New Member Highlight- Lily’s House
Lily’s House is Berwick and the surrounding areas, finest pet grooming facility. Lily’s House delivers outstanding service to pet owners and provides impeccable care for their pets. Their team is always mindful of your pet while using gentle and patient techniques to provide a calm, positive, and safe experience.
In addition to grooming services, Lily’s provides training classes and recommends at-home care tips and the best practices to keep your pets healthy and happy. Enrichment daycare will be offered in the near future.
Their beautiful “Pawtique” offers all the necessary pet products from premium foods and treats to collars, leashes, toys, bandanas, and grooming supplies, Lily’s has everything!
Member News ~ August 26, 2024
46th Annual Fall Arts & Craft Festival happening as part of Danville Heritage Festival
Held the first Saturday after Labor Day in September, 46th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is a celebration of the foods, shopping, and sounds that make it a special place. More than 125 vendors, activities for the kids, and bands rocking the Canal Park stage. Learn more.
Halloween and Fall Foliage Train Rides Happening October 12th in Bloomsburg
These rides are brought to you by Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc. and the Bloomsburg Public Library in partnership with the North Shore Railroad, Penn Valley Railroad, LLC, and the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority. There are three train rides on Saturday, October 12 - 10 am, 12 noon and 2 pm. Get more info here.
Bloomsburg Chevrolet hosting 17th Annual Car Show
The 17th Annual Car Show will be happening September 7th 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Call 570-784-2720 or check out their Facebook page for more info.
Women's Giving Circle "Lucky Last One" Fundraiser Happening October 3rd
October 3rd at 6:30pm at the Pine Barn Inn (Danville). Join the Women's Giving Circle for a casual evening of fun and a chance to win $3,000 on the lottery board. Proceeds from the event support their future grantmaking. Learn more.
Ready PA Newsletter is going back to school
Investing for Success as a Nonprofit Organization webinar happening September 12th
McKonly & Asbury will be hosing a free Investing for Success as a Nonprofit Organization on September 12th. Gain insights on specific ways to improve board of directors’ oversight of organization investment programs, effective strategies to structure investment accounts for long-term success and ideas on asset allocation practices for nonprofit organizations. Register here.
Ken Pollock hosting 5th Annual Car Show
Ken Pollock Ford's 5th Annual Car Show is coming up on September 15th, 2024! Money raised benefits the Stepping Stone Transplant Patients at Johns Hopkins. Come join us and enjoy some great food, music, raffles, and cars! More info.
Commonwealth University offering Fall Workforce Development Courses
Check out the Fall training schedule of workforce development courses include Management and Leadership, Healthcare and more. Get more details about all their programs!
Zartman Construction Celebrates Employee
Zartman Construction announced Ted Zimmerman, is celebrating his 10-year workiversary this month! Congratulations Ted!
PA Careerlink Awareness Day Happening in September
Save the date for PA CareerLink® Awareness Day, 2024! All six PA CareerLink® sites in the Central Region will be holding events on Thursday, September 12th from 11am - 2pm. More details!
T-Ross Brothers hosting Scavenger Hunt
Back by popular demand! Starting November 1st The Susquehanna Valley Scavenger Hunt, presented by T-Ross Brothers Construction, is in the works! Participants will navigate a gauntlet of puzzles, decode cryptic clues, and complete fun challenges throughout our community! If your business or organization would like to be apart of this event contact robertt@trossbrothers.com.
Columbia County Traveling Library hosting Verses in the Vineyard
Join CCTL for an evening of wine tastings, small bites, and literary delights. Visit www.travelinglibrary.org/verses to purchase tickets online. The event will be held Saturday, September 14, 6-8 PM at Freas Farm Winery - 30 Twin Church Rd Berwick, PA. Learn more!
IMC Partnering to Offer Electrical Safety Training
The Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC), Inc. is excited to announce its continued partnership with The Manufacturers' Association to support training in electrical safety in central and southcentral Pennsylvania through December 2024. Open enrollment opportunities scheduled are September 9 – Lewisburg, and October 8 – State College. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Fair Veterans Ceremony and Expo happening September 25th
The Women's Center of Columbia and Montour Counties Hosting 50th Anniversary Celebration
The Women’s Center, Inc. is thrilled to invite you to their 50th Anniversary Celebration happening November 16th at the Barn at Frosty Valley. Learn more about the celebration here.
