Welcome to the Learning Lab

We’re thrilled to announce our stellar lineup of speakers who will guide you through a journey of growth and resilience. Keynote Presentation Matt Williams, Brand…

Engaging employees through fun activities is not just about leisure; it’s about fostering a positive work culture, boosting morale, and strengthening team dynamics. For small…

How can you ensure that your team remains motivated and engaged, consistently striving for improvement and celebrating their successes along the way? The answer lies…

Welcome to the recorded inaugural State of Local event. In this event recording, we delve into exclusive insights unveiled by Diana McMahon, Vice President of……

Setting digital boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and preventing burnout in today’s hyper-connected world. Here are five effective ways business owners…

Watch State of Local Event Here InUnison develops the State of Local survey as a benchmarking tool tailored for local, independent businesses in the Richmond region. These…

While Mother’s Day opt-out emails were once praised, Laura Hampson discovers they could be as triggering as the emails they are trying to prevent. Sunday 27 March…

Social media storytelling techniques can vary widely depending on the platform, audience, and objectives. Here’s a comparison of some common techniques used across different social…

For local businesses in the Richmond area, preparing for the back-to-school season can involve a variety of strategies to attract customers and drive sales. Here…

When it comes to managing tasks and staying organized, choosing the right to-do list app can make a significant difference for small businesses. Here’s a…

Inspired by Zapier’s article for personal productivity. It’s hard to find ways to streamline your workflow, to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Fortunately, your iPhone…

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and WebP are both image file formats, but they differ in several key aspects, including compression efficiency, file size, and…

In an era where environmental consciousness is on the rise, locally-owned businesses have a unique opportunity to lead by example and make a positive impact…

Local businesses face unique challenges when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. However, with the right tools and strategies in place, they can…

Effective document management is crucial for businesses of all sizes. With a myriad of options available, choosing the right digital document management system (DMS) can…

Spring is a wonderful time for small businesses to connect with their communities, engage customers, and inject some fresh energy into their operations. Here are…

It’s time to shake off the dust and breathe new life into your business space. Spring cleaning isn’t just for homes—it’s equally essential for locally-owned…

As a small business owner, the lines between work and personal life can easily blur, leading to burnout, stress, and diminished well-being. The myth of…

As a small business owner, you likely embarked on your entrepreneurial journey seeking freedom – freedom from the constraints of a traditional 9-to-5 job, freedom…

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Campfire & Co. for our Learning Lab Live event, titled “Build Loyalty & Stand Out: How does your…

Need to Fund a New Business Goal? Here’s How to Decide Between Debt vs. Equity Debt and equity are both great ways to fund your business…

This course with Campfire & Co. is designed for independent businesses who are looking to evaluate their brand effectiveness. Key takeaways from the course: Log…

This course with Campfire & Co. is designed for independent businesses who are looking to evaluate their brand effectiveness. Key takeaways from the course: Log…

Trust and cooperation are not standard in our organizations and yet we know they should be. There are two attributes that every single leader has…

While personality traits can vary widely within any group, including business owners, certain general characteristics might differentiate extroverted and introverted business owners. It's important to……

Use this comprehensive checklist to ensure your professional emails are clear and effective, and leave a positive impression. By following this checklist, you'll ensure that……

Customer satisfaction matters in every industry. To keep up with the competition, brands must put more resources than ever into building and maintaining strong customer…

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is a bold leap into the unknown, a quest for something more significant than a job title or a monthly…

From embracing technology to fostering a healthy work-life balance, these actionable tips are tailored to empower Richmond businesses like yours. Let’s dive in and discover…

Local Richmond businesses can apply the information about Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to enhance their overall performance and achieve business objectives. Here’s a tailored approach…

Establishing a robust online presence is more crucial than ever for local businesses in Richmond. WordPress, a versatile content management system (CMS), offers a user-friendly…

Understanding the basics of design is crucial for creating visually appealing and effective visual content, whether it’s for graphic design, web design, product design, or…

Choosing the right website management system (CMS) plays a pivotal role in this journey. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top CMS options…

Visual merchandising is the art and science of presenting products in a way that not only attracts customers but also enhances their overall shopping experience.…

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable values that demonstrate how effectively a business is achieving its objectives. They provide a quantitative way to evaluate the…

For Richmond businesses aspiring to uphold the highest standards of customer service, this guide delves into refined techniques for complaint resolution that align with professionalism…

Local businesses can play a crucial role in workforce development by implementing programs that enhance the skills and capabilities of their employees. Here are three…

For local businesses aiming to thrive, investing in the growth of their workforce through training and skill development is not just beneficial—it’s essential. In this…

