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Mercer Island
Chamber of Commerce

Building a stronger Mercer Island through business advocacy, support and development.

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MERCER ISLAND
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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Promote the economic vitality of Mercer Island through advocacy, leadership and community building events ♦ Provide referral and networking opportunities which facilitate development of strategic partnerships between businesses ♦ Publish a newsletter of Chamber and community news ♦ Produce community events that bring people and businesses to the island ♦ Serve as information center, offering maps and demographic information ♦ Recognize achievements of the business community ♦ Provide advertising and sponsorship opportunities ♦ Introduce new businesses to the community


Front Door to Mercer Island

Founded in 1946, the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce has a long history of providing member advocacy and promotion, education resources and networking opportunities.


For Mercer Island Businesses

Representing a diverse collection of businesses, we work in partnership with our community and local government to help our members advance, grow and thrive. Through business education, networking, community events, advocacy and representation, the Mercer Island Chamber is committed to helping each member grow and prosper.

"Working with us opens an enormouse opportunity of growth"

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Latest Business Blog Post


25 Mar, 2024
If you’re a gig worker, or you use them in your business, it’s important that you are aware of recent legislation that went into effect this month. What Is a Gig Worker? A gig worker (independent contractor, freelancer, or contingent worker) is someone who works on a temporary, flexible basis, often for multiple clients or companies. They perform specific tasks, projects, or assignments for a predetermined period, rather than being employed full-time by a single employer. The number of gig employees has grown exponentially over the past few years. In 2024, it’s expected there will be 76.4 million people working as freelancers and indie professionals). These people work in a variety of industries including ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft, etc.), food delivery, freelance writing, graphic design, consulting, and others. Gig workers enjoy a level of autonomy and flexibility in choosing when, where, and how much they work, something that has become more appealing (and practical) post-COVID. During the pandemic, many people were working from home. Once companies called employees back to the office, some decided to leave traditional work environments for more flexibility. The gig economy has also grown significantly in recent years due to technological advancements, changing labor trends/opportunities, and the desire for greater work/life balance. What You Need to Know About The Independent Contractor Rule The Department of Labor (DOL) introduced the new Independent Contractor Rule on March 11. It sets out six criteria for determining whether a worker should be classified as an independent contractor or an employee. This recent legislation has stirred up significant controversy among freelancers and businesses that rely on gig workers. Here’s why: This new rule, which replaces an earlier one from 2021 that designated two "core factors"—control over work and opportunity for profit or loss as the deciding factors for classification, poses new challenges for employers in categorizing their workforce. Companies that rely heavily on gig workers (like ride-hailing, food delivery, and creative services), may need to recategorize a significant portion of these independent contractors into unionized employees. According to the press release issued by the US Department of Labor, “‘Misclassifying employees as independent contractors is a serious issue that deprives workers of basic rights and protections,’ explained Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su. ‘This rule will help protect workers, especially those facing the greatest risk of exploitation, by making sure they are classified properly and that they receive the wages they’ve earned.’” But not everyone thinks they’re being “exploited.” Many gig workers, small business advocates, trade groups, and lawmakers have likened this new rule to California's Assembly Bill 5 (AB5), which took effect on January 1, 2020. It required many businesses to treat gig workers as employees. That rule impacted many freelance journalists because it capped the number of articles they could get paid for. AB5 triggered widespread outcry, leading to the California legislature passing over 100 exemptions for affected industries. On March 21, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Committee on Education & the Workforce moved forward with a proposal to repeal the rule. The committee approved the resolution in a 21-13 vote, paving the way for consideration by the entire House. Additionally, the Independent Contractor Rule has prompted at least five lawsuits (at the time of this writing), including one with the US Chamber of Commerce and co-plaintiffs the Associated Builders and Contractors, Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeast Texas, American Trucking Associations, Financial Services Institute, National Federation of Independent Business, and National Retail Federation. The complaint argues this rule will make it difficult for businesses that require the flexibility to be able to scale up or down quickly depending on employment needs (seasonally or otherwise), while also impeding on the freedoms of millions of gig workers to chart their own course of independent work life. Many gig workers prioritize the flexibility and autonomy offered by contracted employment models, as highlighted in a study by the Harvard Business Review. Karen Anderson, founder of Freelancers Against AB5, strongly opposes the rule, describing it as 'disruptive and cruel.' According to Anderson, the law affects over 600 categories of professions within their membership, causing significant disruption and hardship. On the other hand, the DOL says the legislation aims to safeguard workers' rights and ensure consistency through the Fair Labor Standards Act. Organizations like More Perfect Union support the rule, anticipating that it will result in higher wages and overtime pay for millions of gig workers. In conclusion, the shift away from 2021’s simpler two "core factors" framework to a broader six-factor assessment adds uncertainty, leaving employers with challenges in accurately classifying their workforce. Whether you are a business using gig workers or are an independent contractor, this ruling—and the current lawsuits (and potential votes) surrounding it—will have a significant, precedent-setting impact on the independence of the worker. This ruling is just one more stop in the evolving landscape of employment classification but one that we should pay attention to.