Commonwealth University Hosting Fall Employer Summit for Education, Healthcare, Human Service, Government and Nonprofit Employers
Commonwealth University is looking to connect employers with Commonwealth University students for internships and full-time employment opportunities on September 5th. Pre registration is highly recommended. To register and learn more reach out to Darwin Kysor at 570-484-2182 or dkysor@commonwealthu.edu.
Pennsylvania College of Technology offers Workforce Development Courses
Check out PCT's full listing of Workforce Development Courses happening all year long! Courses include Excel Training and Fundamentals of GD & T.
Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties offering CE classes
5 CE classes will be offered by Servpro of Columbia, Montour & Sullivan Counties. Get the full schedule.
3rd Annual Photo contest hosted by Journey Bank
Community Giving Foundation partnering on a regional nonprofit Conference in October
Community Giving Foundation and First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) are thrilled to partner together to create Elevate2, a new regional nonprofit conference. The inaugural conference will be held on October 14-15, 2024, at Bucknell University in Lewisburg. More information is available online at elevate2.org
The Risks of Announcing Changes: Why Businesses Should Think Twice
- Constantly announcing minor changes can create confusion; businesses should focus on strategic messaging that highlights value and benefits.
- Effective brand positioning is key to customer loyalty, aligning messaging with brand values fosters trust over time.
- Celebrating milestones, such as anniversaries or achievements, can enhance brand image and engage customers.
- A strong company culture that prioritizes transparency and employee well-being positively impacts external brand perception.
- A proactive communication strategy emphasizes accomplishments and reinforces unique value propositions, building lasting customer relationships.
609 ~ 3 min. read
In the business world, change is constant—whether it’s operating hours, pricing, or staffing. For some businesses, changes might feel significant, especially if they occur infrequently. For instance, if your restaurant decides to close on Mondays to capitalize on busier weekends, it likely reflects that Mondays are quieter than Sundays. This shift doesn’t require an apology to your customers; rather, it should be seen as a celebration of the thriving Sunday business. Similarly, if your signature menu item is priced at $18 in one franchise while averaging $10 elsewhere, there's no need for you, as a business owner, to comment on this discrepancy. Addressing such outliers isn't a strategic communication approach; it’s a reaction.
Constant communication about every little change in your business can lead to confusion rather than clarity. Businesses should focus on strategic messaging that highlights the value and benefits of their offerings, rather than responding to every shift in operations. Instead of making statements that could be misconstrued or could raise unnecessary concerns among customers, companies should develop a clear communication strategy. This involves prioritizing updates that support a narrative that reinforces brand positioning while maintaining customer loyalty. By highlighting improvements and celebrating milestones—like extending hours during busy periods or updating business hours to better serve your staff—businesses can foster a positive perception without the need for reactionary statements that may dilute their message or brand identity. Read on to learn how you can flip the script on changes to your business and use attention to support your brand reputation and business goals.
Brand Positioning Builds Customer Loyalty
Effective brand positioning is crucial for standing out and building customer loyalty. For instance, a tech company might emphasize its commitment to innovation by showcasing how its latest software update enhances user experience. By consistently aligning messaging with brand values, businesses can create a strong identity that resonates with customers and fosters trust over time.
Celebrating Milestones Fosters a Positive Brand Image
Celebrating milestones is another powerful way to reinforce brand positioning and create a positive image. For example, a restaurant chain could highlight its anniversary by launching a special menu or hosting community events. Sharing these achievements on social media not only engages customers but also cultivates a sense of belonging and loyalty. Recognizing milestones, like reaching a certain number of customers served or launching a new product line, can elevate the brand narrative and show appreciation for the clientele that supported the journey. This approach allows you to say 'thank you' in a fun and tangible way.