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) stands tall as a crucial element for businesses aiming to enhance their online presence. SEO is the art and science of…

Effective time management is a skill that can make or break success. As owners of Richmond businesses, the ability to prioritize tasks is crucial for…

Use this score as a gauge of your current digital presence and SEO efforts. Aim for continuous improvement by addressing items and staying proactive in…

Starting and running a small business is an exciting venture, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Many entrepreneurs find themselves making common…

For small businesses, a well-thought-out content calendar is the key to unlocking a successful online presence. Whether you own a local store, restaurant, or service-based…

Failure happens fairly regularly in growing businesses. Embracing setbacks can help keep morale high and spark opportunities to innovate. By: Emily Heaslip , Contributor, CO. Chamber…

In the dynamic landscape of small businesses, setting clear and achievable goals is the compass that guides success. Enter SMART goals, a strategic framework that…

Setting goals is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Tailoring objectives to align with specific business needs is crucial for sustained success. Let’s explore different types of…

Starting the year on the right foot is crucial for the success of a small business. Here are five things a small business should consider…

Small businesses in Richmond have a unique opportunity to reflect on their achievements, learn from challenges, and set the stage for a successful upcoming year.…

Reflect, Revise, and Reignite: As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time for businesses to pause, reflect, and strategize for the upcoming……

The role of middle managers is paramount. These individuals serve as the linchpin, bridging the gap between leadership and front-line employees. However, investing in the…

Introduction: In the ever-evolving landscape of local business, embracing technology is essential for staying ahead. One such powerful tool that can significantly impact customer engagement…

In a world where digital communication is king, local businesses can harness the power of text messaging to foster customer engagement and build lasting relationships.…

In the digital age, where emails, texts, and social media dominate communication, the phone remains a powerful tool for local businesses. Answering the phone professionally…

December 13, 2023 | The US Chamber released the Q4 MetLife & U.S. Chamber Small Business Index on December 12, which stands at 61.3, a…

In the digital age, email remains a cornerstone of communication, especially in the realm of customer service. An artfully written email not only addresses customer…

In the realm of customer service, effective training is the linchpin that transforms knowledge into exceptional service. One particularly impactful training method is the use…

In the fast-paced world of customer service, ensuring a seamless and swift onboarding process for new representatives is crucial. A well-structured onboarding program not only…

In the realm of small businesses, the power of collaboration and mutual support cannot be overstated. Cross-promoting with another small business presents a unique opportunity…

As the holiday season approaches, small businesses find themselves on the cusp of a unique opportunity to not only spread festive cheer but also boost…

The holiday season is not only a time for festive cheer but also a critical period for businesses, particularly small enterprises aiming to capitalize on…

Welcome to Find Your Happier Place Week! This week-long celebration, taking place from December 4 to December 8, invites us to step away from the…

In the fast-paced digital era, the success of small local businesses hinges on their ability to establish a robust online presence. Here are five essential…

In the vast landscape of business, one aspect stands out as a true game-changer for small enterprises – exceptional customer service. Here's a closer look at how small businesses can cultivate a customer-centric approach that not only sets them apart but also propels them toward lasting success.

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, local companies face distinct challenges and opportunities. For small businesses aiming to thrive in their communities, a strategic approach…

For businesses looking to optimize their operations and enhance customer experience (CX), artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as game-changing technology: systems that can perform complex…

Emerging technologies and approaches give brand professionals at any level new powers to uncover key trends, understand stakeholder behaviors, and capitalize on deeper connections. CMOs,…

Small to medium-sized businesses can make their operations more efficient by using AI tools to attend to tasks they might not have the time or…

Rohit Arora, Senior Contributor: I write about small business lending and growth Despite an economy that is growing, small business owners still have things to…

In a perfect world, every project you and your team take on would run smoothly with no hiccups along the way — but that’s rarely…

Small businesses are on the rise, yet many of them fail within a year. Find out what preventatives are needed to avoid becoming a statistic.…

Session 1: “The Creative Age” with Matt Williams of Brand Federation Session 2: “Applied Creativity” with Kelly O’Keefe of Brand Federation Session 3: “Demystifying Innovation”…

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InUnison extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Richmond community for its remarkable support, making the inaugural InnovateLocal event a resounding success. At this event, more…

A new study found that workers cite flexibility as one of the key factors they consider when looking for jobs. Here’s how to make flexible…

How to Make Your Small Business More Resilient By Planning Ahead from Chamber of Commerce Business disruption costs your company money. It can result in…

In today’s digital age, an online presence is crucial for small businesses, like yours. However, as you seek to expand your reach and awareness, it’s…