04 Mar, 2024
Whether it’s part of a work/life balance personal initiative, an idea to follow your bliss, or you simply want to change things in your life, if you have a hobby you want to turn into a business, we have some advice for you. It can be a huge leap of faith moving from a steady paycheck to relying on others to buy from you. But it can be done successfully if you do your homework first. Going into business for yourself has the potential for personal and financial fulfillment. But it comes at great risk. For risk-averse people, this is the first challenge in going from hobby to business. As writer, speaker, and consultant Tim Ferriss wrote in his book The 4-hour Workweek, “People will choose unhappiness over uncertainty.” If you want to turn your hobby into a business, you’ll want to minimize the uncertainty. And that comes through planning. Know the Facts About Opening a Business There are many ways to go from hobby to business. You might sell items or perform services part-time while you continue to work for someone else. Some entrepreneurs put together a business plan and seek funding. But one of the most common ways to fund a new business is to use personal savings. Before you burn bridges with your current employer or risk your savings, create a plan to turn your hobby into a full-time business. Step 1: Assess Your Hobby's Business Potential Evaluate the market demand for your hobby-related products or services. Sure, what you make is really cool but is there a demand for it? If there isn’t, and you still want to proceed, you will need to educate your audience on the importance of your product or service. Ideally, you will begin selling in your spare time at makers’ markets, festivals, events, and online. This should give you some insights into what works and what doesn’t before you officially launch as an “all or nothing” business. A trial like this helps with research and development for your business, marketing, and sales plans, which we’ll address in a little bit. Consider the competition and identify your unique selling proposition (USP). What makes you different—and don’t say good customer service. That’s an expectation for your customers, not a USP. Consider the time commitment, skills, and resources required to turn your hobby into a business and discuss them with the people who would be impacted such as your spouse. Coordinate things like childcare before it’s needed. Working for yourself is not a “cocktails at the pool” lifestyle. At least not initially. Working for someone else is a lot easier. As novelist and comic artist Oliver Marcus Malloy wrote, “Being self-employed means you work 12 hours a day for yourself, so you don’t have to work 8 hours a day for someone else.” Step 2: Develop a Business Plan Define your business goals and target audience. Who are you selling to? Who is your ideal audience? And don’t say -- everyone. Some people need your offering more than others. Find those people and get in front of them. Choose a suitable business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.). While you don’t have to incorporate before your first sale, you will want to do so in the first year. Consult a tax specialist to understand what form of business will work best for you. Depending on your industry and offerings, you may want to consider business insurance and liability. Outline your marketing and sales strategy. Now that you’ve decided who you’re going to sell to, figure out how you will do it and how you will get eyes on your product or service. Will you sell at public events like festivals or online running products out of your garage? There are many cost-effective solutions out there but having a strategy will help you from feeling like you need to chase every shiny object or opportunity that presents itself. Establishing business goals and a strategic plan will also give you a road map to direct you. A plan helps you decide what is worth your time and what isn’t in that crucial first year. In line with your strategic plan/goals, create financial projections, including costs, pricing, and potential profit margins. Hobby businesses are often a labor of love, but if you enjoy eating and shelter, you need to understand if you’re succeeding or not. Plans give you that objective measure. There are many businesses that while they bring in money, still fail. That’s often because they don’t have a solid plan and end up growing too quickly where outlay overcomes earnings. Step 3: Legitimize Your Business Register your business with the appropriate government agencies. Obtain necessary licenses and permits. Check to understand your state and local obligations as well as federal. Set up a dedicated business bank account. This will help keep your business expenses and earnings separate from other sources. Consider securing a business credit card or using a personal one for business-only expenses. Again, consult with a tax professional so you understand what you can write off for your business and so you keep accurate records and receipts. Step 4: Build Your Brand and Market Your Business Craft a compelling brand identity that resonates with your target audience. Utilize online platforms like social media and e-commerce websites to reach customers. You can begin doing these things for free (outside of the cost of your time). Explore offline marketing options like local events and networking opportunities. The chamber has a wealth of information and connections. As the Voice of Business, they can help make the right introductions for you and lend your business legitimacy. It’s sometimes difficult to get people to take a chance on you. Chamber membership tells them you are a legitimate business with a vested interest in the community, not a hobby that may close shop tomorrow. Step 5: Manage and Grow Your Business Most people assume that the first year of business is the most perilous. That isn’t the case. