Reach Chamber Members
Reach over 400 business decision-makers in the September ChamberPack mailing the week of September 5th.
This is an easy, low-cost, bi-monthly, direct-mail advertising solution. You print the flyer, we mail it out. It's that simple.
Here’s how to participate :
Sign and return the reservation form with payment to the Chamber Space is limited. Get the form here.
Submit proof to the Chamber for approval prior to duplication by August 21st.
Provide 440 printed fliers* (Do not fold) by August 28th.
We’ll insert, label, post, and mail your information with other fliers all for just $115 for one page and $10 for each additional page...it’s that simple!
Reserve 3 or more ChamberPacks in advance and save $10 per mailing.
*Fliers must be printed on 8.5 x 11 in. 20lb. paper. If your materials are heavier or larger than this standard size, additional charges will be applied.
Flyers must comply with Chamber Advertising Policy.
How Small Businesses Can Use Technology to Thrive During Economic Uncertainty
SUMMARY
- Globalization and online platforms revolutionize small businesses, enabling local reach and global growth through smart marketing.
- Small businesses can overcome obstacles by leveraging platforms like eBay, Amazon, and Etsy to increase exposure and consumer trust.
- Online reviews drive improved marketing strategies and customer satisfaction, saving businesses time and money.
799 words ~ 4 minute read
There’s good reason for small businesses to feel hopeful in 2023. Consumer spending is fueling a solid recovery, with post-pandemic travel and entertainment leading the way. Job growth is happening too, with 187,000 jobs added in July. Still, many small business owners continue to work hard to bounce back from the economic slowdown, with many citing hiring and supply chain issues as their top concerns. Despite the anxiety that comes with economic uncertainty, existing technologies and online platforms provide small businesses with solutions that did not exist 15 years ago during the Great Recession. Small business owners who leverage these advantages can thrive despite economic uncertainty and even get ahead of their competition. Here are four small business strategies to help fortify your business in both good and challenging economic times.
Strategy #1: Stay Local, Go Global
In 2008, businesses who relied on in-store customers did not have much room to pivot. Likewise, geography played a huge role in which businesses survived and which businesses died during the pandemic. Many small businesses simply were not set up for online sales, much less to appeal to markets beyond their region.
Today, globalization has helped even the playing field for small businesses. Businesses focused on growing their customer base by expanding into online channels are able to maintain their local presence while building a national, even global, reputation. Offering your products and services online is an important first step, but it’s essential to capitalize on your increased exposure through proven marketing strategies that let you communicate with potential customers directly.
Using a lead magnet to collect email addresses is a simple and effective strategy for increasing your online sales. Rather than relying on organic traffic, social media algorithms, or ad spend, email marketing allows your business to build trust with potential customers before they buy. It’s also a fast track to sharing sales, promotions, and new offers with a warm audience.
Strategy #2: Join Forces
It can be challenging for small businesses to sell directly to consumers, when they’re first starting out. That’s why many market experts encourage small businesses to uplevel onto platforms that provide greater exposure. From Ebay to Amazon, or even Etsy for some microenterprises, global platforms also come with increased consumer confidence.
While it takes time to get started on some online platforms, the effort spent is well worth it. Budget some additional time to learn how to optimize your products for specific platforms, including how to write SEO descriptions that match what your ideal customer is plugging into google. In “4 Ways to Use Amazon Marketplace to Fuel Business Growth,” Mark Wieczorek, entrepreneur and Amazon business owner, recommends planning for additional inventory, tailoring your product descriptions to support Amazon’s algorithm, studying your reviews, and thinking through your full marketing funnel.
A final benefit of selling your products online is that it allows you to experiment with price points. As consumers penny pinch, even luxury brands are finding new ways to keep loyal customers by offering less expensive products that carry the high-end brand name.
Strategy #3: Tune In
When small businesses prioritize online customer reviews, they receive many advantages. Understanding your customer’s motivations is one of the most valuable. For the savvy small business owner, these discoveries can translate into better marketing campaigns and ad spend.
Michel Falcon, hospitality entrepreneur and Entrepreneur magazine contributor, says that businesses can collect customer data without violating privacy. He prefers the term ‘customer intelligence’ to customer data because this information helps companies provide a better customer experience. He not only recommends implementing online reviews but also harnessing the power of following your customer’s online channels or themes in their social media posts. While researching your customer’s habits may seem like borderline ‘stalking,’ the information is public and can be utilized to provide a personal touch that increases consumer loyalty. Bottom line: listening to your customers will save you time and money and increase customer satisfaction.
