Mercer Island
Chamber of Commerce

The new year often brings a renewed focus on fresh starts and improved efficiency. Many of us are wondering how we might earn more, be more productive, and enjoy a better work/life balance. But as you’re committing to goals for the new year, consider that what your business may need is some decluttering. It’s time to channel your inner Marie Kondo and tackle not just physical spaces, but also digital files, outdated processes, and even stagnant strategies. Just like a cluttered home can lead to stress and lost productivity, a cluttered business environment can hinder growth and innovation. Here's how you can embrace decluttering for a more successful year: Tidy the Physical Workspace This is not a slam on people who enjoy visual chaos (like me), but if you can’t locate the basic things you need, it might be time for a new system. Consider how you might: Clear the clutter: Dispose of or donate old equipment, unused supplies, and stacks of paper. Optimize layouts: Reorganize workspaces to improve flow and encourage collaboration or easy access. Embrace minimalism: A clean, minimalist aesthetic can reduce distractions and boost focus. Digital Detox We’re not suggesting you give up your electronics, but isn’t it time your efficiency tools actually work for you? You can do this through: Organizing digital files: How many times have you not been able to find something in your email or files? Hey, it happens to the best of us. That’s why you need to implement and commit to a clear and consistent file-naming system (preferably something in the Cloud) and archive or delete outdated documents. Streamline your inbox: Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails (Gmail and Yahoo make that really easy), utilize filters, and adopt inbox zero practices. Update software and hardware: Ensure all technology is up-to-date and functioning optimally. Research new options. Pick your slowest day and do some quick YouTube research on efficiency tools or Google plug-ins. You can learn a lot in only a few minutes and there’s likely a way to use tools to streamline your current processes. But if you’re waiting for a golden ticket from these software or app companies, it’s unlikely you’ll get one. Just as you may need to perform continuing education or professional development activities each year, take it upon yourself to keep an eye on tech and the digital world. Speaking of… Streamline Processes You can’t make more hours in the day so maximize what you currently have by: Identifying bottlenecks: Analyze workflows to pinpoint areas of inefficiency. Automate tasks: Utilize technology (like AI or conditional software that helps you create “if, then” pathways) to automate repetitive tasks and free up employee time. Eliminate unnecessary meetings: Encourage shorter, more focused meetings with clear agendas. It doesn’t take long to develop a reputation of being a time waster and your employees, vendors, and stakeholders will do everything they can to get out of your meetings. If people opt out, just how effective are the meetings anyway? Revisit Your Strategy If you find yourself saying things like, “But it always worked before,” then it might just be time to: Reassess goals: Ensure your business goals are still relevant and aligned with your overall vision. Eliminate stagnant projects: Don't be afraid to cut your losses on projects that are no longer serving your business. Just because you’ve spent a lot of time, focus, or money on something does not mean you should continue to do so. Identify new opportunities: Create space for fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. Go All In and Foster a Culture of Decluttering The new year is an ideal time for early spring cleaning. Out with the old, in with the new. After all, if you can’t make room for new opportunities, you’ll be left with the old ones. · Encouraging employee participation: Provide training and resources to help employees declutter their own workspaces and workflows. Encourage managers to find out what the greatest obstacles to their direct reports’ success are. · Celebrating successes: Recognize and reward efforts to improve efficiency and productivity. Making decluttering a continuous process: Schedule regular decluttering sessions to maintain a clean and organized work environment. Again, remember it’s not all about papers on a desk. There are many ways our work lives get cluttered but all of them eventually lead to breakdowns and inefficiencies. By embracing these decluttering strategies, you can create a more focused, efficient, and ultimately, more successful business. After all, every garden needs room to grow. Your business does too.

Public relations (PR) is just for big companies with tons of connections and celebrity endorsements, right? It can feel like a luxury for those of us with small businesses. Hiring a dedicated PR firm is often financially out of reach. But who has the time to learn the ropes of good PR while juggling everything else? It takes years or deep wallets to make those kinds of connections, doesn’t it? Not exactly. You don't need a fancy PR background or a hefty budget to generate buzz. With a little creativity and the internet, you can score big media wins. Mastering PR Fundamentals Before diving into tactics, let's make sure you’re not wasting your time. There are a couple of fundamentals you’ll want to have down first. Define Your Story: What makes your business unique—I mean really unique? (And no, good customer service is not a unique value proposition.) What problem do you solve better (or differently) than anyone else? Identify your key messages and craft a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience. (And, oh, you have to define your target audience too—and it’s not everybody. See below.) Know Your Audience: Who are you trying to reach? What media outlets do they consume? Understanding your audience is crucial for targeting your PR efforts effectively. If you are trying to target women under 25, they’re not reading the paper version of the Wall Street Journal, for instance. Don’t waste your time pitching them. Set Realistic Goals: What do you hope to achieve with PR? Increased brand awareness or likability? Website traffic? Leads? Defining your goals will help you measure success. Generating Buzz on a Budget Now, let's explore some cost-effective PR strategies that don’t require a public relations degree: Harness the Power of Social Media Build a strong presence on platforms relevant to your audience. Share engaging content, interact with followers, and participate in industry conversations. Remember, PR firms are successful because they know it’s a long game of building relationships. Use social media to connect and build relations with your ideal audience and people who work with them (like influencers, media, etc.) Craft Killer Press Releases Learn the art of writing concise, informative press releases that highlight newsworthy events, product launches, or company milestones. Don’t assume every press release has to be about a big event like an opening. There is a lot of need for feel-good stories these days. You can pitch these community connection pieces as long as you do your research to understand who is interested in them. Build Relationships with Local Media Connect with journalists and editors at local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and blogs. Offer them exclusive stories or expert commentary related to your industry. Leverage Online PR Platforms Explore free or affordable online platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) to connect with journalists seeking sources for their stories. This time of year, many news sources are doing stories on local business owners and the shop small movement. Getting featured can have a big impact on top-of-mind attention. Become a Guest Blogger Offer to write informative and engaging articles for relevant blogs and websites to reach a wider audience and establish yourself as an industry expert. Check with the chamber. They may have content needs. Host Events and Workshops Organize free events or workshops related to your business. This can attract local media attention and position you as a valuable resource in the community. If you do this, make sure your chamber knows as well so it can help you get the word out. Partner with Other Businesses Collaborate with complementary businesses on joint promotions or events to expand your reach and tap into new customer bases. Don't Underestimate the Power of Referrals Encourage satisfied customers to spread the word by offering incentives or running referral programs. Building Media Relationships Making media contacts doesn't have to be daunting. Here are some tips: Start Local: Focus on building relationships with local media outlets first. They are often more accessible and eager to cover local businesses. Do Your Research: Identify journalists and editors who cover your industry or area of expertise. Follow them on social media and familiarize yourself with their work. Personalize Your Pitch: Tailor your pitch to each journalist, highlighting why your story is relevant to their audience. Keep it concise and to the point. Be Persistent (But Not Annoying): Follow up on your pitches, but don't bombard journalists with emails. Respect their time and be mindful of deadlines. Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts: Engage with journalists on social media, offer helpful information, and be a valuable resource. Building genuine relationships will pay off in the long run. Effective PR doesn't require a big budget or a PR degree. Social media has made connecting easier than ever. You just have to be clear on your story and who it’s speaking to. By doing so, you can generate significant media attention and elevate your business to new heights.