Mentoring High Achievers: A Guide for Small Business Owners
- Foster a growth mindset in high achievers by sharing stories of failure as a learning tool and encouraging them to face hypothetical leadership challenges.
- Develop emotional intelligence in leaders through regular feedback sessions, focusing on understanding their own and others' emotions.
- Expand networks and influence by introducing high achievers to new contacts, encouraging participation in industry events, and employing the “24/7/30 model” for follow-ups to build lasting relationships.
- Use these strategies to mentor top performers effectively, driving innovation and excellence in your business while fostering an environment that promotes growth, resilience, and leadership.
555 words ~ 1.5 min. read
As a small business owner or team leader, mentoring high achievers within your team can significantly enhance their potential and ultimately drive your business forward. A recent article in Harvard Business Review by leadership experts Ruth Gotian and Andy Lopata highlights the necessity of sophisticated mentoring for high achievers, offering three effective strategies to ensure top performers flourish. Read on to learn more about how to help your best and brightest reach their full potential.
Foster a Growth Mindset
Encouraging a growth mindset is crucial for high achievers. As Gotian and Lopata explain, highly successful individuals are less familiar with failure and may struggle with setbacks. Helping these leaders understand that there are lessons available ‘failing forward,’ can help them use failure to their advantage.
Gotian and Lopata offer two crucial strategies for fostering a growth mindset among high achievers. First, they suggest sharing narratives of other elite performers who have encountered setbacks and their strategies for overcoming them. Secondly, they recommend engaging leaders in discussions about hypothetical challenging scenarios, such as adapting to abrupt changes in their field. These discussions are instrumental in helping high achievers perceive challenges and failures as opportunities for growth, aligning with their innate drive for improvement.
Develop Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a vital skill for leaders, particularly in small business environments where interpersonal relationships are foundational. As a mentor, Gotian and Lopata recommend helping high achievers gain insights into their emotions as well as those of others. Regular feedback sessions can help in this area by providing structured opportunities for self-reflection. Discuss specific instances where their emotional responses influenced outcomes, in order to facilitate a deeper understanding of their leadership style and interactions with colleagues. This focus can be particularly beneficial for those less inclined towards techniques like journaling or meditation.
Expand Networks and Influence
A strong network is crucial for high achievers aiming to expand their success.Often, these individuals have established connections but may overlook key relationships that could enhance their success. As a mentor, you can play a pivotal role in identifying these blind spots. Facilitate introductions to new contacts, including thought leaders and innovators from various sectors. Encouraging attendance at industry conferences or participation in cross-industry collaborations can yield fresh insights and broaden horizons.
A practical approach to maintaining these new connections is utilizing what Gotian and Lopata call the “24/7/30 model” for follow-ups. This approach provides a straightforward template for individuals to reach out 24 hours after meeting, again after 7 days, and once more after 30 days. This simple strategy helps turn fleeting encounters into lasting relationships, which can be instrumental in developing long-term relationships and networks that can help top performers grow.
The Takeaway
Mentoring top performers needs a smart approach. The HBR article points out that using techniques to develop a growth mindset, improve emotional intelligence, and widen networks can help these individuals—and your business—achieve more. The main aim of mentorship is to motivate and back up your team leaders, helping them keep up their success and grow into leaders who can drive innovation and excellence.
By putting these methods into practice, small business owners can create a setting that encourages growth, toughness, and leadership, making a big difference in their company's long-term success and survival.
---
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.
New Member Highlight – American Paper and Supply
Heading into its 79th year, American Paper and Supply continues to provide personalized customer service to local industries. From restaurants to nursing homes, factories to fire departments, American Paper and Supply has everything you need to run a successful business. But that's not all! Their walk-in store is open to the public and caters to everyone from the home cook to the professional chef. Shop local and stop in Monday-Saturday. You'll be amazed at what you will find in your own backyard!
Member News ~ September 6, 2024
***September ChamberPack is hitting mailboxes now! Please note that the Fritzy’s Gun Works Ribbon Cutting is happening September 19th NOT September 18th as printed on the events flyer in ChamberPack***
Camp Victory Hosting Community Open House on September 8th
Sunday, September 8th Camp Victory will be hosting a day packed with fun, food, and activities! Enjoy the 130-acre camp, challenge course, live music, wagon rides, and much more!