The workforce scene nowadays is a rollercoaster – the good, the bad, and the downright confusing. One thing’s for sure: the pandemic shook things up…

Your business is booming — and fast. Congratulations! Sales are high, profits are even higher. It’s exciting, exhilarating, a sure sign of success — and…

When someone wants to see local business promotions or get updates on friends, they turn to social media. Indeed, Pew Research reported that over 80% of U.S.…

Small to medium-sized businesses can make their operations more efficient by using AI tools to attend to tasks they might not have the time or…

In the final segment of our 2023 State of Local report, we delve into the realms of innovation and adaptation. As highlighted in our previous…

Unfortunately, some customer service teams have developed a less-than-desirable reputation. This is because bad experiences haunt customers — like being left on hold for thirty…

While email marketing may not get the attention some newer marketing channels get, it’s still a terrific way to generate leads and convert more prospects for your…

A measurable and data-driven customer experience management (CEM or CXM) strategy ensures you provide value at every buyer journey touchpoint. As a result, you’ll keep…

In our third breakout of our State of Local research, we will focus on the Economic and Community Outlook which allows us to better understand…

You’ll likely enter the small business world with a specific plan and set of rules in mind. But the secret to long-term success may involve…

In our second breakout of our State of Local research, we are looking at some baseline data for local customer demographics, retention, and acquisition tactics.…

With an effective social media marketing funnel, small businesses increase brand awareness and drive site visits. Learn how to craft your blueprint and leverage technology.…

We recently released our 2023 State of Local report, which intends to serve as a benchmarking tool for local businesses in the Richmond region. Today,…

Adaptation is the key to marketing survival. Successful marketers constantly check the pulse of changes in the marketplace and adjust accordingly. This should be no…

Is raising your prices the right move? Should you be investing more in the business right now? Whether you’re launching a startup or building your…

InUnison developed the State of Local survey as a benchmarking tool tailored for local, independent businesses in the Richmond region. These insights will help you assess how…

Summary | With the nature of work changing so rapidly, it’s no longer enough just to offer employees opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Companies also…

A how-to video is a great way to engage your existing customers, showcase your industry expertise, and recruit new customers. A Google/Ipsos study found that how-to videos…

How can you boost the likelihood of small business success? Several attributes, including an entrepreneurial mindset, a focus on cash flow, and an emphasis on…

Email marketing remains a core component of most communications strategies. Here’s what’s new in the world of email marketing for small businesses.   According to…

Still looking to hire help for this summer? Including a wage on your job post can increase your application rate by 200%. And offering the right…

It’s a no-brainer that motivated sales teams enjoy their work more and do their work better, resulting in a healthier bottom line. However, achieving this…

The world of business is fast-paced. Abbreviations are often used to speed up communication and improve operational efficiency. Learning the most common business acronyms can…

What aren’t you good at? Why we’re asking: We assume that whatever you self-identified as your weakness will be 5x worse when we work together.…

With the nature of work changing so rapidly, it’s no longer enough just to offer employees opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Companies also need to…

As hourly experts, we know that summer is a crucial time for any business to increase their recruiting efforts. We surveyed our workers on…

Every business owner needs to pay themselves, but how much should your salary be and when should you be paid? Use these calculations to determine…

Summary. Research shows that high achievers from underrepresented backgrounds often find themselves confronting imposter syndrome or feeling they don’t fit in, are not welcome, or…

The co-founder of branding agency Defiant gives some key tips on thriving during moments of crisis, from looking to the past to the power of…

Do you struggle to hire women or women of color? Have you found gaps in employee age, and you’re mainly hiring millennials while overlooking the…

Just when we thought we were making progress on employee engagement, the U.S. took a step backward in 2022, according to a new Gallup report. The study…

Cyberattacks cripple company operations, but swift action can reduce damage. Here’s how to respond to a security incident. By: Jessica Elliott , Contributor, Co. Cybercrime comes…

Take this survey to see how your business compares using our benchmarking tool specifically tailored for local businesses in the Richmond region. Take Survey Take…

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, it’s important to be able to talk to people when networking and building strong relationships at work. If…

Today’s public-facing employees deal with insults, rants, and rudeness — and leaders must better protect them. Here’s how. by Christine Porath Summary. It probably won’t…

An expert gives tips on how to cope with an overflowing inbox. Staying connected to other people is easier than ever. We can send a quick text,…

From referral schemes to stepping up your mailing list, here are five tried-and-tested strategies to boost retention and loyalty. from Courier. It costs businesses tons…

What Is Burnout? Burnout results from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is characterized by three dimensions: Exhaustion: Physically, emotionally, and……

