A recent issue of the AESC online journal focused on world economics and raised several concerns which we feel, even here in Blue Springs. Three of them more directly affect us than others:

·        Global uncertainty is the new norm. We’ve all felt the unknowns: when will shipments actually arrive? How do we project a focus for our businesses in a changing economy?

·        A massive demographic shift. Experienced workers are retiring and a declining birth rate is offering a smaller pool of prospective employees. How do we match the unemployed with what we need?

·        Accelerated demands of technology usage. New technologies are affecting even mom and pop corner grocery stores. How do we utilize technology to facilitate business growth, and who understands all of this technology?

In the midst of all of this, business leaders must chart an uncertain path and lead in such a way that those who rely upon them for employment and those who rely upon them for services are not left in a lurch. Whether it’s spoken or unspoken, I think we all feel the urgency to find answers.

               Let’s begin by recognizing the obvious. There is a shortage of talent with digital expertise. Offer workshops in-house and hire people who are willing to learn new things. Much of our population is underutilized. Look at seniors and housewives with organizational experience and open minds.

               A bigger issue is the changing expectations and values of next gen leaders. Many want a more balanced life, with work taking more of a back seat—just as we’re needing them to step forward. They are willing to earn less, want to work less, and seem unmotivated. Look to the Chamber for help with this. Invite prospective employees to Chamber events. Introduce them to the culture of business leaders who value hard work and success.

Go back to basics. Strengthen your values, both internally and of your product/services within the community. It’s easier sometimes to click on the Amazon “purchase now” button than to get into the car and search for an elusive item at several stores. Make it a more seamless shopping experience for the shoppers you want to service.

1.      In both newsletters and on Face Book, invite patrons to let you know what they need.

2.      Greet folks with, “May I help you find something?” Learn to spot the differences between the browser out to poke around and the desperate searcher who needs something and needs it right now. Let the browser feed casually, but help the frenzied shopper find and leave with an item quickly.

3.      Consider a delivery option for local shoppers. An after-school driver might enjoy taking parcels to local shoppers, allowing you to compete with Amazon’s next-day delivery options.

4.      Stop hiding your merchandise! Signage helps shoppers find the products you want them to buy. They are not going to buy more stuff by wandering your store looking for something. They are going to get frustrated and leave empty-handed and shop on Amazon. Meet their needs.

In "Ten Years to Midnight" Blair Sheppard explores some of these key issues, and in each area, encourages current business leaders to provide the innovation and imagination to meet new challenges. He stresses balancing the paradoxes of prosperity with localization. It’s a message to the heart of Chamber members—strengthen the local community through leadership. Hire new people and teach them about your business, about the value of hard work, about ways to stretch dollars.

The message of how to prosper never really changes, does it? We find it couched in newer terms and with a different emphasis, but overall, it remains the same. Serve your employees. Serve your community. These Chamber values will strengthen 2022 area businesses.