While the twelve days of Christmas are traditionally celebrated between December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 5 (the eve of the Epiphany), consumer businesses often celebrate with the “12 Days of Deals” observance where they offer a new deal every day for twelve days leading up to Christmas Eve (although any 12 consecutive days during Small Business Season works). The discounts can be incredibly effective in generating buzz and drawing crowds. After all, everyone wants to know what tomorrow’s discount will be. In this article, we’ll walk you through how you can capitalize on your own “12 Days of Deals” during Small Business Season.  Even if you’re not a traditional retail business, remember all customers enjoy a deal (or, better yet, 12 of them!).

Join us Downtown!

The four community partners

Optimizing your business’s operations is much simpler when you invest in helpful software programs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of software options out there, though, the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce has some tips and resources to make the process a little easier. Marketing Automation System Implementing your marketing strategy and managing campaigns can be laborious, but marketing automation software can help you handle these important tasks efficiently. Plus, a platform like this will keep your marketing team aligned with your sales staff so that these departments don’t accidentally duplicate processes or lose track of important deadlines. Look for software that will generate analytics, supports task automation throughout the entire customer purchasing cycle, and allows campaign customization. LLC Formation Service As a business owner, your to-do list is always packed, and you’re always looking for ways to save time so that you’re not up late working . For example, you can use templates for emails, automate tasks like posting on social media, and tackle your most important, time-consuming tasks early in the day to get them out of the way. You can also turn to online services to boost your productivity. If you’re interested in forming an LLC for your business to cut down on the amount of paperwork you have to deal with, you can file through an online formation service rather than going through the process on your own or hiring a lawyer. Working with Distributors If your business requires you to deal with distributors and suppliers, you’re probably already used to spending a lot of time with contracts. However, one great way to save time while also making it easier to stay organized is by digitizing your contracts so that you can sign online. This also makes it easier to communicate clear expectations. If you’re looking for a reliable PDF signing tool, you may consider this option for free! Time Tracking Tools Sometimes, entrepreneurs and their employees don’t even realize when they’re wasting time on certain processes, or simply falling behind on their productivity. No one can operate at peak productivity all of the time, but using time-tracking software can help you determine where you need to boost your team’s efficiency. Forecast states that time-tracking software can enable transparency into your work processes , enhance accountability amongst your team, and help you determine how to best allocate resources between departments. Bookkeeping Software Today, bookkeeping software is a must for practically every business, even if you only have a couple of employees. Depending on your company’s size, and the specific financial processes that you need to manage, you may be able to get by with a free version of your preferred bookkeeping software. As you explore different software options, Zoho recommends looking for a system that will let you manage both accounts payable and receivable, as well as switch between cash-based and accrual accounting. Digital Whiteboard Maybe you host lots of video meetings because your employees are spread out across the country, or perhaps you regularly schedule video conferences with your business partners in other locations. Sometimes, trying to explain your project ideas without visual aids can be difficult. If this sounds relatable, your company would almost certainly benefit from using a digital whiteboard! This tool can open up exciting possibilities for creative collaborations . If you’d like to start using a digital whiteboard to enable easy collaboration and file sharing during your video meetings, ensure that the whiteboard you choose can support the specific types of files your team works with, and that it can be integrated with your current video conferencing software . With so many different types of software available to business owners, it can be hard to determine which programs are worth the investment. By carefully researching free and paid services, you can implement the best programs for your company’s needs. With PDF signing tools, assistance with LLC formation service, digital whiteboards, and more, your business can enjoy the success you’ve been pursuing. El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve the citizens and businesses in our community. Let us know if you have any questions !

