Posts by Ingeborg Houston
Open the Business Owner’s “Secret Menu”
Open the Business Owner’s “Secret Menu” Does your favorite coffee shop have a secret menu? One where the drink’s not on the board, but the regulars know to order? The one that gives you a little more for the same price or offers you a flavor you didn’t even know existed just because you’re a…
Read More5 Simple Numbers Every Small Business Should Track
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:…
Read MoreHow to Build Loyalty Without Spending a Dime on Ads
How to Build Loyalty Without Spending a Dime on Ads When you’re building a small business, it’s easy to focus on the day-to-day grind—inventory, customer service, cash flow, and that never-ending inbox. But if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know if you’re getting there? That’s where a vision statement comes in.…
Read More9 Customer Loyalty Programs That Work
9 Customer Loyalty Programs That Work Attracting new customers is important, but building loyalty is where long-term success happens. Loyal customers spend more, visit more often, and refer others. According to business.com, they spend 67% more than first-time customers. Cultivating that loyalty takes more than just great service. It takes creativity, consistency, and value-driven engagement.…
Read MoreHelping Customers Move Past “Let Me Think About It”
Helping Customers Move Past “Let Me Think About It” Has this happened to you? Whether online or in-person, there’s a customer who lingers, hesitates. They’re eyeing your item or menu. They’re asking questions about it. You think they’re going to buy and then they walk away or abandon their online cart without making a decision.…
Read MoreTikTok for Small Business: How to Start Selling Today
TikTok for Small Business: How to Start Selling Today With over 1 billion users worldwide and a rapidly growing e-commerce ecosystem, TikTok has become a powerful platform for small businesses and solopreneurs to reach new audiences and boost sales. Whether you’re a boutique owner, a skincare brand, or a service provider, or someone with an…
Read MoreHow to Turn Small Talk Into Big Opportunities
How to Turn Small Talk Into Big Opportunities Let’s be real. Elevator pitches can feel like a late-night infomercial–a robotic recitation of what your business does with an added exclamation point at the end. But for business owners and sales professionals, every interaction is an opportunity. A truly effective elevator pitch transcends mere information delivery.…
Read More10 Ways to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership
10 Ways to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved. Joining is a smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage. If…
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