How to Make the Most Out of Your Summer Internship: A Guide to Success

March 27, 2024

Summer internships are more than just a bullet point on your resume; they’re invaluable opportunities to gain hands-on experience, make industry connections, and refine your professional skills. Whether you’re interning at a prestigious corporation or a local nonprofit, maximizing your internship experience can significantly impact your career trajectory. Here are 6 tips for maximizing your summer internship.

6 Summer Internship Tips to Set You Up for Long-Term Success

1. Embrace the Power of Interviews:

Even if you don’t secure the internship position after an interview, view it as a valuable learning experience. Use interviews as opportunities to hone your communication skills, practice articulating your strengths, and showcase your professionalism. Every interaction is a chance to make a positive impression, regardless of the outcome. Remember, networking begins the moment you walk through the door.

2. Explore Diverse Organizational Structures:

Your internship isn’t just about the company you’re interning with; it’s also a window into the broader professional landscape. Take the initiative to learn about different organizations within your community, including nonprofits, startups, and established corporations. Understanding various organizational structures and cultures will broaden your perspective and help you identify the type of work environment that aligns with your career goals.

3. Network Strategically:

Networking extends far beyond merely accumulating business cards or LinkedIn connections. It’s about fostering authentic relationships that can propel your professional journey forward. Leverage networking opportunities not only within your internship organization but also through programs like Campus Greensboro and other internship initiatives. These platforms frequently host events, professional development workshops, informational seminars, and leadership training sessions. Seize these opportunities to expand your skill set and broaden your industry knowledge. By actively participating in such programs, you not only enhance your summer internship experience but also gain valuable insights and connections that extend far beyond the duration of your internship. Remember, investing in your professional development now can yield long-term benefits for your career trajectory.

4. Document Your Achievements:

Throughout your internship, keep a detailed portfolio of your accomplishments, projects, and accolades. Document successful initiatives, positive feedback from supervisors, and significant contributions to the organization. Your portfolio can include project reports, performance evaluations, and samples of your work. Not only will this portfolio serve as a valuable reference during future job searches, but it will also boost your confidence and sense of achievement.

5. Nurture Meaningful Relationships:

Building lasting connections is not just a short-term endeavor; it’s an ongoing investment in your professional future. Stay in touch with key individuals you’ve met during your internship, whether it’s through email, text, or face-to-face meetings over coffee or lunch. Cultivating these relationships is particularly crucial if you aspire to work for the same organization or within the same community after graduation. Keep the lines of communication open, express gratitude for their guidance and support, and continue to seek opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another.

6. Treat Your Internship Like an Investment

A summer internship is more than just a temporary job; it’s an investment in your future career. By approaching your internship with intentionality and enthusiasm, you can transform it into a transformative learning experience. Embrace every opportunity to grow, connect with industry professionals, and showcase your skills. Remember, the skills and connections you cultivate during your internship can pave the way for future success. So, seize the moment and make the most out of your summer internship journey.

For more business advice, check out our resources on the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce blog. We’re here to support entrepenuers of all kinds, whether you’re just starting off, opening a small business, looking to discover your local business community, or more.

Business Growth Tips: Scaling, Financing, & Marketing for Local Businesses

March 13, 2024

Building a successful small business is a massive undertaking that comes with its fair share of challenges. From scaling operations to securing financing and implementing effective marketing strategies, the journey can be overwhelming. However, with the right tips and strategies, the path to success becomes clearer. Check out these key business growth tips that encompass scaling, financing, and marketing, aiming to help local businesses thrive.

How to Make Your Small Business Grow: Short-Term & Long-Term Strategies:

Developing a thriving small business requires a delicate balance between short-term and long-term strategies. It’s essential to incorporate daily actions that contribute to immediate success, as well as those that set the stage for sustained growth. Consider creating a series of checklists that include tasks to benefit your business today, next week, and next year.

7 Tips to Help You Grow Your Business:

1. Develop a Marketing Strategy

Even as a new or small business, having a clear marketing strategy is crucial. This could involve mapping out plans to gradually expand into your community or targeting specific communities and clients intentionally. There are many resources that can help with this, whether by Google search, a local small business summit, or through entrepreneurship programs such as Launch Greensboro.

2. Focus on Your Current Client Base

Growth doesn’t always mean attracting new clients. Reinforce relationships with existing clients by reaching out with sales, new products, or simply to stay in touch. Prioritize customer experience, encouraging satisfied clients to spread the word and provide testimonials. Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool that can passively build a client base– people love to share good experiences they have had with a small business!