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.
Berwick YMCA Hosting Anniversary Celebration September 15th
Join the Berwick Area YMCA as they celebrate the one-year anniversary of their Wellness Center and Gymnasium. Get tours of the facility, sample classes, and attend health seminars. Get all the details!
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.
McKonly & Asbury Recognized as One of 2024’s Best Accounting Firms to Work
McKonly & Asbury announced the firm’s 9th appearance on Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For. Congratulations and learn more.
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.
Bloomsburg Library looking for Volunteers
Bloomsburg Library has benefited greatly from community volunteers and still needs more if anyone wants to help check out books at the service desk, do some light cleaning and landscaping, or shelve books. Contact Ammon Young, at ammon@bloomsburgpl.org or 570-490-0522 if you can offer a few hours per week or be on a list to help as needed.
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.
Master of the Mandolin Opens Weis Center’s New Season on Sept. 13
The Weis Center for the Performing Arts will kick-off its new season with bluegrass music by Sierra Hull on Friday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weis Center. Learn more.
Service 1st Federal Credit Union’s 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Benefits Two Local Organizations
Service 1st Federal Credit Union held its 30th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Friday, August 23, at Frosty Valley Resort in Danville. During the tournament, Service 1st presented two local charities with donations totaling $60,000! Learn more.
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.
First Step Express: How to Start and Finance Your Business hosted by Wilkes SBDC on September 10th
Are you interested in owning your own business? The Wilkes University Small Business Development Center is here to help you get started. This no-cost, one-hour webinar will answer the frequently asked questions of aspiring entrepreneurs. Learn more and 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.
2024 Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant Program Opens
The Susquehanna Greenway Mini-Grant program aims to support the advancement of regional outdoor recreation, conservation, trail projects and programs within the Susquehanna Greenway which includes Columbia and Montour counties. Proposals for projects that take place outside of the Susquehanna Greenway will not be considered. The application window will close at 4:59 PM on October 25, 2024. To learn more and apply for grants you can go to susquehannagreenway.org/mini-grant-program.
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!
Bloomsburg Children's Museum Announces September Programs
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!
PPL Electric Utilities "The Power Line" is out now
Check out regional information from PPL.
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.
Bloomsburg Area YMCA Hosting WVIA for Listening Tour
The Bloomsburg Area YMCA Community Resource Hub is excited to host and invite you to a WVIA News Listening Tour on Monday, September 16th. There will be two sessions, Session 1 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm and Session 2 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Please register at WVIA News Listening Tour - Bloomsburg; space is limited.
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!
Focus Central PA Receives Grant From PPL Foundation
Focus Central Pennsylvania is pleased to announce it has received a $21,500 grant from PPL Foundation. 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 Happenings
- September 25th - Veteran Day and Expo
- Rabbit Transit $2 trips to the Fair
- Ronald McDonald Day - September 24th - $1 of every regularly priced admission will go to the Ronald McDonald House of Danville
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.
MC Federal Credit Union raises $35,000 to support local charities
MC Federal Credit Union's 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament was held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Knoebels Three Ponds Golf Course benefiting three local charities. Learn more.
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
President’s Message: Let’s End Up Where We Mean To
“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” – Yogi Berra
Making History
After back-to-back shocking losses where they missed a trip to the World Series altogether (1954) and then lost it to the Brooklyn Dodgers (1955), the 1956 New York Yankees had much to prove. The memory of their five consecutive World Series championships was fading, and the Brooklyn Dodgers seemed to be the team to beat.
Rising to the challenge however, the Yankees played a triumphant 1956 season, earning a spot in a rematch that pitted them against the same Dodgers who had beaten them the year before. In Game 5 of a deadlocked Series, Don Larsen took the mound for the Yankees and made history, throwing the first and only perfect game in World Series history.
Speaking later of the historic moment Larsen said, “I was so nervous, I couldn’t think straight. Yogi had to do my thinking for me.”
Yogi Berra is an idiot.
That’s a terrifying prospect – because “Yogi” was none other than Yogi Berra, the three-time MVP catcher that’s better known for saying dumb things than for playing baseball. This is the same guy who gave us these gems:
“Nobody goes there anymore. It’s too crowded.”
