Blog
15+ Inexpensive Ways to Advertise Your Business
You know the old adage, “It takes money to make money”? While that may be true, marketing and advertising don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, some of the most effective ways to get your business noticed are either free or surprisingly affordable (especially with the technology available). Whether you’re just getting started or…
5 Simple Numbers Every Small Business Should Track
If the thought of “tracking KPIs” makes your eyes glaze over, you’re not alone. For many small business owners, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) sound like something reserved for corporations with big budgets, bigger teams, and even bigger Excel spreadsheets. Who wants the hassle? But here’s the truth: KPIs are just numbers that tell a story…
How to Build Business Connections (Even If You Hate Networking)
Even though being part of the chamber is one of the easiest ways to increase your network, we understand that some business pros can’t make it to networking events. But networking is incredibly important because people want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. If you don’t have the time to attend…
Fireworks Delay on July 4, 2025
Spectators watch fireworks over the Columbia River in Astoria, Oregon. Due to a technical malfunction, this year’s Independence Day fireworks display over the Astoria waterfront was delayed, going off an hour later than planned and advertised. “We appreciate the public’s patience while our vendor’s team and our shore-side crew worked to bring the display back…
How to Win Over Customers with Emotional Marketing
There’s a Jeep commercial circulating right now that stars Harrison Ford talking about choices and how life doesn’t come with an owner’s manual. It’s one of those ads you watch the entire way through because it’s evocative and makes you feel something. You hardly even notice that they’re selling a vehicle, but you buy into…
Embracing Imperfection to Strengthen Your Business
What do Han Solo (Star Wars et al), Walter White (Breaking Bad), and Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games) have in common? They’re terribly flawed and we love them for it. Imperfection can also be a powerful asset for businesses when approached with the right mindset. So stop trying your best to be perfect and embrace…
Travel Powers the Economy, Builds Opportunity & Connects America
National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), held annually in May, shines a spotlight on the U.S. travel industry’s essential role in driving economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the nation’s global competitiveness. “Travel is one of our nation’s most powerful economic engines-supporting millions of jobs, fueling businesses and propelling industries forward,” said U.S. Travel…
Asking the Right Questions for Business Growth
Growth isn’t a passive process; it doesn’t just happen. Unfortunately, you don’t open a business and sit back and wait for it to grow. Businesses rarely go viral overnight and planning on doing so is like funding your retirement by playing the lottery every week. Business growth is a dynamic journey fueled by strategic thinking…
4 Tasks to Make You a More Intentional Leader
Whether you are starting your own business or reporting to someone else, you can be the leader you want to be with just a few changes to your weekly routine. All it takes is a little awareness. Before we get into the routines you can incorporate into your week, it’s important to understand that it…
Give These Marketing Strategies a Try
The new year is the perfect time for beginnings and setting goals. It also makes for good marketing campaigns and changes to your business. There are so many things you can do to provide value for customers and potential customers. If you don’t use this time to try something new, you’re leaving money on the…