The COVID pandemic has wreaked havoc on our region’s economy and, especially, our small businesses. 

They seem to be popping up everywhere, in magazines, store displays and, for more intrepid and unconventional marketers, even on bodies.  What is this latest marketing device; Quick Response (QR) Codes.  The ubiquitous squares that enable companies to provide a wide-range of information about the products or services they are selling.

I recently had the privilege of being part of a group of regional businessmen and women selected to attend a series of discussions on economic development and job creation with administration officials from the White House Business Council.  This program was sponsored by Business Forward, a national organization whose mission is to bring business leaders into the policy making process.

Did you know that $100 spent in the local business community will keep approximately $56 to $73 in the local economy where the same amount of money spent in non-locally owned businesses only keeps between $16 to $43 dollars in the community?

How many times have we said or heard the expression: “Tell me a story.”  Starting at an early age and onward, the story process is the same, only the topics change as we get older.

The monster tornado that recently paralyzed the city of Joplin, Missouri, as well as hurricane season being upon us, should serve as a wake-up call for all small business owners to review their business continuity plan. 

Congratulations, you are the owner of a small business. Every day you hear the President and other elected officials extol your virtues and state that, if it were not for you, the economy could never recover.  Makes you feel great, doesn’t it.  No pressure or performance anxiety here.

For many small retailers, the weeks between Black Friday and Christmas Eve are going to be the most critical they’ve faced so far.  For some, it will be the difference between a profitable year, a failed year, or an end-of-the-business year.