“Baseball is ninety percent mental. The other half is physical.”
“You can observe a lot just by watching.”
“Always go to other people’s funerals, otherwise they won’t come to yours.”
Entire books have been written about Yogi-isms, and a generation of public speakers have led with his one-liners as a means to quietly say, “Don’t worry, the rest of my speech won’t be this silly.”
No, Yogi is a secret genius.
When I first heard of Larsen’s quote, I thought it was a sarcastic commentary on his desperation in that moment, to need to rely on Yogi, of all people. Then I watched the interview again, and noticed that he spoke in earnest. It turns out Yogi really did win Don Larsen that game. Now, I’m reconsidering the hidden meaning in some of Yogi’s quotes, and I confess, one of them is fast-becoming a mantra for your Chamber. “If you don’t know where you’re going, you might end up someplace else.”
Strategic Planning
Strategic PlanningAt the Chamber, we’d love to pitch a perfect game. What I mean by that of course, is that we’d love to be meeting our mission strategically, to be offering the highest possible return on investment to our members, to be the best agency in the region to build and foster business connections. We’d like to develop increasingly better relationships with local officials and advocate well for our region. We’d love to provide meaningful support to thriving downtowns, and see the quality of life improve across the region. We’d love to offer unique and worthy training programs that equip employees with the skills to do great work locally. To communicate with you the way you wish to be communicated with; to offer benefits and affinity programs that help you grow, and to help you overcome barriers to growth in our local economy.
To do this, we need to take a page from Yogi’s perfect game, and know better where we’re going.
That’s why the Chamber has begun the work of strategic planning. To begin, we’ve gathered the Board of Directors to get their perspective on where our Chamber is headed. Their feedback is turning into a list of things that we need to know from all of our members – and soon, you’ll be hearing from us in the form of a member survey, so that we can gather your thoughts and critical feedback. What are you most pleased with about the Chamber? What can we do better? How can we most effectively connect business and education, address the workforce shortage, the childcare desert, and the increasingly polarized political landscape? What benefits would you like to see that we don’t currently offer, and what does a vibrant and sustainable community look like to you, our members?
Once we have these answers, we’ll be developing our strategic plan around them, with S.M.A.R.T. goals to follow. We’ll be cautious not to bite off more than we can chew, and take care of our marvelous staff, who are doing some incredible work already.
If you’re not already engaged with the Chamber, now is the time. If you have hopes for our region to grow, to communicate better, and to align regional goals, it’s time to connect – otherwise, as Yogi said, “…you might end up someplace else.”
Business Leadership Forum: Empowering Local Business through Storytelling
You're invited to the Business Leadership Forum: Empowering Business Success Through Local Storytelling.
Join local business leaders for an inspiring day filled with powerful stories of local business success, and to learn new ways to elevate your business through the power of storytelling.
The lineup of established business leaders from Columbia and Montour Counties will be apart of panels, roundtables, and keynotes designed to share best practices and offer practical solutions to grow your business and our community. Check out our speakers below with more speakers being added!
Rob Dillion - Customer Experience Breakout Session Panelist
Rob is the fourth-generation president of Dillon Floral and was appointed President in 1995. He has served the industry as a director of PFIA and President of Roses Inc. His career goal is to lead Dillon Floral Corporation to its 150th birthday (2025); allowing the family legacy to continue to the fifth generation, enriching the lives of those who contribute to the company’s success by being the most helpful supplier to professional florists within reach of Bloomsburg, PA. Involved in the community Rob sits on the Millville Mutual Insurance Company board serving as the board Chairman and serves on the board of Journey Bank.
Mark Lawrence Giesen - Marketing Experience Breakout Session Moderator
Mark has been the Director of Community Engagement at the Danville Area Community Center (DACC) since August 2023. In this role, he spearheads fundraising, grant writing, outreach, and marketing initiatives. Before joining the DACC, Mark enjoyed an award-winning 30+ year career in radio, primarily at WKOK, 94KX, Eagle 107, and 100.9 The Valley. Mark resides in Northumberland with his "Lovely Bride" and has an adult daughter living in Oregon. Mark hunts, fishes, and enjoys bike riding with his Lovely Bride.