Access this editable Job Posting template to highlight all the most important information about job opportunities. ✨ HOT TIPS from Snagajob: 36% of surveyed job…

You might not deal with API’s daily, but if you’re integrating technologies through a third party or a developer, it can be helpful to have…

Here is our list of the best Mental Health Awareness Month ideas. Author: Grace He, People & Culture Director at teambuilding.com. Mental Health Awareness Month is an…

Summary. When an employee discloses that they have a mental health condition, it can be hard to know how to handle the conversation— especially if…

The workplace has never had a reputation for being the best place to spend a bad day, but maybe it’s time for that to change.…

A vital tool for your business to maximize performance & manage risk By: Helen Dow, Finance and Accounting Director, Warren Whitney Cash is the fuel of……

Just when we thought we were making progress on employee engagement, the U.S. took a step backward in 2022, according to a new Gallup report. The study…

“Perfectionism is a symptom of something,” Thomas Greenspon PhD, an expert on the topic and a recovering perfectionist himself, told me. “It’s not the disease.” At…

In this episode of CO— Strategy Studio, CO— Editor-in-Chief Jeanette Mulvey talks with Tom Kelly, Director of Analyst Relations for Oracle Netsuite, and Danielle Thieret,…

Google’s latest analytics tools will replace the existing version. Act now to preserve your historical data and adjust to the updated program. From Co. Google…

LinkedIn may not be the world’s sexiest social media platform, but if you’re in the business of, well, business, it’s an essential place to be.…

Customer criticisms can be hard to stomach, but they’re an inevitable part of doing business. Explore strategies for turning negative experiences into positive ones. From…

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Is your email marketing as effective as it could be? If you can’t answer this question without a lot of pausing, pondering, and guessing—it may…

Learning how to persuade people is more than being nice and psychology tricks, it’s a skill that needs to be practiced and with time will…

It’s so much more than a simple calculation—pricing, especially the practice of psychological pricing, can have a real impact on the purchasing decisions of your…

You guessed it—it’s time to hop on the bunny trail and start thinking about your Easter marketing and promotions. While not all of your customers…

Every story has a beginning, a middle, and an end – but not the digital story. From netguru.com | Marek Talarczyk This is an unfinished…

Clear Goals I have learned that the best way to accomplish company goals is to lead a strong team with clear goals and expectations. Setting…

Here are examples of companies using data science in marketing. Provided by netguru.com Airbnb Airbnb is the perfect example of how data science can be…

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Expensive to build and often needing highly skilled engineers to maintain, artificial intelligence systems generally only pay off for large tech companies with vast amounts…

Data science in marketing can be used for channel optimization, customer segmentation, lead targeting and advanced lead scoring, and real-time interactions, among others, by providing…

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Virginia’s Conformity to the Internal Revenue Code Advanced to Dec. 31, 2022   Under legislation enacted by the 2023 General Assembly, Virginia’s date of conformity to…

Are you ready to spring clean your small business? Here are six ways you can freshen things up at your company. From Forbes 1. Tidy…

Summary: There are four primary categories of luxury shoppers: window shoppers, personal stylists, occasional splurgers, and big spenders. Luxury brands often fail their customers during the…

Provided by Data Science in Minutes

Going at it alone might be the best fit for your goals and personality. BY JONATHAN HERRICK • FEB 12, 2019 Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their…

Some things in life need a little rekindling to keep the spark. Relationships might be the first thing to pop into your mind, but have…

Have you lost the passion you once had for your business? You are not alone. Keep reading to find out 3 ways you can rekindle…

At its core, being a mentor is being a trusted advisor. It all boils down to making yourself available to support and advise someone when…

Below are four types of questions to ask your mentor, along with 10 related examples for each type. Implement these at your next meeting to…

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Valuable lessons learned from InUnison Board Member and Mentor, Pat Heaney, Co-Owner of Mango Salon My first critical lesson was how to be more productive…

[ Valuable lessons learned from InUnison Board Member and Mentor, Aaron Montgomery, Managing Partner of Montgomery Development Group. experience comes from bad judgment Good judgment…

Being a mentee requires more than just showing up to meetings with a mentor. Mentoring relationships require a bit of work and significant input from…

Valuable lessons learned from InUnison Board Member and Mentor, Kevin Reardon, President of Franco’s Fine Clothier. When dealing with people/customers… When dealing with people/customers, it…

Valuable lessons learned from InUnison Board Member and Mentor, Lisa McSherry, Owner of Lex’s of Carytown / Mamie’s Apothecary.   Always be willing to adapt.…