As an entrepreneur new to e-commerce, the biggest challenge is often attracting your first customers. Without customers, you won't be able to generate sales or make money online — it's as simple as that. That's why it's essential to find ways of marketing your business and getting in front of new people who will be interested in purchasing from you. Today, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce will go over some practical and easy-to-implement tips for bringing more attention to your newly launched e-commerce store and connecting with potential customers for the very first time. Let’s get started! Create a website that converts The most important part of launching an e-commerce business is having a website that looks professional, is easy to navigate, and provides customers with all the information they need to make a purchase. Designing one with a sleek look and ensuring it's easy to navigate will go miles in attracting potential buyers. You can also show off your skills and attract customers with 3d stagers that include eye-catching images sure to generate extra attention for your business. These sorts of images aren’t just great for your website; you can also share them via social media to further expand your customer base. Make your website and business mobile-friendly With more people using their phones than ever before, your website must be mobile-friendly. This way, customers can easily browse and buy products from their phones without issue. Mobile-friendly responsive design will ensure that your website looks great, no matter what device it is being viewed on, which could lead to increased sales over time. Write effective content Writing effective product or marketing content creates trust between you and potential customers while also helping them understand why they should buy from you instead of someone else. Make sure the content you write is concise yet informative, so readers know exactly what they are buying before making a purchase decision. Most importantly, use keywords related to the product or service being offered so it shows up higher in search engine results pages. Promote on social media Social media can be a great way to promote your products and services while providing real-time customer service. Platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, etc., allow you to connect with potential customers while also giving them access to reviews from previous customers and building trust in your brand. You can also use these platforms to create contests or giveaways , which can help attract new followers and potential customers. Don’t forget about inventory management Having enough inventory on hand is essential for any successful e-commerce business. Keep track of how much inventory you have in stock at all times so that you don’t run out when orders start coming in. Invest in software solutions that can manage inventory levels automatically so customers get their products on time, every time. Prioritize customer service Providing excellent customer service helps build trust between you and potential customers by showing them that their satisfaction matters to you as much as it does to them. Respond promptly to inquiries via email or social media channels, provide helpful advice when needed, offer discounts for repeat buyers, give away free samples, etc. Doing these will help show potential buyers that their experience with your company will be top-notch if they decide to buy from you. Starting an e-commerce business takes hard work but following these best practices should put entrepreneurs at ease when taking their first steps toward success. Designing an appealing and mobile-friendly website, using social media, managing inventory effectively, writing effective marketing content, and providing excellent customer service are all key elements for attracting first-time customers and even turning them into loyal supporters over time. Whether you’re a well-established business or just getting started, the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is here to help. If you have any questions, call (316) 321-3150.

Butler County Achieves Certification as ACT® Work Ready Community El Dorado, KS—Butler County and the Butler County ACT – A Workforce Enhancement Project announced it has met all criteria to become a certified ACT Work Ready Community (WRC). This national recognition will help support the efforts in Butler County to attract business and industry to the region by utilizing partnerships to develop, attract, and retain a strong workforce pipeline. County Administrator, Will Johnson said, “Butler County is proud of the efforts of our local schools and communities for obtaining this certification. It gives students graduating from Butler County schools a competitive advantage, supports business and industry in the region, and assists economic development efforts.” This certification is a piece of the puzzle that aligns opportunities for communities throughout Butler County. El Dorado City Manager, David Dillner shared, “This communicates a shared interest by the community to develop strategies that facilitate workforce development opportunities and better prepare our youth with real-world skills before entering the workforce. It enhances El Dorado’s pursuit of the recruiting industry and commercial prospects because companies know the community is committed to providing them with the workforce they will need to succeed.” This initiative was driven by partners; The Butler County ACT – A Workforce Enhancement Project, Butler County, Butler Community College, the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, Circle and El Dorado Public Schools, and regional employers. This achievement is proof of incredible collaborative efforts throughout Butler County. Bill Rinkenbaugh, Vice-President of Student Services at Butler Community College, brought this initiative to light after recognizing the value of this certification and shared, ”I brought the information back to Butler Community College to initiate the discussion among Workforce, Economic Development representatives, and School Districts. Thanks to individuals like; Jordan Buxton (Sevenfold) Sarah Hoefgen (El Dorado, Inc.), and Aletra Chaney-Profit (Butler Community College), the initiative took off.” At the core of the WRC, is the ACT National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). This national, portable credential includes three essential workplace skill categories; applied math, workplace documents, and graphic literacy. This certification is provided to every high school junior in the state of Kansas by the Kansas Department of Education. It is encouraged by education partners in Butler County and is recognized or recommended by business partners. KANSASWORKS offers this certification to other job-seekers as well. This resource is fundamental in delivering awareness, exposure, and work-based learning to students and developing a stronger workforce that meets the needs of the local business and industry. USD 375 Circle Public Schools has been a partner in this initiative since launching nearly 4 years ago. Superintendent, Don Potter shared, “Our primary objective has always been to prepare students for future success. It is no longer sufficient for us to simply graduate students and hope for their success beyond K-12. By utilizing the Work Ready Certification to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses, we provide them with a competitive advantage as they prepare for future endeavors.” The ACT® Work Ready Communities (ACT® WRC) initiative empowers states, regions, and counties with data, processes, and tools that drive economic growth by identifying skills gaps and quantifying the skill level of their workforce. Participants leverage the ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (ACT® WorkKeys® NCRC®) to measure and close skills gaps and build common frameworks that link, align and match their workforce development efforts. “Congratulations to Butler for becoming an ACT Work Ready Community, and joining a growing list of counties dedicated to building a robust workforce,” said ACT Regional Manager of Workforce Initiatives, Tony Garife. “The efforts of the county leadership to achieve WRC certification will provide the community with a tremendous economic development advantage and help it stand out for its workforce development efforts.” For more information on this initiative, go to www.workreadycommunities.org and view all of ACT’s workforce solutions at www.act.org/workforce