Chris Hill - Customer Experience Breakout Session Moderator
Chris Hill grew up in the Williamsport Area and spent much of his early career in the food and beverage side of hospitality. Chris is the Director of Sales and Catering for Pine Barn Inn with Shaner Hospitality Group and has been there since 2015. Most recently, he joined the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce as a board member. Chris currently lives in Danville with his wife and five sons where he enjoys coaching soccer and watching his son’s other sporting events.
Nancy Lawton-Kluck - Keynote Speaker
Nancy Lawton-Kluck has always seen philanthropy as more than just funding—it’s about forging partnerships that spark lasting change. Serving as Director of Philanthropy for the Geisinger Foundation she manages over $140 million in funds, strategically deploying resources, cultivating relationships, and driving campaigns that matter. Nancy Lawton-Kluck’s story is one of relentless dedication to making a difference. Through her strategic vision and unwavering commitment, she continues to shape the future of philanthropy, one transformative initiative at a time.
Kim Kus - Marketing Experience Breakout Session Panelist
Kim was raised in St. Charles, IL., a western suburb of Chicago, and studied architecture at Savannah College of Art & Design. Currently, she is the proprietor of Brewskis Coffee & Bar. With the knowledge of graphic design & experience in restaurants, she creates the marketing and social media for her business and assists Downtown Bloomsburg Inc. Her hobbies include biking, camping, live music, and walking her dog, Luna.
Drew Sassaman - Marketing Experience Breakout Session Panelist
Drew Sassaman is a partner and realtor at Villager Realty Inc. in Danville. Serving buyers, sellers, and investors across a five-county region, Drew has redefined the traditional approach to real estate with his cutting-edge social media strategies. His use of both modern and traditional marketing techniques has made an impact for his clients.
Tina Welch - Lunch Roundtable Facilitator
Tina Welch is the founder of Welch Performance Consulting, a strategic Human Resources consulting firm that helps employers create great workplaces. Known
for putting her heart and soul into the organization, Tina takes a practical approach when evaluating any HR system or process, training, development, or coaching opportunity, to ensure that it is tailored to achieve the business strategy desired.
Karen Wood - Customer Experience Breakout Session Panelist
Karen is the Chief Experience Officer at Service 1st Federal Credit Union, a $678 million credit union headquartered in Danville, Pennsylvania. Karen provides leadership, management and direction to its twelve branch offices including the development and delivery of its retail strategy, member experience, sales strategy and operations.
AI’s Big Impact on Small Business
Source: U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Running a small business is no small feat. Every day, small business owners wear multiple hats: the visionary, the accountant, the marketer, and the customer whisperer, among others. And the fruit of this toil does not go unnoticed. These seemingly modest enterprises are creating jobs, driving economic growth, and empowering the communities they serve.
While innovation and ingenuity are essential to entrepreneurship, the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) offers enormous promise to such endeavors. According to our report, Empowering Small Business: The Impact of Technology on U.S. Small Business, almost one in four small businesses have adopted AI, citing improved performance in marketing and communications.
AI systems can not only enhance efficiency, save time, and improve decision-making across business operations, but they can also optimize resources, personalize customer experiences, and provide valuable insights on market trends.
Here’s a look at some real-world success stories of small businesses utilizing—and benefiting from—AI.
AI Assisting with Customer Acquisition and Retention
Hrag Kalebjian is incredibly grateful for the myriad of benefits AI brings to his business, Henry’s House of Coffee – a family-owned coffee roaster. When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), AI tools have been indispensable in developing product descriptions that not only meet a specific set of criteria determined by Kalebjian but also perform well on search.
As an e-commerce brand, Kalebjian is also thoroughly invested in understanding the lifetime value of his customers—how much it costs to acquire a customer, how much they are worth, and what type of discount should a specific cohort of the customer base receive.
AI tools serve as the “analytical brain” behind these data-driven insights and help Kalebjian determine appropriate marketing and customer service strategies to implement. By customizing chatbots to respond in a certain way, Kalebjian can view these and other insights through specific perspectives, such as that of a marketing expert, venture capitalist, or scientist.
By enhancing operational efficiency and customer insights, AI enables Henry’s House of Coffee to compete faster and smarter—a huge benefit for a small business.