3. Join Business Leads Groups

Networking is a valuable tool for building partnerships and discovering potential leads. Joining business leads groups can enhance your reach and foster collaborative relationships within your community. This can help to connect with both potential clients and customers, as well as make valuable business connections that will benefit a small business as it grows. Check out ways to Get Engaged with local business organizations, through their business networking groups

4. Elevate Your Social Media Game

Boost your reputation with User-Generated Content (UGC) – the key to authenticity! Encourage clients to share their experiences and tag your business, creating a compelling narrative. Share their posts to build a community people want to follow. Research successful businesses in your industry, learn from their social media strategies, and adapt what works best for you. Leverage analytics to decipher what resonates – whether it’s short-form videos (SFV), photos posts, stories, or something else.

5. Engage in Community Events

Establishing connections with your community is crucial for broadening your customer base. Actively participating in community events not only promotes your business but also highlights your dedication to community engagement. Consider expanding your involvement by incorporating company volunteering, sponsoring events, and attending business gatherings, demonstrating a holistic commitment to fostering meaningful relationships within your local community.

6. Small Business Training Seminars

Discover the advantages of participating in small business training seminars, both in-person and online, to gain valuable insights and knowledge. Online seminars offer convenient access to resources for further education. Explore reputable virtual training sessions, tapping into the expertise of organizations such as SCORE, Udemy, or the Small Business Administration. Local business organizations often host Lunch and Learns, Business Bootcamps, or other seminars that delve into specifics about overcoming the challenges faced by small businesses.

7. Ask Advice Before Making Big Business Decisions

When making important business decisions, seek advice from a mentor. Identify specific needs, network locally and online, and attend industry events. Request mentorship formally, emphasizing the value of their guidance. Explore online platforms, professional organizations, and local Chamber of Commerce events. Prioritize compatibility and establish a mentorship relationship for ongoing support in your business decisions and growth.

Grow Your Business in Greensboro, North Carolina

As a concrete step towards growth, consider joining the business growth community offered by the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is committed to supporting small businesses through community events, networking opportunities, business leads groups, and more. If your business needs help creating a plan, or scaling, consider looking to Launch Greensboro Programming for classes, mentor opportunities, and one-off sessions that can help with creating a concrete plan that will help any small business soar. Contact us to join our business growth community today.

 

 

Unlocking Greensboro’s Resources for Entrepreneurs at Startup Week

February 13, 2024

Greensboro, North Carolina, is a burgeoning hub for entrepreneurs, offering a wealth of resources to support all different types of business at any stage. From business networking opportunities to educational programs and dedicated events like Startup Week, Greensboro boasts a thriving ecosystem for those looking to start and grow their business.

Startup Week: Business Networking and Information Events

Greensboro’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship is growing through the first ever Startup Week—a weeklong event designed to give entrepreneurs a deep dive into many different topics regarding startups. This event brings together industry experts, successful entrepreneurs, and aspiring business owners for a series of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities.

Startup Week covers a diverse range of topics, from ideation and business planning to marketing strategies and funding options. Attendees have the opportunity to gain insights from successful entrepreneurs who share their experiences, challenges, and strategies for overcoming obstacles.

The collaborative nature of Startup Week extends beyond the scheduled sessions, creating an environment where participants can connect with potential mentors, investors, and collaborators. This event acts as a catalyst for growth, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the complex journey of building a successful business.

Greensboro stands as a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurs, offering many resources for making connections, acquiring valuable education, and immersing oneself in the dynamic world of startups. By leveraging these resources, entrepreneurs in Greensboro can not only survive, but also thrive in their endeavors.

Making Greensboro Connections: The Foundation of Local Success

One of the key pillars of entrepreneurial success lies in building a robust network. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Launch Greensboro recognize this and offer a wide range of events for entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded individuals, mentors, and potential collaborators. The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce serves as a central hub for business networking events, small business training workshops, and meet-ups, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to forge meaningful connections.

Additionally, co-working spaces such as transform GSO offer a conducive work environment but also act as melting pots for business networking. These spaces host regular events where entrepreneurs can share ideas, seek advice, and establish partnerships that can propel their ventures forward.

Education for Entrepreneurs: Knowledge is Power

To thrive in the competitive business landscape, entrepreneurs in Greensboro can tap into a variety of educational resources. Launch Greensboro accelerates growth for local entrepreneurs through education, mentoring and access to capital. LaunchLab offers two paths designed to help you launch or grow your business based on where you are in the entrepreneurial process. Launch Lab 101 is a 5-week incubator to get new ideas to launch. LaunchLab Growth is a 14-week program offering a dedicated mentor to help achieve growth objectives like customer definition, financial projections, and pitch decks for customers and investors, to name a few.

For those seeking flexible and online learning options, Greensboro Public Library provides access to platforms like Lynda.com, with a wide variety of courses on entrepreneurship, leadership, and business development.