Valuable lessons learned from InUnison Board Member and Mentor, Stephen Story, James River Transportation. at all costs Creating a positive company culture and integrity at…

Valuable lessons learned from InUnison Board Member and Mentor, Steve Rosser, Gelati Celesti Ice Cream. Take the time to get to know the people around…

The Definitions of Coaching and Mentoring Mentoring: The Definition A mentor is someone who shares their knowledge, skills and/or experience, to help another to develop…

Jennifer Herrity Updated November 2, 2022 Published October 7, 2019 Jennifer Herrity is a seasoned career services professional with 12+ years of experience in career…

Here are 10 reasons why you need to find a mentor for your personal or business goals: 1. Increased Knowledge Mentors are valuable sources of…

Marketers, if you haven’t yet, it’s time to locate your umbrellas and prepare for what increasingly looks like a brewing economic storm. From Brand Federation…

Taking part in a mentoring relationship can be an exciting and rewarding experience. To help you be successful in your relationship, it is imperative that…

The purpose of mentoring is to grow by tapping into the knowledge and experience of someone further along than yourself. It’s the best way to…

Download this SMART Goals worksheet to help you achieve your goals in the easiest way possible. What Is a SMART Goal? ‘SMART’ is an acronym…

Let’s cut to the chase: Using SMART Goals can help you to achieve your dreams. How? Because they can help you to create powerful goals…

It’s likely we see the value in having mentorship to grow professionally. We see mentors as guides and advisors that can help us take our…

Here, we’ll share some of the best employee newsletter examples and show you how you can create an internal communications newsletter without hassle. Why use…

This article is for any small business owner who wants to implement more collaborative tools in their company’s daily operations. From Business News Daily. Presented…

Before you make your next social post or even start brainstorming, learn how to create a great foundation that will skyrocket your reach. Learn how…

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Co (the U.S. Chamber’s editorial website) recently released an article about the 5 challenges businesses are worried about ahead of the holiday season. While many…

The Final Rule recently issued under the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) represents a significant update to federal anti-money laundering laws and is estimated to affect…

What are brand manifestos? Brand strategists often wrap up their final presentations to clients with brand manifestos, a short, emotional, research-backed story that rallies and…

Free job posting sites allow employers to post jobs for free and still reach a large audience effectively. There are a number of truly free…

Find Your Happier Place, then spread the word! The “Find Your Happier Place” campaign was built for you, our local businesses. It’s all about highlighting…

This event has been postponed. Topic Embracing a new mindset: Post-pandemic talent recruitment & retention strategies Description We will be joined by local management consulting……

It's [almost] the most wonderful time of the year. Join us for Happier Hour Conversations, a new event that's member-only. This will be an intimate……

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With the holiday season just getting started, now is the ideal opportunity to develop a winning strategy for getting the most out of your postings…

Tools and resources to make your social media sizzle. In our webinar with Campfire & Co. and The Richmond Experience, we learned how to find……

Even though it may seem like a small part of your profile, coming up with the perfect Instagram bio for business can be challenging. Your…

Whether you’re a retailer, restaurateur, or own a service business such as a hair salon, there are plenty of opportunities to market your business for…

Learn the ins and outs of a small business holidays calendar, including what to do to prepare your store and how to track your success.…

With declining revenue – make small adjustments to the way you operate while you assess whether the slump is due to a larger macroeconomic issue.…

Your approach will shift based on the prospect with whom you’re engaging and what their needs are. But this curated list of tried-and-true methods of…

The buying process is in the hands of the customer, and marketers must create targeted, personalized experiences for people if they want to be the…

Your job posting is often your first contact with potential candidates, creating that all-important first impression that’s sure to stick with job seekers for a…

Instagram is trying out another way to refine its Reels recommendations, with some users now able to add topics to their Reels uploads, in order…

These days, there’s no shortage of apps and cloud-based software programs designed to help businesses streamline their operations. Whether you want to track it, count…

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For hiring managers today, it may feel like hourly workers are mythical. Like leprechauns, unicorns, or reasonably-priced tickets to Maui, you hear about them. But…

It’s been over two years since the last “normal” week of work for millions of workers around the country. In March 2020, employees were sent…

The global pandemic has been blamed for many things, but one thing it has certainly done is exacerbate digital fatigue. For the past two years,…

Getting your small business off the ground is probably one of the most difficult challenges you will face, yet one of the most rewarding. These…

To make sure you have what you need to make remote work work for you, here are top tool choices. For ease of organization, these……

  Inside the mind of a master procrastinator Tim Urban knows that procrastination doesn’t make sense, but he’s never been able to shake his habit…