Using ChatGPT and Other Tools for Marketing
For Kim Cook and her three daughters, starting and operating Something Sweet COOKie Dough, has been a labor of love. The family-owned, premium frozen cookie dough business continues to grow and evolve thanks in no small part to AI.
Cook noted that the backend of her business relies on various AI platforms, including ChatGPT for marketing, social media, and content development, and Shopify for inventory management and financial operations. Even the business’s co-manufacturer uses AI to measure and scale ingredients accordingly to enhance resource efficiency and eliminate waste.
AI has also been a valuable asset for customer service management since Cook and her daughters have been able to provide prerecorded videos to answer specific questions they receive from customers on their website.
Overall, Cook was quick to acknowledge the significant role AI plays in the business’s ability to remain competitive by expanding its reach and shipping capabilities.
Analyzing Data and Research with AI
Austin Milliken, founder of Aureate Capital—an independent investment bank that serves clients across multiple industries and sectors—says AI technologies allow small businesses to be more nimble. To him, AI serves an integral function in his company’s ability to analyze research and data, develop marketing strategies and pitch materials, and share and request information from internal and external partners through tools such as DocuSign and Dropbox.
AI’s ability to present a wealth of knowledge—at a rapid speed—is perhaps equally consequential to those operational efficiency gains. Even for many of Aureate Capital’s clients who may have limited resources to make stock or investment portfolio decisions, AI tools and integrations can assist in the decision-making process or at least help validate their thinking.
It is, therefore, vital for companies to start embracing AI, according to Milliken, if they want to reap these types of benefits for their business and remain competitive.
While applications for AI continue to expand and evolve, one thing is abundantly clear: small businesses that use AI are seeing increased growth and profitability and are better equipped to compete in a dynamic marketplace.
A Guide to Ending Conversations Strategically
Every so often, we might encounter people who continuously talk without allowing the other person any input. If you encounter this during a busy workday where you're struggling to meet your work quota, dealing with this can be mentally exhausting and time-consuming.
When everything was in person and people mostly worked at the office, we could end a conversation by edging closer to the exit. This would non-verbally indicate to the other person that you intended to leave. With so many of our meetings occurring virtually now, non-verbal communication has become a less viable option. For this reason, we need to find creative new ways to ensure that we don't end up being locked-in conversations for longer than we can afford.
How to End a Conversation
Of course, the question is not simply how to end a conversation but rather how to do so politely and without having to hurt anybody's feelings. Especially important in professional situations — nobody wants to jeopardize their opportunities by stopping a conversation. The art of concise communication can be an effective and professional tool to enlist.
Set a Time Limit from the Get-go
Something that can be extremely helpful is to be clear about how long you can afford for the meeting from the beginning. You can do this politely by saying, "I wanted to make you aware I'm on a strict schedule today. My next meeting is in 30 minutes. Would you like to get us started?" It establishes boundaries for you and your time, but it shows that you are communicating with them about why it's important to you to get down to business. By offering to let them take the lead, you show you still respect the time and attention you give them in this meeting. You are cutting out unnecessary and unclear assumptions about the intent of cutting a meeting off and set intentions for both parties.
Intercept and Take Control
If the other person is taking the conversation off its path and taking it down irrelevant alleyways, try to find a moment to intercept and take over. Saying, "I just wanted to bring your attention back to . . ." or "Considering the time, I think it might be a good idea to discuss . . ." statements such as these reaffirm your boundaries and keep lines of communication clear and focused. It can also be helpful to signal to the other meeting participants when the meeting is nearing the end of its allotted time. Usually, whoever is talking will take it as a cue or realize that they've been going off track.
Make the Most Out of Gestures
While online meetings don't offer much room for non-verbal or body language communication, there are still some things that you can do. If you feel it would be inappropriate to cut in midway through the person's monologue, you might consider using the icons to signal that you've got something to say silently. You can also gesture with your actual hands, perhaps gesturing a "T" shape to signal your concern about the time.
End by Planning a Follow-up
When you need to leave and the person you're speaking with shows no signs of stopping talking, it can be helpful to end by planning a follow-up. Actively listening and making sure the other person feels heard is paramount to building solid professional relationships. You might consider ending by letting the person know that you value what they're saying and would like to follow up later.