 

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: A Local Business Community with a Global Reach

The Greensboro Chamber helps support the economic development of our thriving region by serving more than 1,300 member businesses through programming designed to help fuel their innovation and success.

Interested in accessing all the educational, business networking, and support benefits of being a Greensboro Chamber of Commerce member? Join our community today.

Greensboro Fitness & Wellness:  Resolutions That Stick

January 24, 2024

 

New Year’s Resolutions are easy to make. The sense of community and camaraderie is exciting in January, yet it can be hard to keep the excitement for a fitness mindset past the first few weeks of the year. Greensboro offers a wide variety of creative fitness options that can help you find a community of people who enjoy unique and varying types of exercise, helping make this year’s resolution into a lifestyle.

There are plenty of options for fitness and wellness resources, including traditional gyms, engaging group exercise classes, creative classes, personal training, and even free options that can allow you to test the waters before committing to a gym bill. Embarking on a fitness/wellness journey is a deeply personal experience, and the prospect can often seem daunting. However, in Greensboro, there are diverse options available that cater to individuals of all comfort levels, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone to pursue their well-being goals.

Local Greensboro Businesses to Help Your 2024 Fitness Resolutions

For those seeking a gentle and holistic approach to their wellness journey, welcome to Find Your Flow Fitness & Wellness Studio. Created for individuals overwhelmed with the idea of starting their wellness journey, Find Your Flow offers a safe and supportive environment to enhance not only physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being. From strength training and yoga to mindfulness practices and nutritional guidance, the studio provides a variety of group classes, personal training, and wellness workshops. Whether one is a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, they can join the inclusive community at Find Your Flow and discover the power of finding their unique flow.

Downtown Fitness on Elm, centrally located in downtown Greensboro, is more than a gym—it’s a fitness destination. Specializing in long-term relationships, they provide high-quality personal training for the Piedmont Triad area. With a focus on continuous education and professional certifications, their approach emphasizes safe and scientific fitness instruction. Flexible training times cater to individual schedules, all under the supervision of experienced professionals. Join them for a transformative fitness experience in the heart of the city.

Greensboro Sports Performance stands as a holistic wellness destination, transcending the conventional fitness paradigm. Offering a diverse array of services, including chiropractic care, acupuncture, Pilates, cryotherapy, physical therapy, and IV hydration therapy, they are committed to innovative thinking. They bring a personalized touch to get you back to the activities you love. Their approach is not confined by performance levels; rather, their goal is to identify the root cause of any pain or discomfort, providing a tailored mix of therapies to heal, strengthen, and enhance mobility. Greensboro Sports Performance redefines wellness, making it a journey tailored to individual needs.

The Greensboro YMCA and Parks and Recreation Offerings

The YMCA of Greensboro makes fitness and wellness into a community. When you join, you become not just an attendee, but also. The Y takes pride in fostering personal connections, walking beside each member through every stage of life. Offering more than just a gym experience, the Y caters to diverse needs, ranging from childcare and youth sports to adult fitness classes and senior activities. With seven locations, your membership extends across all of them, ensuring access to a wide variety of classes and flexible schedules. At the Y, it’s not just about fitness; it’s about finding a place where you truly belong.

From April to October, join the YMCA of Greensboro and Greensboro Parks and Recreation for free outdoor fitness classes. Every week brings new opportunities to engage in invigorating sessions such as HIIT, Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and more. All ages and abilities are welcomed to participate in these dynamic outdoor workouts. As you immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, remember to bring your water, a yoga mat, and a friend, turning each session into a shared celebration of well-being and community.

Even More Greensboro Fitness Options to Start Your 2024 Strong

Other great options in the city include Fitness Together, a facility dedicated to providing personalized training experiences, tailoring workouts to individual needs. For those seeking high-quality fitness equipment, Extreme Training Equipment offers setups suitable for home gyms, professionals, and more, promoting a comprehensive approach to physical fitness. Additionally, Pure Barre introduces a unique dimension to the fitness scene, combining strength training and grace through barre workouts. These diverse offerings reflect Greensboro’s commitment to providing varied and accessible avenues for individuals to embark on their fitness journeys.

Greensboro Chamber of Commerce: Supporting Local Businesses in 2024 and Beyond
The Chamber is committed to supporting the health and wellness of Greensboro residents and the economic development of our city as a whole. If you’re interested in learning how the Chamber supports local entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses in Greensboro, contact us and consider joining our membership community today.

