Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce

Did you know? The first chamber of commerce was founded in Marseilles, France, in 1599 as the "Chambre de Commerce." It was created to unite merchants, share knowledge, and advocate for the economic interests of their city and region. Chambers of commerce have been supporting businesses and communities ever since!

When networking, be prepared to introduce yourself and explain what you do in a concise and compelling way. A clear elevator pitch can make a strong first impression and open up more opportunities for conversation.

Social shopping is booming, and businesses are seeing real results! Selling directly on social media isn’t just a trend, it’s a game-changer, especially for retail. Social shopping makes it easier than ever for customers to browse, shop, and buy right from their favorite platforms. Local Holdrege Chamber members The 308 Boutique and Gifts & Things are great examples of businesses leading the way, creating engaging content and connecting with their customers in fun, creative ways. Check out their pages to see social selling in action! Is your business using social commerce? Let us know how it's working for you!

What happens to your business when you step away? Whether you're planning for retirement, preparing for leadership transitions, or simply securing your company's future, having a solid succession plan is essential. Join us for LevelUp! Your Succession Plan, where Luke Deaver will walk through the key steps every business owner should take to protect their legacy, transition smoothly, and ensure long-term success. This session is designed for business owners, managers, and decision-makers who want to ensure the future success of their company. LevelUp! events are 100% free and members-only. Seats are limited, so register today!

Don't Forget! Next week, we’re celebrating Raven Tech with a ribbon cutting! Join us on Tuesday, March 11 from 4-6 PM at Coal & Feed to welcome this technology company to our community. Specializing in security and security products for homes, businesses, and farms, Raven Tech is here to help protect what matters most. Come meet the team, learn more about their services, and show your support.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently highlighted several resources to help business owners enhance their leadership and management skills. Here are some top recommendations: Podcasts: TED Radio Hour: Explores ideas from TED Talks on topics like time management and work-life balance. Apps: Blinkist: Provides condensed summaries of nonfiction books, allowing quick absorption of key insights. Bunch AI: Offers personalized leadership coaching with daily actionable tips. Organizations: Toastmasters: Helps improve public speaking and leadership skills through structured practice and feedback. These resources offer valuable insights to help you become a more effective leader.

Who says you have to wait for a holiday to have some fun? When business feels slow, make your own celebration! For example... - A coffee shop could host "Latte Love Day" with a special menu. - A boutique could launch "Treat Yourself Tuesday" with surprise discounts. - A pet store or groomer could create "Furry Friend Friday" with giveaways and contests. It is a fun way to bring in customers, keep things fresh, and give people something to look forward to. What would your custom holiday be? Share your ideas in the comments!

Preparing First-Time Leaders for Success: How Employers Can Help Supporting new leaders is key to building strong teams and driving long-term growth. Here are five ways employers can set first-time leaders up for success: -> Provide Clarity – Help new leaders define goals, understand team roles, and set clear expectations. -> Encourage Trust-Building – Guide them in leading with authenticity, transparency, and reliability. -> Develop Communication Skills – Offer training on active listening and adapting communication styles. -> Promote Authentic Leadership – Help them identify their strengths and build confidence in their leadership style. -> Offer Mentorship and Support – Connect them with mentors, leadership programs, and regular feedback. Investing in leadership development doesn’t just benefit individuals, it strengthens your entire organization.

Networking often feels like it is built for extroverts. Walking into a crowded room, making small talk, and introducing yourself to strangers can be exhausting. However, networking is not just for the outgoing. Introverts can be just as effective at building professional relationships when they approach it the right way. If large networking events make you uncomfortable, these strategies will help you connect with confidence while staying true to your personality.

Running a business takes time, but not every task needs to be done manually. Simple automation tools can free up your time, cut down on errors, and help your business run more smoothly. Here are a few easy ways to automate everyday tasks: - Scheduling & Reminders – Use tools like Calendly or Google Calendar to automate bookings and reminders. - Invoices & Payments – Set up automatic invoicing with QuickBooks or Square so you get paid faster. - Email Responses – Use automated replies for FAQs, order confirmations, or appointment reminders. Automation doesn’t have to be complicated, and even small changes can save hours each week. What’s one task you’d love to automate in your business?