Bottom Line
We encounter highly extroverted people who love to talk from time to time. Learning how to end conversations tactfully is essential to maintaining healthy business relationships. Remaining clear on our purpose and boundaries allows communication to stay clear, effective, and satisfying for all involved.
###
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.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Anti-Employer Non-Compete Rule
Source: PA Chamber of Business and Industry
Last week, a federal judge in Texas barred a U.S. Federal Trade Commission rule from taking effect that would have banned more forms of noncompete agreements from employment contracts nationwide with retroactive effect.
In her decision, U.S. District Judge Ada Brown in Dallas said the FTC does not have the authority to ban practices it deems unfair methods of competition by adopting broad rules. She had temporarily blocked the rule in July while she considered a petition by the U.S. Chamber and a tax entity to strike the ruling down for the major negative implications the ruling would have had on the nation’s business community. Notably, the FTC’s proposed rule came under fire for the challenges it would present for businesses’ ability to safeguard trade secrets and other confidential information. The rule was set to take effect Sept. 4.
When the FTC initially voted on the ruling in April, it became the subject of a PA Chamber member-sponsored webinar in May. During the event, attorneys from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney laid out the implications for businesses and explained what they could do to protect themselves. The PA Chamber also signed on to a national coalition letter in May requesting a stay and delay of implementation of the rule, which made the case that the lack of guidance on the rule created a lack of certainty for employers.
Following Judge Brown’s decision, U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark called the ruling a “significant win in the Chamber’s fight against government micromanagement of business decisions.” Read the U.S. Chamber’s press release praising the decision here.
The Columbia Montour Chamber joined with over 260 business groups including the PA Chamber of Business and Industry in sending a letter to Congress opposing the FTC's proposal.
###
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.
Passion for the Mission with Accountability
Source: Gary Dubas, McKonly & Asbury
Executives join a nonprofit organization for numerous reasons including quality of life, professional growth, proximity to home residence, and service to community. Possibly the strongest reason from a personal perspective is passion for the mission of the organization. No doubt, a passionate group of staff, volunteers, and board members can produce remarkably impressive results to the benefit of clients, patients, members, or the community at large. For example, charity: water is a nonprofit organization founded in 2006 by a former nightclub promoter that went on an international journey, in which he saw firsthand the effects of dirty drinking water. By the end of 2022, this organization, through installations of water wells, has brought clean water to over 16.8 million people according to its 2022 annual report.
Passion for the mission may be the juice that creates energy and excitement within the organization, but without some accountability baked in, “mission impossible” may be a more fitting description of what the results could be.
Measurements for Management
A familiar saying in the business world is, “what gets measured gets done.” It is attributed to management guru Peter Drucker, who more accurately said “what gets measured gets managed.” We accountants wholeheartedly agree! I can tell you that when our firm decided several years ago to concentrate and measure a particular metric, the subsequent results were dramatic and motivating.
Does your organization’s executive management team know their numbers, and are they accountable for them? Are organizational goals widely established, and are they quantifiable and measured regularly?
For example, take an organization that serves clients through individual and group counseling sessions, and the manager is responsible for client counseling services. Do they have specific goals set, such as optimum number of hourly individual counseling sessions for each counselor per week? Also, is there a goal regarding average ratings on client surveys? In this simplistic example, the goals would address quantity of counseling sessions and the quality of those sessions. Each counselor would be held accountable for their number of sessions and the perceived quality. This then facilitates the goals of the manager of client counseling services, which would be the overall average results of all counselors that report to that manager. This alignment of measured goals can produce impressive results. Measured goals also provide consistent information to make effective decisions on staff compensation and promotion, training, and utilization of technology. Furthermore, it can create real momentum and energy within the organization when goals are met and celebrated.
Implementing a Measurement for Management Plan
If managing by numbers is a new concept to an organization, a well-thought-out implementation plan can increase the chances of accelerated results. Team members should be involved in determining the goals to be measured, if possible, and should certainly have a thorough understanding of why the specific goals have been established through consistent and often repeated communication. There should then be systems in place to gather the necessary information to timely and accurately report results for each goal.
"What gets measured gets managed."
Donors, grantor agencies, and other stakeholders increasingly expect transparency and accountability from nonprofit organizations. When nonprofits can consistently deliver and effectively communicate the value being provided to its clients, members, or the community at large, it can in turn lead to more opportunities for higher levels of donations and funding from those that are observing from afar or who are directly impacted by that organization’s services.
