When most people think “brand,” they picture big names like Nike, Apple, or Starbucks. But in truth, some of the strongest brands belong to small businesses. Like the neighborhood bakery with a line out the door every Saturday. Or the local contractor everyone recommends without hesitation. What sets them apart isn’t budget. It’s branding done right.

Branding isn’t just for big companies. It’s how any business, of any size, communicates who they are and why they matter. For small businesses, branding isn’t a luxury. It’s your edge. It helps you cut through noise, attract better-fit customers, and grow with confidence. Yet too often, small business owners treat branding as something they’ll invest in later. That’s a missed opportunity.

A strong brand isn’t about fancy design or a clever tagline.… Read the rest

This isn’t a critique of the actual item or service you offer, but rather how you present it. If you’re not speaking in your audience’s language and addressing a need they’ve identified, you’re facing an uphill marketing battle. Here’s why:

Years ago, I worked with a client who used a term I’d never heard before. She wasn’t marketing to NASA or some niche filled with jargon. Her target audience was a common one, albeit younger than me. She insisted she was a leader in using this term, pioneering its usage. I had to ask her what it meant.

She explained it simply, and I followed up with a straightforward question: “Is that what your audience calls it?”

“Not yet,” she replied.… Read the rest

Welcome to the Small Business Success Summit, a breakthrough event designed to power your business to new heights. Learn from industry experts, connect with other business owners, and leave with meaningful ways to meet key challenges.

Who should attend this event? Any small business owner who wants to learn and grow, and build a resilient, successful business in their community. Some workshops offered exclusively in Spanish.

*Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.

Learn more and register now. … Read the rest

Thinking about buying a home, but don’t know where to start? What are you doing Wednesday, February 1st from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST?

Sorting through the myths and realities of buying a home can be confusing — especially in this
competitive market. But we’re here to answer your questions and get you started on the right track.

Join our free home buying seminar with OCCU mortgage loan representative Tabatha Hernandez-
Waters and Realtor partner Melissa Mancia to find out what to expect on your journey to homeownership. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just want a refresher, they’ll explain everything
you need to know to get started.

Reserve your spot today by registering here.

Got questions or can’t make the event?… Read the rest

Small business owners usually have more on their to-do lists than there is time in the day. If becoming more productive is one of your New Year’s resolutions, we have a suggestion for you that could be a game changer.

One of the biggest productivity challenges is interruptions. But as a small business owner they’re practically in your job description! You never know when someone will walk in or call. And while you want potential customers to do this in abundance, interruptions impact what you accomplish during the day. 

One of the best ways to remain productive through interruptions is by planning. While you can’t plan interruptions, you can create a list of things you need to do sorted by the amount of time it takes to do them.… Read the rest