How we communicate and collaborate in business is rapidly changing. And it’s about time! Most of us are in what I call “Email Chaos.” It’s not uncommon for workers to receive more than 200 emails a day with an additional 1,000 emails that haven’t even been opened. McKenzie tells us the productivity loss in time wasted is estimated to be as much as 25 percent. That means we’re … [More]
Out of the Ashes
Arizona has a long history of boom and bust economic cycles. And like the mythical Phoenix, we have seen the economy soar, but then only to crash in flames. Right now we’re still trying to rise from the ashes. A Harvard student has mapped every job in America — one dot, one job. The interactive map displays different types of jobs by different colors and where the jobs are … [More]
Three Reasons Why Customers Love Online Payments
The jury of public opinion has spoken: Customers love online payments. Here are three reasons why: Customers are impatient Waiting in line is a society norm, but there’s plenty of scientific evidence to prove that it’s highly undesirable to customers — and to the businesses who want their patronage. Online payments can solve many of these wait-time dilemmas, giving … [More]
Why Small Businesses Should Learn More About the Internet
As a business owner, you take on many different roles within your company. Since the start of your company, you may have handled sales, payroll, customer service and more. But this responsibility makes it very difficult to manage all of these areas to their best potential and still enjoy your business … especially as you grow. That being said, entrepreneurs tend to overextend … [More]
‘Field Guide’ to Financing Your Small Business
Introduction. Field guides help people learn about and identify different varieties of plant and animal wildlife. This financial field guide can help you sort through the many financing alternatives available for small business. Available Financing Options. The main financing tools in alphabetical order are: Asset-Based Lending (ABL). A line of credit from a bank or … [More]
Private Healthcare Exchanges: An opportunity to offer great benefits at little or no cost
As a business owner, you’ve probably spent some time thinking about your employee benefits strategy. If you haven’t — you should. After all, employees who are healthy and financially secure are more engaged in their work, and therefore more productive. Good benefits are good business. Small employers face a unique challenge when it comes to building a competitive benefits … [More]
The only thing certain is change
When I was a little girl, my mother would say, “The only thing certain is change.” As is often the case, she was right. The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce is undergoing a sea change of, well, change. Rick Kidder, our president and CEO since 2006, announced his resignation in June. He will be leaving for New England to head up the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce … [More]
Scottsdale Area Chamber celebrates volunteers, unveils new initiatives
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2015 Business Volunteer Awards on June 10, at Venue 8600 in Scottsdale. Organizations like the Scottsdale Area Chamber rely on its members as much as its staff to become and remain successful. The Business Volunteer Awards were created to honor those members who have gone above and beyond in their service to the … [More]
2015 Scottsdale Spice set to sizzle in September
While the Arizona summer heat in September is just beginning to cool down, things are just starting to heat up at the 2015 Scottsdale Spice Culinary Festival. Returning to The Venue in Downtown Scottsdale on Sat., Sept. 12, Scottsdale Spice will feature dishes served up by some of the Valley’s hottest chefs. The culinary all-stars will compete in the mild, medium and hot … [More]
Scottsdale Area Chamber launches new initiatives
The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting in June in conjunction with the Business Volunteer Awards. At the meeting, members were treated to a preview of two new programs. Be Scottsdale Fit Be Scottsdale Fit is a wellness and work/life integration initiative sponsored by the Scottsdale Chamber Foundation, the mission-oriented 501(c)(3) organization … [More]
Apply now for the 30th Annual Sterling Awards
If your company or nonprofit organization provides your customers and the community with superlative service, now is the time to let it shine by applying for the Scottsdale Area Chamber’s 30th Annual Sterling Awards. Each year, the chamber honors a large, medium and small company and one nonprofit with a Sterling Award for embodying the spirit of the organization and for making … [More]
Expand your network through Leads Groups
One of the best ways to grow your list of professional contacts and business leads is by joining one of the morning Leads Referral Groups with the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber’s leads groups provide an opportunity for members to share ideas, contacts and qualified referrals in a one-person-per-profession setting. While all professions and businesses are … [More]
7 tips for a successful ribbon-cutting event
You just opened your business and joined the Scottsdale Area Chamber as a Classic-level member. You’re already on your way to a successful start. Now, customers need to learn more about you. One of the best ways to increase publicity and foot traffic is to host a Red Ribbon Networking Event with the chamber. For members who have joined at the Classic level and above, the … [More]
Partner Council: The ultimate return on chamber membership investment
The Partner Council supports the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce at significant investment levels in order to support the mission of the organization and to engage in programs and services dedicated to that smaller group. Members of the Partner Council are some of the most influential and connected business leaders in Scottsdale and the Valley. Partner Council members … [More]
Changes at the Scottsdale Area Chamber
Matt Blum Matt joined the chamber’s sales team in March. Originally a musician and sculptor, he has channeled his creativity into marketing and sales. Prior to joining the chamber, Matt worked with Weebly, Phoenix Suns, Harlem Globetrotters, Insight and ASU Foundation. Kelly McCoy Kelly was hired as the chamber’s programs and events manager in March. An Arizona … [More]
Message from the President
I am so pleased to be serving as the president for the Phoenix Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners, a dream I’ve had since I wrote my check and was the first charter member of the NAWBO Colorado Springs Chapter in 1996. And, as much as I am an entrepreneur, I am a team person … I want to do more, have a greater impact. Thankfully, five years ago a … [More]
PhXX Forward Collaboration
Phoenix has several organizations working together to support women business owners. NAWBO reached out to those organizations and asked: How is your organization going to uniquely contribute to the future of Phoenix by empowering women business owners? Here are their answers: Sisterhood of Happiness The Sisterhood of Happiness empowers women entrepreneurs through … [More]
Women can move PhXX Forward
I know a woman founder who is leading a building renovation project. In one of our recent conversations, she told me that contractors and fellow business owners often ask her if they can speak with the owner of her company. When she explains that she’s both the brains and the brawn behind the operation, most respond with wide eyes and apologetically spout that they didn’t … [More]