The FTC Ban on Fake Reviews and the Use of Bots: Implications for Small Businesses
- The FTC has banned fake reviews and the use of bots to ensure transparency in online reviews, requiring businesses to disclose any material connections with reviewers.
- New guidelines prohibit businesses from posting false or misleading reviews and mandate that incentivized reviews must be clearly disclosed to consumers.
- These regulations aim to protect consumers from fraud and foster a fairer digital marketplace, benefiting both consumers and honest businesses.
- Small businesses can thrive by focusing on genuine customer feedback, engaging with their audience, and sharing authentic customer-generated content to build trust and credibility.
689 words ~ 3.5 min. read
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made an important move to ensure transparency and honesty in online reviews by banning deceptive practices that manipulate consumer opinions. This ban focuses on fake reviews and the use of bots to create false endorsements, requiring businesses to disclose any material connections with the reviewers. As small businesses increasingly use social media for marketing, this regulation will significantly impact their operations.
The FTC has banned fake reviews and the use of bots to tackle concerns about consumer deception and the loss of trust in online marketplaces. As e-commerce and digital marketing grow, misleading reviews can skew consumer perceptions and lead to poor purchasing decisions. This regulation aims to protect consumers from fraud that can hurt their interests and damage the reputation of honest businesses. The ultimate goal is to create a fairer and more transparent digital marketplace, where genuine feedback and honest endorsements can flourish, benefiting consumers and reputable businesses alike.
What the Rules Entail
Under the new FTC guidelines, businesses can't post reviews or testimonials they know are false or misleading. If they hire third parties to generate reviews, those reviews must also follow FTC standards. If a review is incentivized—like when someone is paid or given free products—the business must clearly disclose this to consumers. Not following these rules can result in hefty penalties, including fines and damage to reputation.
All five FTC commissioners unanimously approved the final rule, which will go into effect 60 days after it's published in the Federal Register, the official government source for rules and notifications. Generally, these rules are published shortly after approval, so consumers should expect the FTC's fake-review ban to start in mid-October.
Impact on Small Businesses Using Social Media
The new FTC regulations help small business owners by encouraging honest competition, which allows them to build credibility and attract customers more effectively on social media. With the ban on fake reviews, businesses should focus on getting genuine customer feedback and creating a loyal community around their brand. This transparency can boost trust and credibility, helping to draw in more customers in the competitive digital landscape. Adjusting marketing strategies to follow these regulations will enable small businesses to succeed authentically instead of relying on misleading practices.
Three Ways to Build an Honest Following
- Encourage Real Customer Testimonials: Small businesses should ask happy customers to share their experiences on social media and review sites. Reviews listed on your Google Business Profile are one of the most reliable and powerful places to send your loyal fans. This can be done through follow-up emails after a purchase, prompting customers to leave feedback. Highlighting these genuine testimonials boosts credibility and shows a commitment to customer satisfaction, which can attract future customers.
- Engage with Customers Quickly: It's important for small businesses to actively engage with customers on social media to build loyalty. They should respond promptly to comments, messages, and reviews, whether they are positive or negative. By acknowledging feedback and showing a willingness to address concerns, businesses can create a sense of community and trust. This interaction signals to potential customers that the business values their opinions and is committed to providing a good experience.
- Share Customer-Generated Content: Encouraging customers to share their own content, like photos and stories featuring the brand's products, adds authenticity and helps to grow an engaged following. Small businesses can create unique hashtags and run campaigns to motivate users to post their content. By sharing this customer-generated content on their own channels, businesses can showcase real customers enjoying their products and strengthen the sense of community among followers.
The Takeaway
The recent FTC regulations are a vital step toward fostering a more honest and transparent online marketplace. By promoting genuine customer feedback and discouraging misleading practices, these guidelines protect consumers and support small businesses in a digital world that values authenticity. As entrepreneurs adapt their marketing strategies to comply with these new rules, they can strengthen customer connections, enhance their reputations, and contribute to a fairer online environment built on trust. Embracing this change will enable businesses to thrive by focusing on real relationships and delivering genuine value to their communities.
---
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.