Strategy #4: Add a Human Touch
Expanding into online channels, emailing your subscribers, and mining your customer reviews, are great strategies to reach new and existing customers, even in tough economic times. But if you actually want more positive reviews and returning customers, you have to do one more thing: obsess about your customer’s online experience.
When customers come into your store, you have multiple ways to customize their experience. But in an online setting, the customer experience encompasses everything from product descriptions to the checkout and thank you pages. Small businesses familiar with providing a personal touch can really stand out by considering each stage of the customer journey. To set your business up for success, make sure to think through how you want your customers to feel from beginning to end, then design your technology to provide a unique and human experience.
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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. This vision for our communications is rooted in our mission statement, that the Chamber "represents employers in supporting vibrant, sustainable communities in Columbia and Montour Counties."
Expanding Mental Health Benefits
Source: My Benefit Advisor
In the past couple years, many employers have expanded their company’s
mental health benefits as a show of support for potential jobseekers, employees and their families. The intention is to help promote employee wellbeing through better access and improved benefit levels for those feeling stressed about personal or work-life matters.
Workers seem to appreciate the efforts and are taking advantage of the services. Some of the changes business owners are making include:
• Increasing access to mental health services through methods like telehealth
• An expansion of access to in-network mental health providers
• Reduced cost sharing for mental healthcare visits
• The addition or expansion of employee assistance programs for mental health services
• Access to yoga, meditation and mindfulness sessions at the workplace or home
• Providing apps that support wellness, focusing on fitness, sleep and relaxation
By addressing issues like stress and anxiety in a more proactive fashion, employers can reduce or even eliminate costly treatment for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiac problems. The small financial investment the employer makes now can often save substantial costs in the future.
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 Stephen Lylo at (800) 377-3539.
General Appropriations Bill Signed, but More Budget Work Remains
Sources: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
After several weeks of deadlock and stalled negotiations, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Pennsylvania’s $45.5 billion budget Thursday after Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward convened the Senate for session to finalize the spending agreement.
Sen. Ward announced the sudden return to session in a statement late Wednesday, clearing the way for the signing of the General Appropriations budget, which has been in legislative limbo since the fiscal year began on July 1. Amidst the current standoff, public schools, social service programs, and educational entities reliant on state appropriations all faced uncertainty over funding.
Ward said in her statement: “Signing [House Bill 611] will provide the necessary funding to schools, counties, and organizations, completing 75 percent of the budget,” while noting the remaining 25 percent will require further legislative authorization. According to Ward’s office, Gov. Shapiro has assured Senate Republicans that the funding for specific programs “will remain untouched until the legislature has finalized the language.”
The Westmoreland County Republican’s move came amidst the lingering budget impasse, driven by disagreements around a proposed $100 million school voucher program enabling students in low-performing public schools to attend private schools.
Governor Josh Shapiro, previously supportive of school vouchers, surprised many when he vowed to line-item veto the funding for the program included in this year’s budget, citing the need to avoid “a painful, protracted budget impasse.”
In response to the Governor’s announcement, House Democrats quickly approved the budget bill; yet the Senate, having adjourned for the summer and declaring that Gov. Shapiro had violated an agreement, refused to send the bill to the Governor, resulting in a month-long standoff between the two chambers.
Shortly after reconvening in Harrisburg, the Senate officially sent House Bill 611 to the governor’s desk Thursday afternoon. In signing the agreement, Shapiro vetoed the $100 million appropriation for the scholarship program. He wrote, in a veto message: “Improving and expanding opportunities for children remains a priority for me, and I consider this to be unfinished business all parties must work together on as we move forward.”
In a news release, the administration touted the agreement as a “commonsense, bipartisan budget” that invests in economic development, eliminates bureaucratic red tape, and paves the way for critical infrastructural improvements.
Nevertheless, the process is not over yet: the Associated Press reported Thursday that the legislature still “must write language directing at least $1.1 billion to fund initiatives such as student teaching stipend, student mental health grants, funds to boost some of the state’s poorest school districts and home repair subsidies.”