Company Culture Wins
Company culture plays a significant role in how a brand is perceived externally. A business that prioritizes transparency and open communication can create a culture that resonates with customers and employees alike. For instance, a retail company might organize regular team-building activities and share behind-the-scenes content that showcases its commitment to employee well-being. This not only strengthens internal morale but also reflects positively on the brand, as customers are often drawn to companies that genuinely care about their staff. By aligning company culture with brand messaging, businesses can cultivate a loyal customer base that identifies with their values.
The Takeaway
Navigating changes within a business requires a thoughtful approach to communication that prioritizes clarity and strategic messaging. Instead of making statements about every operational shift, businesses should focus on the bigger picture, celebrating accomplishments and reinforcing their unique value propositions. By emphasizing brand positioning and aligning internal culture with external messaging, companies can build enduring relationships with customers that foster loyalty and trust. A proactive communication strategy not only enhances public perception but also cultivates a sense of community, ultimately creating a more resilient and adaptable business.
How to Track Your Website Traffic—And Why It Matters
Source: CO by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Author: Jamie Johnson
A strong online presence attracts new customers to your business and keeps your current customers engaged. But how do you know if the effort you’re putting into building an audience is paying off? One way to find out is by measuring your website traffic.
How to measure your website traffic
Tracking your website traffic is important because you can’t improve what you don’t measure. Understanding how users are finding and interacting with your site helps you evaluate the success of your digital marketing strategies.
Monitoring your website analytics shows you who is visiting your site, how they find you, and if these results are improving over time. It also shows you whether you’re building the right audience, which can make or break your business.
Here are four strategies you can use to monitor and improve your website traffic.
Set goals for your website
If your site isn’t attracting new users and converting leads into customers, it’s probably because you haven’t set any goals for your website. Start by setting goals that are specific and align with your business goals. For example, if growing your revenue is your main business goal, your website goals should focus on things like increasing your traffic and conversion rates.
Having well-defined goals also informs the action steps you should be taking. If your goal is to decrease your website’s bounce rate, you can focus on things like improving the page speed, updating your content, and making sure your site is easy to navigate.
Set up Google Analytics
There are many tools you can use to measure your website traffic, but Google Analytics is the best place to start. Google Analytics gives you actionable insights into your website visitors and where they came from. And unlike many SEO tools, the service is completely free to use.
You’ll start by signing up for an account and completing the registration process. From there, you’ll integrate Google Analytics with your website by adding a tracking code snippet to each page on your site. This code collects visitor data and sends it to Google Analytics.
Once you’ve successfully set up the tracking code, Google Analytics will begin collecting data about your website visitors. You’ll monitor this data on the Google Search Console. This is where you’ll see details about user demographics, interests, and behavior.
Know what to look for
Google Analytics provides you with a lot of data, so it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information you have. Here are some of the most important metrics to track:
- Average time on page: This measures how long users spend on different web pages. This metric can be a good way to evaluate how effective your content is.
- Visitor type: There are two types of visitors coming to your site—new and returning visitors. You want to measure how much time new visitors spend on your site, and if they return. You also want to track how effectively your site is converting returning visitors into customers.
- Bounce rate: The bounce rate measures how much time a user spends on your website before leaving. A high bounce rate could indicate that there’s a problem with your site.
- Conversion rate: The conversion rate is the number of people who visited your site and took a desired action. For most businesses, the conversion rate measures how many website visitors turn into customers.
Continue optimizing your site
Going forward, it’s crucial to continue testing and optimizing your website. Optimizing your site involves making small changes over time to different parts of your site. These changes can have a big impact in terms of your search results, user experience, and conversions.
For example, A/B testing lets you compare two versions of a website page to see which performs better with your audience. This information helps you make data-driven decisions about your site’s layout, content, and calls-to-action (CTAs).
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business.
The Evolving Workplace: Viewing Changes Positively
The modern work environment is evolving at a remarkable pace. There are countless ways that the workplace today differs from that of just five years ago and it’s unlikely that the pace of change will slow anytime soon. For many people, changes in the workplace can create stress and discomfort as they are pushed to vacate long-held norms and practices and attempt new ways of working and interacting with fellow employees and company leaders.
