By Holly Harper, Principal, Blue Bike Communications

In early 2020, more than four million people quit their jobs and a recent survey indicates that nearly 73% of workers are considering quitting in what’s been deemed “The Great Resignation.”

During COVID many businesses crumbled, so how did small businesses thrive?
For many small businesses with low overhead, COVID gave us the opportunity to do what we were already doing — but better.

I was fortunate my business is designed for remote work, and I had some perspective after surviving a tragic and taxing 2018 and 2019. For a scrappy entrepreneur, COVID delivered me the gift of time and reflection, and — eventually — the pivot. 

By Queenly Amo, Operations Intern, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

I first became aware of the Chamber when I was looking for internships to fulfill my graduation requirement at Marymount University. As a political science major, it was evident that I wanted to work for an organization that worked or collaborated with the government. When I learned more about the Chamber’s purpose of working with local and state government on behalf of the business community, I knew this was the job for me.

By Cindy Johannessen, Strategic-Partner, Schooley Mitchell

Cutting costs on expenses, without cutting the level or quality of those expenses, is one of the best and most efficient ways to make sure an organizations income is best serving and implementing its goals. This is true for all organizations and can be essential for nonprofits.

By Jeff Hormann, Business Development Manager, Invario Network Engineers

Dressing up for Halloween can be fun. But in social engineering, criminals pretend to be something they’re not to steal your money or information. Learn how to spot the scams so you don’t get tricked.

1.     Phishing
​Phishing uses email or malicious websites to solicit personal information by impersonating someone you trust. A criminal might pose as a well-known brand like Amazon or Netflix, or someone you work with. They often take advantage of current events. Did you get any emails this month about fabulous Halloween deals or hard-to-find costumes? That could be a social engineering scam – watch out!

By Evelyn Powers, Founder, Design Powers

What is a brand?
Is it your logo, your color scheme, your content and the photos you use? It’s all of these, yet none of them alone. A brand is a perception of your business in a client/customer’s mind. To create a memorable perception, all the components including your visual brand must work together. You must understand your business and your clients really well. Branding simply means using consistent visuals and content to communicate a message. 

By Kara Simon, Owner, Loving Heart Holistic Wellness

Take a deep breath. While those four words may seem like a cliché, scientific research shows us that breathing can be one of the simplest forms of stress relief, providing benefits not just in our daily life, but also in the workplace. As the owner of Loving Heart Holistic Wellness, I have seen firsthand, in my own life and the lives of my client’s, the benefits deep breathing provides for the body and mind when it comes to relieving stress and anxiety.

By Kurtis Minder, CEO, GroupSense
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During the pandemic a parallel threat began permeating, driven partially by COVID itself. Ransomware attacks have increased exponentially over the last year and a half, impacting businesses of every size and profile. Yet, many companies believe it won’t happen to their business. For every Colonial Pipeline on the news there are thousands of small-to-medium enterprises impacted. Many of these go unreported.

By Laura Headrick, Events Manager, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

How fortunate I was to start my professional journey at the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on the same day as the July Business After Business. As I looked around the event, I saw a cheerful crowd, smiling and enjoying spirited conversations. It left me no doubt that I was joining a welcoming organization that put on terrific events. 

By Alessandra Hashemi, Owner & CEO, Good Sweat Studio & Hillary Aguilar, Support Staff Member, Good Sweat Studio

It’s very basic science that the more you move, the more your body releases endorphins and serotonin, which are the chemical messengers to help put you in a better mood. Throughout this global pandemic, we are all expected to operate as normal at home, at work, and in life. These expectations have shifted our way of living, which can take a huge toll on everyone’s mind, body, and spirit.
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You are not alone if you are facing challenges! As a business owner, entrepreneur, mother, and wife, I always remind myself that it’s about progress, not perfection, when it comes to my own physical and mental wellbeing. The importance of mental health can not be understated at this moment and not enough is being done to make space for folks to take care of their mental health. Being in the fitness world, some may assume it’s all about external aesthetics, but it truly all comes from within first.