A spokesperson for House Democrats said all parties involved in the budget agreement continue to meet, according to AP, and the chamber will return to session to complete the outstanding pieces needed “as negotiations are finalized.”
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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 9, 2023
Community Giving Foundation Announces New Fund
A new regional donor-advised fund has been created at the Community Giving Foundation. Learn more.
Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project Informational Session to be held.
There will be an informational session on the next phase of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Megaproject held on August 15. Space is limited. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble Announces Auditions
BTE is pleased to announce an audition date for young community actors in the holiday production of A Christmas Story. Auditions for children ages 8-13 will be held on August 26, 2023, at the Alvina Krause Theatre, 226 Center Street, Bloomsburg. Learn More.
Cats in Bloom hits 1000 Adoptions
Congratulations to Cats In Bloom on their 1000 adoptions! Founded in 2019 Cats in Bloom's mission is to help stray, abandoned and abused cats and kittens in our community find great adoptive homes. Learn more about Cats in Bloom.
First Columbia Bank Photography back in 2023
Coffeehouse Series continues Tonight
The sixth concert in the Coffeehouse Series will take place on Wednesday, August 9th, with two acts comprising three great acoustic musicians. Learn More.
Social Security Launches New Webpage for Rural Communities
Social Security in Rural Communities webpage launches to highlight programs for members of rural communities. Visit the page here.
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.
Dead Man Walking Distillery started a Newsletter
DMWD has started a newsletter with the latest locations offering their spirits, new flavor offerings and upcoming events. Get the latest newsletter here.
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.
Bloomsburg YMCA July/August Newsletter out now!
Get all the latest happenings at the Bloomsburg YMCA.
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Offers Parking Help
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg is making their hospital parking lot available until classes start on August 21, 2023, for those customers and business owners who are losing their parking spaces due to the construction on the East Pine Avenue lot construction. Thank you to Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg for the help to Bloomsburg businesses.
IMC and Drive sponsoring PA Tax Credit Webinar
This informational session will review the various tax credit programs the Commonwealth has available to support businesses across many industries, whether an early-stage company or a long-established business. If you are in the tech field, manufacturing, property development, agriculture, or a community-based non-profit, join DRIVE and IMC to learn about some of the tax credit programs you can be taking advantage of. Register for this free webinar here.
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.
Press Enterprise Best of the Best Voting is Underway
Many Chamber members are nominated for the Best of the Best of Columbia, Montour and Lower Luzerne Counties. Check out all the nominees and vote today!
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.
Weis Center Announces 2023-2024 Season
The 2023-24 season at the Weis Center for the Performing Arts includes 25 professional performances – including world music, classical, Americana and roots music, modern dance, jazz, soul, and so much more. All performances take place at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. See full line-up here.
SBDC Students help with Websites
Applications are being accepted for Bucknell students to create websites for local businesses and organizations. Deadline to apply is August 15th. Click here for the application.
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!
Coming in October...Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.'s Chili Cookoff & Fall Festival!
Stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures create the perfect atmosphere for this first annual, family-friendly downtown Bloomsburg event. Read more.
New Member Highlight – GetHRready
Is your company HR Ready?
- Everyone knows their company needs an HR Handbook.
- Everyone knows fast and effective responses to employee complaints can protect the company from lawsuits…and if you get a complaint, are you trained on what you should ask?
- Everyone knows you can’t improve what you don’t measure; and not measuring your HR compliance can result in blind spots and costly surprises.
We may know these are all true, but the reality for many companies is that a full-time HR Department is not feasible. But they can’t ignore their legal obligations and risks by doing nothing.
GetHRready is the leader in offering fast, simple and economical HR solutions for every size business.
Whether it’s Just an HR Handbook, Just an HR Hotline, or Just an Audit, we help companies all across the country GetHRready.
Networking is a Bad Word. Build your Network Instead
By Chris Berleth
“Bad WORD!”
A few years ago, my wife and I decided to teach our young sons to call
out curse words by proclaiming, “BAD WORD!” whenever they heard one. As bad words would pop up, we would help to identify them and give them a little context for why they’re bad and shouldn’t be repeated. Put into practice for several years, the results of the approach largely match what we were hoping for, but with a few unintended consequences.