But change is good, and in fact, it is essential to virtually all aspects of business life. Typically, companies that modify their practices to adapt to change open the doors to creative opportunities and often thrive, while those that fail to adapt to these changes can stagnate or even fail. The stale environment these companies foster stifles creativity and the birth of new and forward-thinking ideas. And many times, it’s these new ideas that lead to better opportunities for overall success through more efficient operations, fresh new products or unique, cutting edge services.
Forces Impacting a Company’s Need for Change
The new look of today’s workplace is due to a variety of factors, each of which may impact individual companies to various degrees. Here are a few forces that may work to pressure company leadership to consider changes to established practices:
- Employee Demographics… For possibly the first time in history, there can be five different generations in the workplace. Each age group comes with a unique perspective on their work responsibilities and have life-style specific needs and interests. For employers, understanding this multigenerational dynamic and its implications is essential for driving innovation and maintaining cohesive and productive work groups.
- Changes in Workplace Structure… The pandemic changed the traditional model of work in an office environment. Today, most people work remotely and although many firms have tried luring workers back to the office, for the most part, they’ve had limited success. Hybrid work models are likely the norm going forward but will pressure the company’s employee culture, engagement and productivity methods and levels.
- Changing Focus on Diversity… The employee population of today has seen shifts in gender roles and includes an ever-widening range of racial groups and ethnic backgrounds. Many of these groups are commanding a greater sphere of influence and power. As a result, employers are offering enhanced health benefits, flexible work-from-home arrangements and racial, gender and pay equity. Employers have recognized that creating an inclusive culture is important to the success of their company and its long-term growth and profitability, since today’s employees are quick to begin searching for new employment if they feel their needs are not being met.
- Changes in Government… Whether on a local or national level, changes in government invariably involves a shift in political agenda, which often times impacts how businesses operate. In obvious terms, this can refer to compliance issues, but employers need to also look carefully for indirect and more subtle impacts as well.
In short, employers should view change as good. Today’s workplace demands constant attention to changing dynamics, but the reward for adaptation to needed changes often means the difference between success and failure.
The Columbia-Montour Chamber of Commerce offers its members access to My Benefit Advisor as a solution for employee benefits, including voluntary offerings. For more information about My Benefit Advisor, visit our website at cmcc.mybenefitadvisor.com or contact Rob Higginbotham at (800) 377-3536.
President’s Message: A Sucker Punch For Me, an Invitation For You
“We make time for the things that we truly value. We build habits and routines around the things that really matter to us.” – C.J. Mahaney
Don’t you hate when a quote you claim to live by sneaks up behind you and sucker-punches you? In anticipation of a week of professional development training at the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management at the end of July, I meticulously planned out my work schedule for the next three weeks. My return-to-work schedule was packed, and there was no room for changes or additions. I’d even resorted to scheduling high fives with my six-year-old for 6:45 a.m. each morning using the alarm on his Spiderman watch. Yikes.
On the last day before I left, I had one last meeting with a member – LCBC recently welcomed a new campus pastor, and we hadn’t yet met face-to-face. If you’ve met Brad Travelpiece, you know he’s thoughtful, kind, and genuine. We had a lovely conversation centered around leadership and the Chamber’s several leadership programs, and he shared with me his affection for great conversations, small groups, and podcasts. We chatted about opportunities to connect through the Chamber, and then he graciously invited me to pop in and see an event that they had slated for August 8 and 9. I thanked Brad for the offer, and tried not to get his hopes up too much - chances were good he wouldn’t be seeing me.
Training went as expected – long hours and grueling brainwork, and my return was as prophesied. The days and the work blurred together and suddenly it was August 7, and Brad was emailing to ask if I’d given his event any more thought. Even a pop-in. I’d decided that I couldn’t, but I hadn’t emailed him an answer. Something within me was holding out hope. Suddenly, a tiny sliver of hope – a cancellation on Friday morning meant that I could do something else on my to-do list, or I take Brad up on his invite, and C.J. Mahaney’s quote punched me right in the calendar, which seemed to whisper to me, “If you value leadership, Chris, you might want to see what this summit’s about.”
My mind was made up. “Brad, I’ve got an hour, but I’m coming. Thanks again, see you there.”