Last-Minute Holiday Gifts from Greensboro’s Small Businesses 

December 11, 2023

 

As the holiday season kicks into high gear, it’s crucial to remember the vital role that small businesses play in our community. Americans spend over $120 billion at small businesses during the holiday season. Moreover, small businesses contribute substantially to the workforce, employing nearly half of the private sector workforce in North Carolina. According to data from the US Census small businesses accounted for 1.78 million jobs in the state. Here in Greensboro, our small business climate is thriving, creating a unique and vibrant community unlike any other that not only deserves your business, but is also so much fun to support!

Supporting Small Businesses in Greensboro this Holiday Season

In Greensboro, small businesses not only contribute to the local economy but also have a diverse range of products and services that can make for perfect last-minute gifts. Whether you’re looking for wrappable items or memorable experiences, our local businesses have you covered. The city’s small business landscape is rich with creativity and innovation, making it an incredible destination for those seeking unique and thoughtful gifts.
Before logging online to an international retailer, you can find plenty of nationally recognized brands while also supporting the local economy. Shopping local not only guarantees that you’ll find one-of-a-kind gifts, but also supports the entrepreneurs who make our community thrive.

Where to Find Last-Minute Gifts in Greensboro

For those in search of tangible last-minute gifts, our Chamber of Commerce member directory is a valuable resource. Browse through our membership directory to find local businesses offering all kinds of gifts! Forge Greensboro has handmade crafts and artisanal goods, or you can give a taste of true southern charm by supporting locally-founded Simply Southern.

The Gift of Experiences: Other Holiday Gift Ideas in Greensboro

If you’re looking to go beyond physical gifts, consider the gift of experiences. Greensboro boasts a variety of exciting options that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Treat your loved ones to a night out at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts, where world-class performances are sure to dazzle. Alternatively, a trip to the Greensboro Science Center or the North Carolina Zoo provides a fun and educational adventure for the whole family. Experiences not only create cherished memories but also make for excellent last-minute gifts, especially for those who seem to have everything.

How Supporting Local Businesses Helps Greensboro at Large

Shopping local goes beyond finding unique gifts; it’s an investment in the local economy. The Local Multiplier Effect benefits the Greensboro economy when you choose to invest your dollars in a locally owned and independent business, as opposed to opting for a chain store or online giant. In this scenario, your money has the potential to circulate within the local economy at a rate 2-4 times higher than funds spent at non-local companies. This circulation of dollars throughout the community results in the creation of additional local wealth, increased charitable contributions, and the generation of more job opportunities. Moreover, local businesses often offer Greensboro-specific gifts that showcase the city’s character and charm, making your presents even more meaningful.

This holiday season, let’s celebrate the spirit of community and support our local businesses. By choosing Greensboro’s small businesses for your last-minute gifts, you not only find unique and memorable presents but also contribute to the strength and vitality of our city. Happy holidays from the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce, and happy shopping!

Greensboro Chamber Earns Highest Distinction from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

November 28, 2022

Greensboro city lights

In 2022, The Greensboro Chamber of Commerce earned a 5-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce– the highest-level of distinction in the Chamber industry. The Greensboro Chamber is one of only two Chambers in North Carolina to hold the 5-Star distinction. Out of approximately 7,000 Chambers nationwide, only 141, less than two percent have earned this top honor.

“Receiving Accreditation is confirmation that we, as a team, are benefiting our local economy and creating positive change in our community.” said Brent Christensen, President and CEO of the Greensboro Chamber. “We are incredibly honored to receive recognition for our work in building a network of thriving member businesses.”

The Greensboro Chamber was commended for its leadership role as it helped members and the greater business community navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, and for its commitment to continuous improvement. The Chamber achieved a perfect score in the Governance, Human Resources, Program Development, Technology, Communications, and Facilities sections.

“We are very excited about receiving a 5-Star Accreditation by the U. S. Chamber of Commerce” said Anita Bachmann, chair of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “This further strengthens and showcases the talent and outstanding performance of our Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. We are very proud of the continued accomplishments and successes of our team and leadership in all they do to move Greensboro and Guilford County forward.”

To receive its Accreditation, the Greensboro Chamber met standards in operations and programs, including areas of governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This extensive self-review took more than 12 months to complete.

“Chambers of commerce that achieve an Accreditation designation are truly leaders in their industry.” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This rigorous review includes all aspects of a chamber’s policies, operations, and programming. When chambers of commerce earn the distinction of becoming Accredited, it is a mark of excellence for the organization, its staff, and its leadership. Accredited chambers are recognized for their ability to serve as a resource to their region’s businesses while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, effective communications, and value in programming. They are commended for their continued advocacy of free enterprise, and for their commitment to serving members and their local businesses. Congratulations on this tremendous accomplishment.”

Want to learn how the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce can help you? Click here for details.

We know and grow Greensboro.