Becoming an entrepreneur can provide opportunities for personal fulfillment, financial independence, and the ability to shape one's career and create a positive impact in the world. If you’re thinking about starting a business, this article can help you find your way. Creating a Plan for Success To build a successful business , you'll want to start with a profitable idea. That means low start-up costs but high returns. Many new business owners are having great luck with digital content, selling educational materials, and using social media to build a brand even before launch day. To have a successful business, consider activities and things you're passionate about . For example, if you love writing and have always wanted to write a book, researching the online publishing industry would be a great first step.  As you go about planning your business model, take time to research what funding might be available in your area based on your niche and demographics. Traditional loan providers will use your credit report to determine whether they can trust you to pay back your loan. A lower score generally indicates a riskier investment , and most banks and lenders will avoid taking these risks. But by taking the time to explore alternative funding options, you can launch your business with confidence. As you create your plan for success, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of hiring professionals for your design, accounting, and support needs. Many business owners try to do too much on their own, but outsourcing can save you time and money by allowing you to focus on the parts of your business you're most passionate about. Forming a Limited Liability Company Once you've identified what product or service you'll sell and how you'll go about it through the creation of a business plan, it's a good idea to form your business as a limited liability company (LLC). Though more complex than a sole proprietorship, a limited company does offer taxation advantages as well as limiting liability. Identifying Software to Help As a solopreneur, you'll need help running your business, so look into software and technology that will help you get your business up and running. Perhaps you're not confident about the financial side of running a business. Accounting software can help you manage your money effectively and stay on top of your cash flow. You might also decide to hire consultants or freelancers to help out. Digitizing Business Documents Digitizing business documents can save time, space, and money while improving organization, accessibility, and security. Using PDFs for business documents can ensure consistent formatting, preserve document integrity, and make it easy to share and collaborate on files across different devices and platforms. You can add notes or make changes to PDFs by clicking this tool. Reaching Success Try not to overlook the importance of networking . Town officials, your target audience, social media, and even friends and family will make a big difference in your launch. They can help you find customers and connect with others who can help your business grow along the way. Joining Your Chamber of Commerce Joining the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce can provide your business with networking opportunities, access to local resources and events, and exclusive business support services, making it an ideal way to get involved in your community and grow your business. Additionally, membership allows you to establish credibility and gain exposure, which can lead to increased business growth and success. Taking Advantage of Resources to Find Success If you’re ready to take on this new challenge, start by creating a solid business plan, setting up your business structure, digitizing business documents, and finding software that can streamline your business. It’s also a good idea to raise your credit score if you plan on taking out a business loan.