No One is Safe
Alone in my shed a few weekends ago, a screwdriver slipped, and so did a four-letter word. Cursing for effect and dancing in pain, I turned just in time to catch the surprised, eyebrows-lowered glare of my five-year-old son, as he whispered in shock, “Daddy! Bad WORD!” Days later, a full amphitheater guffawed when my children yelled back in unison to the community players’ script with, “BAD WORD!”
As good a habit as they’ve developed in not repeating the words themselves, no neighbor, grandparent, adult, or child is safe from the innocent rebukes of my children. This often leads to awkward and cringeworthy post-rebuke conversations, which I’ve taken to trying to prevent by anticipating social situations. I’m hyper-vigilant. In fact, my children’s trained response is now so emblazoned on my own mind that whenever I’m exposed to a bad word myself, their voices ring in my head. It’s Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Telltale Heart” but for swear words.
Lately, the conversation has evolved from words to their meanings and intentions, which leads me to my main point. We need to start calling out bad words in our business community.
“Networking” is a Bad Word
When it originated, the word, “networking”, meant “purposely meeting people to form acquaintances”. The idea was that the more people you know and the more relationships you have, the more resources you have, and the better your business. It meant authenticity, altruism, and an equal exchange. It doesn’t mean that anymore.
Lately, the word has taken on an ugly new meaning, and has become less about forming genuine connections, and more about aggressive sales pitches to a captive audience. Worse still, we’ve sullied the word by associating it with social media, where everyone you’re even remotely connected to is deemed your “friend” and your “network”.
Here's the consequence of this shift in meaning: everybody knows they should be networking (75% of businesses who join the Chamber do so because of networking opportunities), but nobody wants to do it if it means being pitched and sold at every opportunity. Post-pandemic, we’re so hyper-aware of the value of our time that we have no time for inauthentic interactions.
We need to change our approach from “networking” to “building a network”.
Let’s Build a Network Instead
At the Chamber, we’re committed to guiding the shift back to the word’s original meaning, and we’re content to call out the bad words when we hear and see them.
Look no further than the last Business After Hours for an example of how life-altering it can be to build your network. Following a lovely ribbon cutting at the Comfort Suites, Chamber members gathered to listen to great music, eat Quaker Steak & Lube wings, tour the beautifully renovated hotel, play some icebreaker bingo, drink Marley’s beer and sample Dead Man Walking Distillery’s moonshine in a large, A.O. Rent
tent. It didn’t matter that it was 90 degrees, because it wasn’t stuffy – we had fun! Seventy people endured the heat to build genuine connections.
One young woman perfectly encapsulated what was happening in that tent when, as she stood next to her husband, she asked, “Does anybody know a good divorce attorney?”
Her husband didn’t bat an eye. As it turns out, the happily married couple had a friend whose husband had filed for divorce outside the U.S., and they were hoping to connect with somebody they could trust who could help her. All she cared about was making genuine connections – not what other people thought of her question, or how it might be interpreted. She didn’t go in looking to sell something, she went in looking to help.
Who do you call when you have a business issue like a supply chain problem, or want to bounce ideas off colleagues about how to pack up and move your office? The new direction you want to take your team? What if instead of garnering the raised eyebrows of your staff, your colleagues or your superiors, you had a few discreet business contacts to flesh out those ideas? Can you name three people like that in the Columbia Montour region? Two? One?
We’re tired of “networking” for networking’s sake, and we bet you are too, so let’s stop using that word. Let’s instead build a network of people – professionals - that we can call on to help each other. There’s a palpable difference, isn’t there?
Eight Qualities of High Potential Employees
by McKonly & Asbury on July 28, 2023
While work habits and performance can vary among employees, there are
always those who stand out. They show up on time, work diligently throughout the day, and exhibit signs that they are happy with their work and the company. These are characteristics of good employees. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone was like that?
In order to mold the best workers, companies should pay attention not just to those who are reaching their best, but also to employees who have high potential to reach their best. There is a difference.
What Does Being “High-Potential” Mean?
“Potential” as a word does not mean a current state of being. Here’s the real definition:
adjective
having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future.
noun
latent qualities or abilities that may be developed and lead to future success or usefulness.
While nurturing the employee characteristics of high performers is critical to keep them at the top of their game, finding and nurturing high-potential individuals can increase the number of engaged and empowered employees you have overall.
Why Are Engaged Employees Beneficial?
