The Real Reasons Small Business Owners Must Understand Their Finances
Running a small business often feels like spinning plates on a windy day—strategy, customer service, marketing, and operations all demand full attention. But one plate too often wobbles dangerously: financial literacy. It’s not glamorous, and it rarely trends on social media, yet it remains the backbone of sustained business health. When owners sidestep the numbers, they don’t just risk inefficiency—they gamble the entire enterprise. More Than Bookkeeping: The Power in Knowing Your NumbersFinancial
Why Your Branding Feels Off and What to Do About It
You can have the best product on the block and still struggle to get attention if your marketing design works against you. It’s not that small business owners don’t care about how things look—they care a lot. But that passion sometimes clouds judgment, leading to visual choices that confuse more than they connect. The result? A brand that feels just a little “off,” even if everything else is done right. Thinking a Logo Is the Whole Brand It’s natural to obsess over a logo. It’s the face of the business,
Keeping Customers Happy While Handling Late Payments
Late payments can create frustration, but addressing them with a clear approach keeps relationships intact. Setting clear payment terms from the start helps prevent confusion. Friendly yet firm reminders encourage prompt action without damaging goodwill. Offering flexible payment options can make it easier for clients to stay on track. Direct communication often resolves issues before they become bigger problems.Use Follow-Up Meetings for Effective Payment Resolutions When dealing with late customer
The Doctor Will See You Now—And Actually Listen: Rethinking the Patient Experience to Fuel Business Growth
In an era where people can order dinner, book a flight, and even get a mortgage with a few taps on their phone, walking into a medical office can feel like stepping into a time warp. The front desk is swamped, the waiting room is packed, and the paperwork—oh, the paperwork—feels endless. But here’s the thing: patients today expect more. They don’t just want treatment; they want an experience that’s seamless, personal, and pleasant. If you run a medical office, fine-tuning the patient experience isn’t just
The CTA, BOI and FinCEN: What Should Sequim, WA Businesses Do Now?
The Corporate Transparency Act may require certain U.S. companies to disclose beneficial ownership information to FinCEN to combat financial crimes. While a Texas federal district court’s preliminary injunction puts this requirement on hold, many experts expect that to be overturned. In that event, failure to file could lead to fines of $500 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000, and possible criminal penalties. However, filing your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report will help you avoid fines
Unleashing Innovation: Growth Tactics for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses
In an ever-evolving business landscape, the key to not just surviving but thriving lies in the power of innovation. For small to mid-sized business owners, the idea of implementing innovative strategies might seem overwhelming at first glance. However, the possibilities for growth and success are boundless with the right mindset and tools. Here are just a few of the dynamic approaches that can propel your business forward, ensuring you remain a step ahead in a fiercely competitive market.Crafting
The Herd September 2024- Chamber and Member News
Dear Members, It is my pleasure to greet fall with you all, and to announce that registration is OPEN for our 16th Annual Business Showcase on October 8! Click anywhere on Page 2 to join in as a sponsor or a vendor. This year, our theme is Growing Sequim Strong. What that means to me, as your Chamber director, is that we celebrate all that makes us strong, and builds our strength, as a community. For the Chamber, it is you, our members, that make us strong: your investment in our programs and events,