As we enter a new machine era, businesses are finding that they need to adapt to the latest technologies to stay competitive. Machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and other automation technologies have fundamentally changed the way we do business, and it’s not always easy to keep up with the pace of change. For workers, this means that new skills are needed to adapt to these changes, and employers need to create a work environment that takes these changes into account. In this article, the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce provides workers with a guide to navigating the new machine era and what it means for future workflows and processes. Research Industry Trends To better equip yourself for the ever-changing work landscape, it is important to research the industry trends to see what other businesses are doing in terms of adopting automated technologies. Observing and learning from other companies, provides you with an opportunity to find the best practices in the industry you work in. It also helps to identify areas to improve your workflows by optimizing them with current technology. By knowing the current trends, you can create proactive solutions to remain ahead of the curve. Reexamine Current Workflows Through Process Mining Process mining can be a great way to reexamine current workflows and spot inefficiencies in the way you are currently doing things. By analyzing data from existing systems, process mining allows you to find opportunities for improvement that you may have otherwise missed. You may consider this approach to be highly beneficial for finding new ways to streamline business processes and reduce costs. Establish Best Practices for Machine Learning Incorporation Incorporating machine learning technologies , like AI, requires a set of steps to reap their benefits. For implementation to be successful, it is important to gather enough data points before implementation to ensure that the system is working towards its intended use. Before incorporating this technology, you should establish a set of best practices to ensure accuracy, precision and overall user experience. Building these processes into the workflow saves time, resources and generates better outcomes. Develop Processes for Handling Unexpected Results As machines are introduced into processes, unexpected results may occur and automation may even break. To avoid business operations disruptions , the University of Michigan notes that it is important to set up procedures that allow for handling unexpected results. This can be addressed through comprehensive testing of the system before implementation, employing trained staff to monitor the tech and implementing contingency plans whenever automation fails. Focus on Scalability Factors When adapting to changes, focus should not only be limited to cost savings. It's important to bear in mind the scalability factors such as speediness, flexibility and outcomes of future scenarios. By creating highly scalable workflows , businesses will be better equipped to scale up operations and manage growth. The incorporation of variability and solid strategy will lead to long-term success that will be sustainable well into the future. Ethical Policy for Automated Technologies As automated technologies become more prominent in society, it is crucial to adopt ethical principles in crafting policy around their usage. TechRepublic points out that policies should be developed that take into account the need to protect individual privacy while also providing a legitimate level of protection. Measures should be taken to ensure that any policies governing the use of automated technologies are fair, impartial, and tailored to address the specific concerns of each party involved. Any policy crafted surrounding automated technology must respect the rights and liberties of individuals while still being mindful of security considerations. This includes intelligent automation and robotic process animation (RPA). When you’re considering intelligent automation , keep in mind that it combines AI and RPA that results in fast end-to-end business process automation. The result is quicker and more streamlined digital transformation that makes your business more efficient and more profitable. The new machine era has arrived, and ahead of us, there's an ever-evolving work landscape. Workers and businesses need to remain agile, creative and keep up to date with the latest advances to stay competitive, optimize workflows, and improve efficiency. By doing so, your business can provide better products or services, increasing your profitability and improving the working lives of employees. By researching industry trends, using process mining, and establishing best practices, you can efficiently incorporate these new technologies into your workflow. And with comprehensive planning and strategic consideration, your business will pave the way to success. If you are interested in making a difference in your community and have a passion for helping other local businesses, you should consider joining the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce . Connect with us today to learn more! (316) 321-3150

As businesses, it is important to build and foster relationships with the community. Doing so will not only help make your business more successful but can also create a positive impact on the lives of those around you. There are many ways for businesses to connect better with their local community, from volunteering at local events to helping ex-convicts reintegrate into society. Here are some tips on how businesses can strengthen their connection with the people and places they serve.