They are who drive business results. When employees are engaged, they take more pride in their work, are more productive, and stick around longer. Employees with a high potential to be engaged might be right on the cusp of feeling great about their work or terrible about it. If you remember that current performance does not always equal potential performance, then you can be on the lookout for these signs that someone could be a high-potential employee, and you can nurture that employee engagement.
High-Potential Employee Characteristics
Any of the following employee characteristics could indicate someone has high potential to become an amazing worker. They don’t need to encompass all of these. Even a few innate ones are enough because personal and professional development can help build skills in their weaker areas. High-potential employees may exhibit the following traits.
Adaptable: Do you have an employee who is always suggesting changes or welcomes them wholeheartedly? This is an indication of a creative and forward-thinker. An adaptable person can change course easily when confronted with new information or ideas.
Lifelong Learner: Some employees may seek out new tasks or even ask to cross-train with others. This can be an indication that this employee has a passion to continue learning and growing in their job and as a person.
Strong Leader: Do you have someone others look up to, even if that person isn’t a formal leader or manager? Employees who have the potential to be leaders will listen well, make others feel psychologically safe, and lend a hand when necessary.
Strategic Thinker: Do you have an employee who is always organizing and thinking two steps ahead? Employees who think like this can be a huge benefit to a company. Having a mindset and nature that solves problems is a sign of creativity and drive.
Collaborator: Whom do you know that can get along with anyone? People with collaborative natures are easy to relate to, are empathetic, and they can often act as mediators during work conflicts. Collaborators have the potential to be great leaders.
Emotionally Intelligent: An emotionally intelligent employee is one who is in tune with themselves. They can regulate their own behaviors, and they choose to react to situations wisely. Emotional intelligence is the first step in interacting positively with others.
Takes Initiative: There can be great potential lurking inside the employee who goes after new projects and shows they have ideas. Initiative indicates this person cares about making a difference, and internal motivations are what drive engaged and empowered employees.
Accountable: An accountable employee knows that they are there for the company and that their work serves a higher purpose. They act in accordance with the rules and can be held accountable for their actions and decisions.
Move from Potential to Practical
Of course, it’s not enough to recognize these characteristics of high-potential employees. We must now do something with them — we must nurture them. From internal programs and mentorships to external workshops and courses, high-potential employees need to be empowered and engaged, so they can be the best versions of themselves at work and in life.
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As an owner of the Dale Carnegie Mid-Atlantic franchise, McKonly & Asbury is able to offer an extension of services to our clients and friends of the firm, expanding our expertise in the areas of leadership, team building, and people development as Dale Carnegie offers programs in leadership, management development, customer engagement, service, sales, communication, and more.
Member News – August 2, 2023
Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project Informational Session to be held.
There will be an informational session on the next phase of the Central Susquehanna Valley Transportation Project held on August 15. Learn more.
First Fridays this week in Bloomsburg
Check out all the things happening this Friday, August 4th from 5 pm to 8 pm in Bloomsburg.
Camp Victory receives a $10,000 donation
A $10,000 donation was made to Camp Victory to support the operation of Camp Echo and Camp HERO. Camp HERO is a camp for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and Camp Echo is a camp for children with heart disease. See the full press release here.
Glen Brook hosting Back to School Carnival
Join Glen Brook Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center for a Back to School Carnival on Wednesday, August 16th. Learn more.
Bloomsburg Town Pool to offer Sensory Friendly Swim
Town officials announced a sensory-friendly swim hour every Sunday at 11 am at the town pool. The weekly swim will have no music, water features or whistles. There will be limited number admitted to assure a calmer than usual environment. All underage or nonverbal swimmers must be accompanied by a caregiver. For more information call 570-594-7230.
First Columbia Bank Photography back in 2023
Community Giving Opens Healthy Workplace Grant
2023 Healthy Workplace grantround 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.
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.
Geisinger Doctors Recognized by State Medical Society's Top Physicians Under 40
Three Geisinger providers have been recognized by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED) for achievement early in their careers. See which three doctors here.
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg Offers Parking Help
Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg is making their hospital parking lot available until classes start on August 21, 2023, for those customers and business owners who are losing their parking spaces due to the construction on the East Pine Avenue lot construction. Thank you to Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg for the help to Bloomsburg businesses.
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.
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.
SBDC Students help with Websites
Applications are being accepted for Bucknell students to create websites for local businesses and organizations. Click here for the application.
