting the green light, including $100 million in Level Up funding intended to support the Commonwealth’s poorest school districts.
Related programs stuck in limbo include $10 million for student teachers, $100 million for school mental health services, $50 million for emergency hospital relief, and $20.7 for increased ambulance service reimbursements. These programs cannot move forward until necessary code bills are signed into law.
Additionally, $175 million in funding for Pennsylvania’s Whole-Home Repairs program, which provides homeowners with up to $50,000 in direct loans/grants from the Department of Community and Economic Development for home repairs and upgrades, remains caught up in negotiations. This amount represents a $50 million increase over the amount federally funded for the past two years, the difference coming out of state revenues.
The state’s $7.5 million allocation for public defense (its first-ever) is also on hold. Supporters argue this funding is overdue as most states fund public defense in some capacity. They also assert this funding would help municipal governments alleviate a significant budgetary burden.
All eyes will be on the state Capitol this week as lawmakers return to close the deal on a state budget process that is now months in the making. Pennsylvania’s business community will be watching closely as the funding for these programs will have far-reaching impacts on our state’s education, healthcare, and emergency services.
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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.
Member News – August 30, 2023
Ken Pollock Ford Dealership Hosting Benefit Car Show
The annual Car Show to benefit Johns Hopkins Stepping Stones Transplant Patient Fund is being held at the Ken Pollock Ford Dealership in Berwick on Sunday September 17, 2023. Learn More.
Fromm Electric to Celebrate 100 years
Join Fromm Electric on September 28th from 11-1 pm at Fromm's Bloomsburg branch for an outdoor BBQ featuring a catered lunch and amazing giveaways from suppliers such as Milwaukee, Signify, and Eaton. The event is "rain or shine,". Find more details.
United in Recovery announces SCOPE Trainings
SCOPE Trainings provide evidence-based education for first responders, fire, EMS, police, employees, volunteers, and others affiliated with the agency on SUD, especially OUD. See full list of training dates.
CSIU offers a Community Health Worker Training Program
Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trained public health professionals who know their community and have the heart for helping others and serving their community. Learn more about the program the CSIU is offering here.
Forest & Field Provides Countertops to Ronald McDonald House
Chamber members Forest & Field and the Ronald McDonald House Danville recently worked together on new countertops in the Ronald McDonald House kitchen. Forest & Field owner John Coates stopped in to see the finished look with Ronald McDonald House Director Mike Turlis.
PA CareerLink, Columbia Montour hosting Job Fair Oct. 5th
The 2023 Columbia-Montour Fall Job Fair will be held on Thursday, October 5th at the LCBC Church campus, 2421 Columbia Blvd., Bloomsburg, PA. The event will begin at 11:00 a.m. and close at 2:00 p.m. Businesses interested in attending can register here. Space is limited.
BNI Iron Valley hosting Visitors Day
Are you wondering what BNI is all about? Then you need to come to their next Visitors Day on September 6, 2023! The meeting is at the Pine Barn Inn Danville PA 17821 at 7:00 am. Register to visit!
First Columbia Bank Photography back in 2023
SBDC September Training Events
In-person and virtual events are happening at SBDC this fall. Check out the full schedule.
Community Giving Opens Healthy Workplace Grant
2023 Healthy Workplace grant-round for Community Giving Foundation is now Open! The application opened on August 1, 2023, and the deadline to apply by August 31, 2023. Learn more.
T-Ross Announces Scholarship Recipients
In 2018, T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. established the T-Ross Brothers Construction Inc. Scholarship to support graduating seniors interested in construction-related fields of study. Check out who received this year's scholarships.
Bloomsburg Community Luau
Bloomsburg Community Luau, Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the Bloomsburg Town Park starting at 6PM. Enjoy live music and entertainment, great food, fun tropical activities, enter the Tiki Lounge decorating contest, and see Elvis on the outdoor big screen in the classic film Blue Hawaii. Bring a chair or blanket to relax and enjoy the entertainment at the corner of Market Street and Fort McClure Blvd.
The Teen Center Opens New Commercial Kitchen
With the help of the Community Giving Foundation, the Teen Center in Berwick was able to install a new commercial kitchen for teens to take their nutrition into their own hands!
Central Susquehanna Opportunities' Financial Workshops open for September
CSO offers a variety of free workshops to help you develop new skills and achieve your life goals. At our Community Action offices in Shamokin, Sunbury, and Bloomsburg, you can learn about budgeting, getting organized, improving your credit score, and more! See the full schedule here.
First Friday Happening in Bloomsburg
September 1st will see the DBI and Bloomsburg downtown businesses hosting First Fridays. Check out a complete list of what's happening.
BTE To Offer Matinees and Workshops for
Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ in September
BTE’s production of William Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’ features special school matinees and workshops for middle and high school students in several regional venues. See venues here.
Weis Center Kicks Off 36th Season with Concert and Hoops on the Plaza with Bucknell Basketball Teams
The Weis Center’s 36th Season will kick-off on Thursday, September 7 at 6 p.m. with a free concert by DC-based brass band DuPont Brass on the Weis Center Plaza. Come early for free family-friendly events from 5-6 pm.