It was the best decision I’ve made in weeks. The event was the Global Leadership Summit, and if you’ve heard of it, it lives up to the hype. Greeted by an overwhelmingly enthusiastic and welcoming group, I grabbed my seat, and was mesmerized by Dr. Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management, Harvard Business School as she discussed the right kind of wrong – the kind of failure that leads to progress, which she deemed “intelligent failure”. For my hour of invested time, I walked away with two pages of practical tips for improving how the Chamber does business – how we serve members, and how we build better communities. Time well spent, thanks to Brad Travelpiece.
I tell you this story to say this – your Chamber will be hosting an event in November that we’re getting increasingly excited about.
We’re calling the event the “Business Leadership Forum," and our theme is empowering business through storytelling. We won’t have the global reach or the six-figure budget of a nationwide event, but we’re doing something that we think will meet our members’ exact interests:
Hyper-local: We’re hosting the event at the Pine Barn Inn in Danville, and it’ll feature local business leaders who will tell stories about the lessons they’ve learned.
Practical: Practical advice and tips across various facets of business will come from leaders in engaging panels, keynotes and roundtables about topics such as customer experience and marketing.
It’s designed with for-profits in mind: We’re proud to support the work of the Community Giving Foundation’s Elevate2 Conference in October, which is designed for nonprofits. This is not that. This is meant to be one day that you take to hear the empowering stories of leadership from our business community and celebrate all the great things that we have going in Columbia and Montour Counties. Nonprofits are welcome because they’re businesses too, but we’re geared up to hear stories from local industry, and we’re thrilled with our lineup.
The date matters: November 6 will be an interesting day – regardless of the outcome from the day before, we’re hoping to bring a voice of gentleness, leadership, kindness, and hope after a contentious election season. We’ll discuss what leadership means to each of us as we care for customers and employees.
The foundation is already built: You’ve been to our Leadercast events, and our Rise & Thrive Breakfasts. The foundation for this event is already on solid ground. It’s a blend of Leadership Central Penn, Rise & Thrive, and the Holiday Open House – for its content, look, and networking feel. It’s designed to be fun and educational.
It’s about the Chamber getting out of the way, and our members being front-and-center.
I would have missed out on some great programming if I’d not made time to take up Brad Travelpiece’s invitation to attend GLS.
Consider this your invitation to take me up on mine. Join the Chamber on November 6, and hear the stories that unite our region. I promise it’ll be worth it.
Registration for Business Leadership Forum is now open.
Special thanks to Geisinger, the Business Leadership Forum's Founding Sponsor!
Back to School: Brought to You by American Business
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The back-to-school season is in full swing, with families, students, and teachers gearing up for another school year. The season marks the beginning of another year filled with fresh starts, new academic opportunities, and giving back to local communities.
From pencils to sports equipment, businesses across the nation continue to ensure that American families, students, and teachers have everything they need for an enriching school year.
Businesses Support a Huge Market to Advance Academic Excellence
Back-to-school spending for 2024 is estimated to reach between $32 billion to $39 billion, with Americans expected to spend about $590 per child on back-to-school shopping in 2024, according to Deloitte Insights and the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Additionally, back-to-college spending is expected to reach $87 billion, with each collegiate household spending, on average, $1,365 on essentials like pens and pencils, notebooks, new clothes, and classroom electronics.
This reflects the significant investment families make in discretionary and non-discretionary items for the new school year while also highlighting the massive expectations businesses face in providing products to meet these needs.
Students and parents purchase everything from shoes to calculators to lunchboxes to prepare for the school year. Retailers are prepared to facilitate this with a wide variety of products.
This spending also contributes to economic activity in communities of all sizes around the country. From drug stores to dollar stores to big box shops to online retailers, U.S. businesses of all shapes and sizes fuel the back-to-school season for Americans.
- NRF data shows 95% of shoppers purchase back-to-school essentials, followed closely by clothing and accessories (94%), shoes (92%), and electronics (66%).
Meeting Demand: Businesses Support Shopping Trends
How consumers shop for back-to-school items is evolving, with a notable mixture of online and in-person shopping providing families with flexibility in meeting their needs.