BU Community Day Fair & Carnival
Set to take place August 18, from 6 PM to 8 PM, this event is on the B.U. Academic Quad and provides students with the opportunity to connect to the community. Local businesses and non-profit organizations are encouraged to attend. Learn more by reaching out here to Rebecca Toth, at 570-389-4189. See the flyer.
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!
Coming in October...Downtown Bloomsburg, Inc.'s Chili Cookoff & Fall Festival!
Stunning fall foliage and cooler temperatures create the perfect atmosphere for this first annual, family-friendly downtown Bloomsburg event. Read more.
4 Forward-Thinking Sales Strategies to Embrace in 2023
Source: US Chamber of Commerce
Author: Emily Heaslip, US Chamber Contributor
Sales strategies in 2023 will incorporate more technology and smarter demos while seeking to generate high rates of customer loyalty.
As business leaders start to look forward to the new year, it’s worth taking stock of how B2B and B2C sales strategies are evolving. Fears of a recession and new digital technologies are changing buying behaviors and disrupting the way sales teams interact with leads and existing clients. Here are some sales strategies to embrace in anticipation of 2023.
The expansion of digital touchpoints
Hybrid selling is essentially an omnichannel approach to sales that brings together digital and offline outreach. And while many sales teams have the offline outreach part down to a science, some small merchants lag behind on the digital side.
By 2025, Gartner predicts that 80% of B2B sales communication between suppliers and buyers will occur in digital channels, such as email, social media, text, live chat, or all of the above. Self-service options will become increasingly popular as more people seek convenience, speed, and a tech-first relationship with sales representatives.
“When asked what they wanted most from their sales rep, one executive told us, ‘Please stop asking to meet with me in person. I’m busy enough as it is,’” reported McKinsey. Their study found that 90% of companies were willing to complete high-value deals without a single in-person interaction.
Small business owners can enable these interactions by expanding digital touchpoints and training sales representatives on the hybrid sales approach to customer service.
Focus on customer retention
There are dozens of stats quantifying just how important it is to retain customers, such as:
- It is five times more expensive to earn a new customer than keep an existing one.
- Increasing customer retention by just 5% can increase profits by 95%.
- Existing customers spend 67% more than new customers.
Customer retention has long been the goal for many business owners, and today’s business environment is leading sales teams to zero in on this key metric. Sales teams can start improving retention as early as the onboarding process. The language app Duolingo, for instance, reinvented its onboarding process to reduce customer churn by 13%.
And it’s not enough to simply maintain existing customers. Your sales strategy should incorporate opportunities to upsell and cross-sell to current customers. Consider increasing your upsell and cross-sell abilities by adding apps to your online store, launching a targeted email campaign, and reaching out with personalized offers to each individual client.
Sales culture is king
A healthy culture in which your representatives feel supported is shown to make a difference in reaching your sales targets. Invest in meaningful initiatives that help you recruit great sales talent, promote healthy collaboration, and drive results. The key word here is “meaningful.”
“Within the sales team, steer clear of symbolic moves such as suddenly sending the CRO into the field to support deals, if their presence will only intimidate sellers who’ve never interacted with them before,” wrote Forrester.
A supportive sales culture isn’t something you can mandate or buy. Instead, consider investing in long-term initiatives like a mentorship program, a sales advisory council, and a compensation structure that shows employees you value their hard work. Not only will you motivate your employees to work productively, but you can also improve your employee retention—a metric that’s just as important as customer retention.
Use demos wisely
Many organizations offer demos as an inbound marketing lead magnet. These demos can be incredibly powerful ways to connect with people who are interested in your product or service. But it’s also likely that a potential customer is asking for demos from a number of different vendors at the same time.
To make your product or service stand out, Dan Tyre, Inbound Fellow at HubSpot, suggests focusing on the problem someone is trying to solve, rather than the solution your product offers. "Prospects are less interested in 'seeing how it works' and more interested in making sure you understand their needs, have a comprehensive idea of their requirements, and that the product will work," he said.
Use your demo to separate your brand from the competitive landscape. Instead of talking about your product or service features, speak to the customers' goals and personalize your pitch.
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This post originated in CO-, a digital enterprise of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which aims to bring you inspiration from leading, respected experts. Before making any business decisions, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation. CO- is committed to helping individuals start, run, and grow their small businesses. The Columbia Montour Chamber is a proud member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.