Glen Brook teaming up for Estate Planning Seminar
Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center is hosting a free seminar on estate planning with Eric Young from Steinbacher, Goodall, and Yurchak on September 19th. Learn More.
Bloomsburg Fair September 22 - 30th
The 168th Bloomsburg Fair will begin on September 22 with a preview day from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Grandstand, admission, parking, and ride tickets are all on sale now! And don't forget to get your exhibits entered. Learn more about the Bloomsburg Fair.
Fall 2023 Career Expos
Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania is excited to bring the power of all 3 of our universities together to benefit our students and employer partners across the state in a Fall 2023 Accounting and Financial Services Career Expo and Management, Supply Chain, Marketing, Technology and Analytics Expo on campus in Bloomsburg. Reach out to Darwin Kysor at 570-484-2181 to get more details about participation.
Camp Victory Community Open House Happening September 10th
Check out all the things planned for Camp Victory's 30th Anniversary Open house.
NEPIRC Manufacturing Day: October 13
Join NEPIRC on Friday, October 13th to celebrate the many contributions of our region’s manufacturing industry! At Manufacturing Day, you’ll be able to see product demonstrations; learn more about the cool products made right here in our local communities, and more!
Attention CEOs: Workplace Culture is Your Biggest Asset
SUMMARY
- CEOs agree that workplace culture is their most powerful asset, yet it ranks low on their list of priorities.
- According to research, a great culture affects reputation, hiring, and employee retention.
- Mark Miller suggests leaders start by making space for hopes and dreams, amplifying vision and values often, and adapting the aspiration as needed.
- Systems like polls and surveys can help monitor the health of an organization's culture.
586 words ~ 3 Minute Read
Leaders know that culture matters. But with so many problems to solve and goals to reach, it’s hard to make workplace culture a priority. In bestselling author Mark Miller’s recent book Culture Rules: The Leader’s Guide to Creating the Ultimate Competitive Advantage, he surveyed more than 6000 individuals from 10 countries. Although 67% of global leaders agreed that culture is their most powerful tool, workplace culture failed to show up in a top 10 list of priorities.
Unfortunately, this disconnect has far-reaching consequences. Culture affects everything from reputation to hiring to employee retention. In a Glassdoor survey, 56% of employees said workplace culture was even more important than salary. Elevating your company culture doesn't have to be daunting, according to Miller. His book outlines a simple strategic framework to create a thriving high-performance culture. Below are three rules to help you define the culture you want, integrate your message into the workplace, and find success by listening, learning, and adjusting.
Get Clear
Humans want to feel connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s why Miller’s first rule is called Aspire. Most leaders have already identified their organization’s aspirations—the difference here is communication. Miller advises leaders to translate their vision, mission, purpose, and core beliefs for employees. When aspirations remain unsaid, confusion reigns instead of culture. Maintaining values and articulating your vision not only outlines boundaries and expectations, it also creates a sense of shared purpose.
Repeat Often
It’s not enough to announce your organization’s expectations. Instead, Miller says you have to Amplify them, which is the second rule in his strategic framework. Leaders can amplify their vision, mission, and core values in many ways, and Miller suggests using a variety of methods. The world is loud and distracting, and to build a better culture, employees need reminders.
One technique Miller recommends involves looking at the last 30 days of your calendar and finding activities you personally engaged in that match your aspiration. Then, the goal is to strategize how you can use these same activities in the future to amplify your aspiration. This process can be far-reaching, affecting everything from hiring descriptions to onboarding new employees to recognizing team members who embody the mission and core values of your organization.
Listen & Learn
Enhancing workplace culture is not a one-and-done proposition. The last rule Miller wants leaders to understand is Adapt. In other words, clarifying your vision and values is important, but how do they actually land with the people who work for you? Miller advises leaders to prioritize listening so that they understand if their aspiration is on target or if it needs an adjustment. Systems that help identify problems that affect workplace satisfaction are important ways leaders can monitor the health of the culture they’ve worked so hard to build. Listening sessions and surveys are great ways to take the pulse of your organization. HR Morning has cataloged 45 sample questions to help employers build their own customized survey to measure workplace engagement and satisfaction.
The Bottom Line
Taking the time to reflect on the three rules of Miller's framework—Aspire, Amplify, and Adapt—will help you develop and maintain a healthy workplace culture. The long-term benefits for organizations are huge when people are more connected to their idea or mission because that will make them more invested in it. It's up to leaders to carve out space for the hopes and dreams of their team members, so they can create a culture that allows all members of their organization to thrive.
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The Columbia Montour 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.
3 Qualities Successful Business Owners Share
SUMMARY
- Good leaders have the ability to share a clear, compelling vision that attracts top talent and serves a greater purpose.
- Great leaders are capable of adapting to change and leveraging diversity while creating an environment of psychological safety.