- According to NRF data on back-to-school shoppers, 57% are engaging in online shopping, 50% are visiting department stores, and 47% are opting for discount stores.
- Similarly, the 19 million college students engaging in back-to-college shopping show a strong preference for online shopping (50%), with significant numbers also visiting department stores (35%) and discount stores (31%).
This multichannel shopping approach highlights the adaptability of businesses in meeting consumer needs across various platforms. Whether through e-commerce websites, brick-and-mortar stores, pharmacy drug store chains, or hybrid models like buy online and pick up in-store, retailers are providing convenient and flexible options for families.
Several reports find that consumers now show a significant preference for early shopping as well, with the NRF reporting that 55% of consumers began back-to-school shopping in July.
Deloitte Insights supports these findings, with shoppers reporting a considerable 66% of their back-to-school budgets being spent by the end of July as well. Sixty-six percent of consumers indicated that they engage in early back-to-school shopping as businesses offer affordable prices and attractive deals at earlier points in the shopping season.
Retailers throughout the U.S. serve American families and respond to consumer preferences by offering competitive price points and sales throughout the entirety of the back-to-school shopping season. This allows consumers to take full advantage of the discounts over several weeks while gearing up for the new school year.
Businesses Help Local Schools and Education Programs
In addition to providing families and students with the tools they need to get back in the classroom, businesses across the country also support local schools, students, and teachers.
Many local small businesses donate funds and back-to-school essentials, while others serve as community donation sites to pool resources for students and educators in need of extra supplies.
The school year offers learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and companies like Tractor Supply support important community programs, like local National FFA Organization chapters and 4-H clubs.
Youth sports also play a major role in the school year for students and families in communities of all sizes, and companies large and small contribute to team fundraisers and sponsor teams through ads in programs and banners lining sports fields. Recognizing the importance of youth sports, companies like DICK’s Sporting Goods partners with public schools to help fund sports programs across the nation.
Bottom Line: Back-to-School Can’t Happen without American Business
The back-to-school season is a testament to the dynamic relationship between businesses and American families. This dynamic not only drives economic growth but also ensures that students across the U.S. are well-equipped for a fruitful and informative academic year.
As we look forward to the 2024 school year, businesses are playing a fundamental role in fueling the back-to-school experience for millions of American families.
About the authors
Nicholas Molinari
Nicholas Molinari is an associate manager for the Tax and Economic policy teams at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Rachel Ledbetter
Rachel Ledbetter is a senior manager for communications and strategy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
World Kinect – Connecting your business to the right energy deal
World Kinect is the expert energy brokerage and services team we’ve chosen to partner with to support businesses like yours, helping you reduce your energy cost, consumption and carbon footprint.
World Kinect has been delivering energy procurement and management services for over 40 years. Coupled with its expertise and great range of services, it’s this kind of stature that made us choose World Kinect as a trusted partner to work alongside.
How does this help our chamber members?
One of their key areas of expertise is energy brokerage. It means the team there has the knowledge, resources and contacts to identify the perfect suppliers and tariffs to match the needs of individual businesses like yours, both for natural gas and electricity. Through its brokerage service, they can help businesses save significant time and money as well as simplify their everyday admin.
World Kinect also provides useful advice and information aimed at helping businesses reduce their energy consumption. World Kinect consultants can share their expertise with you and your staff, from auditing usage and validating bills to making practical recommendations around everyday efficiency and sustainability.
Just as with your natural gas and electricity, these specialists can also help you with your sustainability goals in reducing your carbon footprint.
Why World Kinect?
This all sounds great, but you probably need to know about some of the particular benefits that come with enlisting the help of World Kinect. What is it that makes its team and their services special?
Face-to-face contact
A business proudly built on relationships, their energy experts will come to you in person and take the time to really understand the ins and outs of your business, including its unique everyday operations and long-term goals.
Saving time, not just energy
They understand that their job isn’t just about reducing utility energy consumption; it’s about reducing the energy and time that individual staff spend on managing those utilities. That’s why World Kinect focus on providing solutions that reduce workloads, minimize risk and streamline entire energy processes, from procurement to paperwork and everything in between.