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that while nearly 20% of new businesses fail within the first two years of opening, the riskiest time comes later. 45% of businesses close during the first five years, and 65% during the first 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more. While no business is a sure thing, if you implement efficient processes for production, inventory management, and customer service, you’re on your way to managing smart growth. Also, track your business performance through data analysis and adjust your strategies accordingly. Regardless of how you initially funded your venture, consider seeking funding and exploring expansion opportunities. Your local chamber is a great source to find out about these and educate yourself on what’s available. If you’re one of the estimated 42% of Americans who want to own a business, know that you’re in good company. Business ownership is one of the most fulfilling and challenging things you’ll do. It requires passion and perseverance and is anything but glamorous. However, if you’re like most of us, you’ll find that there’s nothing like it. It’s addictive. Just don’t be surprised if you realize you can never work for anyone else again.
27 Feb, 2024
Does your morning begin post coffee? If so, then you know the importance of that routine (and caffeine addiction). Your morning just isn’t the same without it. You can create the same addiction to your business. It just requires a more carefully created artifice or brand. Without the help of caffeine or other addictive substance, you’ll need to use marketing and a persona that draws people in and makes them want to be a part of your business. Whether you are a company of one or 100, there are ways to help customers feel a “need” for you. You just have to find the right combination of desires and attitudes. How to Become an Addictive Brand At the risk of pulling a bait and switch, I want to be clear that the idea is not to make EVERYONE addicted to you, but rather, your ideal customer. That said, tailor the suggestions below to appeal to your demographic. Let’s look at how others have done it successfully. Be a Role Model One of the reasons people love Taylor Swift is because she models good and generous behavior. For example, according to unnamed sources quoted in People Magazine, Swift gifted her Eras tour employees $55 million. It's this type of positive role modeling that makes parents and tweens love her. While no one expects the average business to give like Taylor, encouraging generosity and giving back is an admirable trait in any business. You might give employees time to volunteer for nonprofits, host a holiday toy drive, or support a local sports team. Whatever way you choose to give back, know that people will appreciate it. Plus, you’ll feel like a bigger part of the community. Listen and Love Them Back Don’t put up walls and send out cease-and-desist letters when people celebrate your brand. As long as their social shares aren’t inflammatory, give them some social media love back. For instance, a novice makeup artist posted pictures of her work online. She tagged the makeup manufacturers of the products she used. Only one of the three commented on her post. Then they shared it. She was so touched by the shout-out (after all, she’s not a big-time influencer. She had very few followers at that point), that they are now all she uses. And guess what? She gives them a tag every time. That’s more eyes on their product. Give Them More Than Products or Services To be an addictive brand, you want to become part of their life. This means doing more than just selling them something. Consider how you might fit into your ideal customer’s life. Can you give them an escape? Can you solve a problem? Can you become a source of advice, entertainment, or education? The answer lies in your audience but one of the most popular ways to become a part of their lives these days is by hosting events. Recently, I came across a florist who hosts events at a local brewery during the day. From flower arranging classes to bonsai shaping seminars, these classes draw a crowd. The florist and the brewery win. So do the attendees. What business might you pair with to create an enjoyable time for your ideal customer? Become a Lifestyle I know I promised I would tell you how to become an addictive brand without caffeine, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Starbucks. Let’s move past what they sell. Starbucks has crafted an addictive brand (for seven dollars a cup in some places, I’m calling it a luxury brand). People make jokes about how they can’t live without it. But it’s not the coffee they’re talking about, or we would’ve seen a decline in sales at the shop when they went into the grocery store. If you’re a Starbucks fan, you don’t talk about going to “get coffee with friends.” You use the brand name—going to Starbucks. The company did this by becoming a lifestyle for its consumers. Customers bring work to the coffee house, meet friends, and go on first dates there. It’s a gathering place. It sells merchandise and even seems to have its own ordering language. Plus, it uses gamification in its app to encourage its week-day customers to also buy on the weekends. It awards double stars for streaks of purchases (Monday-Saturday for instance). You can begin creating a lifestyle brand by working with influencers and focusing on word-of-mouth marketing. Additionally if you want to be a lifestyle brand, make your business a hub of activity and encourage lingering. And when you become a brand everyone is addicted to… Remain Humble Keanu Reeves has worked in Hollywood for decades. With a net worth estimated north of $380 million, he still regularly credits others with his success (like the stunt doubles in John Wick). Hollywood insiders also tell the tale of how Reeves waited outside of his wrap party for hours because no one recognized him. (I wasn’t there so I can’t say if it happened but it sure is good PR for his humble personal brand). Reeves is loved and celebrated for these traits setting him apart from so many of his peers. When your business becomes the next big thing, practice the art of humility, how to make someone’s day on social media, and how to show gratitude. Your customers will notice.
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