- Business owners who build authentic relationships with their peers, team members, customers, and partners make better leaders
- Developing skills related to personal and professional growth can help small business owners innovate around challenges and inspire others effectively
716 Words ~ 4-Minute Read
What’s the difference between a good leader and a great one? When it comes to entrepreneurship, successful small business owners have certain qualities that serve them and their business. The reality is most entrepreneurs aren’t born with these characteristics but acquire them over time. The ability to communicate a compelling vision, adapt to change, and build relationships are three qualities that successful small business owners share. This article outlines the importance of each quality and how you can develop these traits for yourself.
Clear Vision
A compelling vision is like a magnet that attracts the right people. In an age where hiring and retaining top talent matters more than ever, the ability to share your vision is a difference maker. Humans naturally want to feel inspired and to connect to something bigger than themselves. Unfortunately, many employees have no sense of their company’s vision. They simply show up, do their work, and go home. Successful business owners have a vision that excites and inspires their employees.
What makes a vision compelling? According to Building Champions, an Oregon executive coaching firm, casting a clear vision requires asking yourself the three Bs:
- Belong. What do you want your team members to belong to? Your answers are tied to your convictions and sense of purpose.
- Become. What’s your ideal version of your company? Your vision asks you to see the future and imagine the story of your ideal brand, business systems, partnerships, employees, and reputation.
- Build. What do you need to work on? Rather than short-term, your business ambitions should sync up with the story of who you want to become.
Building Champions offers a free Vision Tool for leaders ready to do the work of vision casting.
Adaptability
One thing business owners know is that nothing stays the same. The ability to pivot and innovate is a hallmark of businesses that survived the pandemic and a common denominator for the ones that thrived.
Adaptability isn’t a trait that comes naturally to everyone. Yet, as a leader it’s essential. Monica Thakrar, President of MTI, a leadership and mindfulness training, coaching, and consulting firm based in Washington DC, believes adaptive leaders know how to do these things:
- Leverage diversity to remain flexible and open to different perspectives
- Continuously learn new ways of thinking inside and outside of their specific industry
- Create an environment of psychological safety, where others feel comfortable sharing their views and opinions without judgment
- Practice emotional agility with the help of supportive relationships, self-awareness, and optimistic mindsets.
If you don’t feel like an adaptable leader today, Thakar recommends starting by developing self-awareness around how you deal with setbacks. Are you able to learn from them or do they create unhelpful judgment or blame? She also encourages leaders to build relationships with peers who can provide support when things get tough. Thakar reminds business owners that the time to build your adaptability muscles is today — so you’re ready when the next challenge arrives.
Builds Relationships
Successful entrepreneurs are good at building relationships. And that’s different from enjoying small talk, as evidenced by how many successful entrepreneurs describe themselves as introverts. Leaders who cultivate relationships with industry partners, employees, and customers know a simple truth: you can’t do business alone. Research has even shown that investing in relationships at work will make you happier.
Sam Kaufman, a business coach and Forbes’ contributor, recommends getting to know your team members on a personal level. According to Kaufman, one-on-one meetings are crucial for maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment. These meetings should focus on personal goals, family, and other topics important to the employee. Additionally, Kaufman coaches leaders to allocate a few minutes at the start of team meetings for personal updates to emphasize the value of life outside of work.
When it comes to external relationships, Kaufman says that sharing your life with your customers promotes closeness. Use your current systems like blog, email, or social media to share your business story, updates on projects, and profiles of employees.
The Takeaway
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Being a good leader requires that you take time to hone skills specific to your personal and professional growth. With persistence and practice, anyone can become an excellent leader capable of innovating around challenges and inspiring others along the way.
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The Columbia Montour 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.
What Businesses Want to Hear During this Election Season
Source: US Chamber
Business is working in America. It creates jobs and supports thriving communities. This election season, we want to hear from candidates about their plans on how to make government work better to support the economy.
We could be doing much better, US Chamber Executive Vice President Neil Bradley writes, “if our elected leaders focused more on putting wind at the back of small, medium and large American businesses.”
Why it matters: The first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign is this week, providing a significant opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen America’s economy and global leadership.
Big picture: Here are some issues concerning American businesses:
- Worker shortage: The labor shortage that began before the pandemic has only worsened. With Baby Boomers retiring and fewer younger people taking their place, this is likely the new normal.
- Trade: Trade is important to large and small businesses alike. Yet it has been more than a decade since the U.S. has signed a trade agreement with a new partner. While we stood still, other countries raced ahead, signing 100 new deals.
- Government policy chaos: One of the fastest-growing risks to businesses of all sizes is government policy risk. It is not just overregulation. It is that every couple of years, the government fundamentally changes its approach. How can businesses plan and invest for the long term?
Be smart: Americans believe in the free enterprise system, and as polling shows, voters are not interested in government dragging business into the culture wars or micromanaging business decisions.
- Letting consumers decide and the market work isn’t just good business sense, it is good political advice.
Bottom line: Voters are supportive of pro-growth policies and pro-business candidates who will help businesses create jobs and strengthen the economy. This election season, we want to hear from candidates about their plans on how to make this happen.
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The Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce represents local employers in support of vibrant and sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties, and is a proud partner of the US Chamber of Commerce.