Expert advice on everything energy
From how to monitor and understand your energy consumption to whether solar panels would make a sound investment for your facility they’ll give you clear, honest and up-to-date advice, all as part of the service.
As well as explaining the energy market to you, they will identify the suppliers and tariffs that make the most sense for your business. They’ll even factor in the different considerations that matter to you most, whether that’s price, customer service or a supplier’s green credentials. Not just that, they’ll also sort the dreaded ‘switchover’ for you, meaning one less hassle for you to worry about.
More than ever, we understand that the energy market can be a confusing and daunting place for our members. Knowing whose advice to trust, how to switch and what energy prices will do next are all difficult enough challenges, without having to juggle it all as part of a hectic and stressful workload. We believe that our energy partners can help, and we certainly think that a free consultation with them is an ideal place to start.
For more information about World Kinect and its services relevant to businesses like yours, book a no-obligation consultation with your local energy expert Loren Martelo at 724-263-8353
7 Effective Budgeting Strategies for Small Businesses
Source: CO by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Author: Kaytlyn Smith
Creating a budget is vital for the financial health and longevity of your small business. However, it can also be a daunting task.
From monthly budgets to vendor choices, there are many elements to plan for and incorporate into your broader budget. Here are seven strategies you can use to develop a strong business budget.
Know your numbers and plan with purpose
Yvonne Cobb, CPA and Founder and CEO of TakeAway Tax, recommends small business owners take a goal-oriented approach to financial planning.
“The key to effective budgeting is setting a specific financial goal — ‘finding your number’ — and working backward,” Cobb explained. “This … offers a clear benchmark and ensures that all decisions contribute directly to the business's goal.”
Be strategic about every expense
According to Karla Dennis, an Enrolled Tax Agent and Founder of KDA, Inc., small business owners often spend money without an expectation or purpose for that expense. She advised asking yourself, “What will this expense get me in return?” before making any purchases.
“Ensure every dime being spent is going to get you to your goals,” Dennis said. “This will help eliminate expenses that are not needed. Then, make sure you stay within the budget you set.”
Start with a month-to-month budget before planning longer-term
Ryan Carrigan, CEO and Founder of MoveBuddha, recommends small businesses start with short-term or activity-based budgeting before looking too far into the future. The process of tracking every cost-related activity can help you plan your future budget in whatever increment you choose.
“It can be beneficial to analyze all costs and profits in the beginning,” Carrigan said. “Then create a monthly budget until you grow enough to create a sustainable budget that can last a quarter, six months, and eventually annually.”
Build a zero-based budget
Every dollar counts in a small business, said Jason Manar, a former FBI Agent and CISO at Kaseya. That’s why he recommends adopting a zero-based budget strategy.
“During my time in the FBI, I found most successful small businesses used a zero-based budget,” Manar told CO—. “They built the budget from scratch, justifying every dollar spent that had to be directly correlated to necessities. Those businesses that were transparent and involved in all departments had a more comprehensive understanding of the needs and priorities of the company.”
Choose your vendors wisely
Michael Sawyer, Operations Director at Ultimate Kilimanjaro, noted that small businesses should take great care when choosing which vendors to partner with.
“Just because you have an opportunity doesn’t mean you should jump on it,” Sawyer said. “You don’t want to invest and waste money on a poor partnership.”
Before signing any contracts, Sawyer recommends taking the extra time to determine the quality and values of any prospective vendors to ensure they align with yours to make a positive impact on your business.
Be flexible
Rigid budgets that account for every dollar and cent aren’t necessarily the best strategically, according to Jan Brandrup, CEO of Neurogan.
“Choosing a flexible budgeting strategy has been most beneficial for us, and it is helpful because it’s adaptable and allows you to track the ups and downs of spending and revenue,” Brandrup said.
Although it’s great to have a budget that is planned on a monthly basis, flexibility can help manage any unexpected expenses that pop up.
“Having a flexible budget that forecasts as opposed to structures your money will ultimately promote and drive profit,” said Brandrup.
Review and adjust your budget periodically
A good business budget isn’t something you set and forget. Sofia Perez, Owner and Content Manager at Character Counter, says business budgets — whether yearly, quarterly, or monthly — should be reviewed often.
“You need to have your eyes on the dollars at all times,” she said. “I recommend planning two months in advance, [including] expenses that could throw off estimated revenue as well as gross profit to ensure the company’s money is accounted for.”
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business.
The Critical Role of Child Care in Boosting Economic Development and Supporting Small Business Employment
- Access to quality child care is crucial for economic growth and small business sustainability, reducing employee absenteeism, and boosting productivity.
- Employers, including big brands like Patagonia, are finding innovative ways to offer childcare solutions, enhancing hiring and retention.
- Small businesses can support childcare by partnering with local centers, offering discounts, or supporting community programs.
Investing in childcare creates jobs within the sector, stimulates local economies, and fosters a sense of community. - Offering childcare support can lead to long-term savings for businesses by reducing turnover and fostering a more dedicated workforce, making it an economic imperative.
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Access to quality child care is a significant yet often overlooked factor that influences economic growth and the sustainability of small businesses. For small business owners and employers, understanding the vital role that reliable childcare services play in the workforce is essential for fostering a productive environment and supporting the local economy.
Reliable Child Care Reduces Employee Absenteeism
The availability of trustworthy childcare plays a crucial role in enabling parents to seek and maintain employment. Quality child care reduces absenteeism by allowing parents to commit to their work schedules without the stress of worrying about their children's safety and well-being. When parents are confident their children are in nurturing environments, they are less likely to miss work, ensuring consistency and reliability in their professional roles.
A Proven Way to Boost Productivity
High-quality child care also positively impacts job performance. Parents who know their children are well cared for can focus more fully on their job responsibilities. This heightened focus and reduced stress lead to better job performance, benefiting employers with a more engaged and productive workforce. This increase in productivity and engagement drives overall economic activity, showcasing the broader benefits of investing in quality child care.
Childcare Solutions Supported by Employers
To address the pressing need for childcare, some employers are taking action. In addition to offering flexible work schedules or subsidies for external childcare solutions, some offer on-site childcare. The outdoor clothing company Patagonia was a trailblazer in offering onsite childcare starting in 1983. In addition to paid maternity and paternity leave, employees have access to childcare at their Ventura headquarters and at their Reno distribution center.
Childcare gives brands like Patagonia maintain a significant advantage in hiring and retention. By solving this major employment challenge for parents, they’re able to enhance employee loyalty and job satisfaction.
Of course, many small businesses cannot build a childcare center on-site. However, there are some things employers can do to alleviate childcare stress. Some solutions include partnering with childcare centers to offer discounts to their employees, providing workers with backup child care solutions, and working with their community leaders to support after school programs and summer camps.
Childcare Solutions Benefit Families, the Community, & The Economy
Investing in childcare is not just an employee benefit; it creates job opportunities within the childcare sector itself. By supporting local childcare services, small businesses can stimulate job creation, ranging from educators and childcare providers to administrative staff. This ripple effect not only creates employment but also fosters a sense of community. When businesses invest in local childcare, they are not just supporting families; they are investing in their own future and that of the local economy.
The economic implications of quality childcare extend even further. As working parents allocate a portion of their income to childcare services, they inject funds back into the community, stimulating local economies. This spending supports not only childcare providers but also related services such as grocery stores, restaurants, and other local businesses. In essence, investing in childcare is an investment in the community's economic vitality.
The Takeaway
For small business owners concerned about costs, it is crucial to recognize that investing in childcare can lead to long-term savings. Providing child care assistance or establishing partnerships with local childcare providers can reduce turnover and the associated costs of recruiting and training new employees. Additionally, businesses that offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, can help accommodate parents’ childcare schedules, resulting in a more dedicated workforce.
In short, access to quality child care is not merely a family issue; it's an economic imperative that small business owners and employers must take seriously. By recognizing the importance of reliable childcare, businesses can create a thriving workforce and foster vibrant local economies. The benefits of investing in childcare are manifold: it supports families, enhances employee productivity, creates job opportunities, and stimulates local economic growth.
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