<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Conner Strategies]]></title><description><![CDATA[Conner Strategies]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:45:08 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.connerstrategies.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[A LITTLE ST. PATRICK’S DAY MAGIC FOR KIDS]]></title><description><![CDATA[A small note from a very observant leprechaun. Sometimes kids just need to hear that their kindness, courage, and effort matter more than any pot of gold. This playful St. Patrick’s Day letter was created for families and classrooms to share freely. It is lighthearted, encouraging, and full of simple reminders that who they are already matters. HOW TO USE THIS LETTER This letter can be shared in so many meaningful ways: Tucked into a lunchbox or backpack Printed and handed out in a classroom...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/a-little-st-patrick-s-day-magic-for-kids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c6b933362686b5d74968</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_ca1658f2d8674d09953e523e5931b406~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HOW BETTER SYSTEMS GIVE YOU MORE TIME BACK AS A BUSINESS OWNER]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many small business owners hear the word systems and immediately think: More work.More rules.More things to keep up with. Or worse, they worry systems will make their business feel cold, rigid, or impersonal. At Conner Strategies, we hear this concern all the time. And in real life, the opposite is usually true. SYSTEMS PROTECT THE HUMAN SIDE OF YOUR BUSINESS When your bookkeeping and marketing are organized behind the scenes, something important changes. You stop spending your energy...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/how-better-systems-give-you-more-time-back-as-a-business-owner</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c63874eeae096e52b9a7</guid><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_aba60210cbdb4fe79231c4e2d8a9d9d6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[DON’T JUDGE YOUR BUSINESS BY YOUR BANK BALANCE ALONE]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably done this before: You open your bank app.You see the balance.You decide how you feel about your business based on that number. High balance? Relief.Low balance? Stress.Somewhere in between? Confusion. You’re not alone. In fact, more than 60% of small business owners say cash flow uncertainty is their biggest financial stress (U.S. Bank Small Business Study). But here’s the problem: your bank balance doesn’t tell you how your business is...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/don-t-judge-your-business-by-your-bank-balance-alone</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c58d33362686b5d746d0</guid><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_0aa61560a39f45f7910fc34dfb665753~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHY DOING LESS MARKETING CAN ACTUALLY HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many small business owners feel pressure to be everywhere at once. Instagram.Facebook.Email.Google.TikTok. It sounds productive but in practice, it often leads to burnout, inconsistency, and frustration. Marketing starts to feel like another full-time job instead of a tool that supports your business. MORE CHANNELS DOESN’T MEAN BETTER RESULTS There’s a common belief that growth comes from more:More platforms.More posts.More content. But data and experience consistently show the opposite....]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/why-doing-less-marketing-can-actually-help-your-business-grow</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c48cd3b1a3633e6e78a7</guid><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_3775371688d44e5780c416394418f4f8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHY MIXING PERSONAL AND BUSINESS SPENDING CREATES MORE STRESS THAN YOU REALIZE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mixing personal and business spending is one of the most common issues we see with small business owners. Especially in the early stages. It often starts small.A lunch here.A subscription there.One quick purchase on the wrong card. Over time, those small moments add up to bigger confusion. WHY BLENDED SPENDING CREATES PROBLEMS When personal and business expenses are mixed: Reports become less accurate Categories get messy It’s harder to understand true profitability Tax season becomes...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/why-mixing-personal-and-business-spending-creates-more-stress-than-you-realize</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c260d3b1a3633e6e7491</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_e60389db869044ce906e90096215cd21~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A VALENTINE’S DAY LETTER FOR KIDS]]></title><description><![CDATA[Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be loud, expensive, or overdone to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most lasting part of the holiday is a few kind words. Something a child can read, feel, and carry with them long after the candy is gone. This Valentine’s Day letter was written with kids in mind. It’s gentle, encouraging, and filled with reminders that every child needs to hear: that they are loved, valued, and doing a great job just by being themselves. HOW TO USE THIS LETTER This letter can be...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/a-valentine-s-day-letter-for-kids</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c184d3b1a3633e6e72d0</guid><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_09bc012d4ccf42fb8a03d1bd34ea314c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHY YOUR WEBSITE ISN’T GENERATING LEADS (AND IT’S NOT THE DESIGN)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If your website or social pages aren’t bringing in leads, it’s easy to assume the problem is the design. Maybe the colors feel outdated.Maybe the layout doesn’t feel modern.Maybe you’re tempted to start over completely. But in most cases, the issue isn’t how your site looks. It’s what it’s saying. CUSTOMERS AREN’T LOOKING FOR SERVICES. THEY’RE LOOKING FOR SOLUTIONS. Small business owners often describe their business by listing what they do: We offer bookkeeping services. We provide marketing...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/why-your-website-isn-t-generating-leads-and-it-s-not-the-design</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5c0ad185db816d655ba2d</guid><pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_4fd7b40334c44aceae6b759365402c06~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHY BOOKKEEPING BECOMES A PROBLEM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES]]></title><description><![CDATA[At the start of a new year, many small business owners sit down with fresh goals and big plans. New revenue targets.New ideas.New momentum. Then they open their numbers. Not because it feels inspiring, but because planning, taxes, and real business decisions require it. What they often discover is not that the business struggled last year, but that the financial picture is unclear. Transactions are uncategorized. Accounts do not fully reconcile. Reports feel unreliable or difficult to trust....]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/why-bookkeeping-becomes-a-problem-for-small-businesses</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5bfa933362686b5d73b28</guid><pubDate>Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[TWO LETTERS. ONE SEASON OF MAGIC.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Christmas magic looks a little different for every family. Some love classic Santa wonder, others enjoy a little Grinch-style humor. That’s why we created two free Christmas letters for kids. One from Santa Claus and one from the Grinch. Different personalities. Same heart. As a family-run business, we know how fast these moments go. Kids remember how Christmas felt and a simple letter can become a keepsake, a tradition, or a moment of pure magic.  From the Desk of Santa Claus A warm,...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/two-letters-one-season-of-magic</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5be9fd3b1a3633e6e6d36</guid><pubDate>Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_809addbf0fd941639f77659980cd4e62~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHY YOUR MARKETING ISN’T WORKING (AND HOW TO BUILD TRUST IN 2026)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever hit “post,” boosted an ad, and waited for the phone to ring only to hear crickets, you’re not alone.Most small business owners want one thing from marketing: instant results. But here’s the truth.Marketing isn’t magic, it’s momentum. At Conner Strategies, we see it all the time passionate business owners trying everything, yet feeling like nothing’s working fast enough. The problem isn’t your effort. It’s your expectations. 1. QUICK FIXES DON’T BUILD TRUST People don’t buy from...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/why-your-marketing-isn-t-working-and-how-to-build-trust-in-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5bdc2b75c5d305826da34</guid><pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_c02241953fa64af7b71ed14c77ff32fa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HONORING SERVICE BEYOND THE UNIFORM: THE STRENGTH OF VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESSES]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every year on Veterans Day, we pause to honor the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and those who chose service, sacrifice, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. But for many veterans, that sense of duty doesn’t end when their military career does. It evolves. It becomes a new mission with one rooted in community, hard work, and the desire to make a lasting impact. Across the country, veteran-owned businesses carry that same spirit of service forward. They’re...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/honoring-service-beyond-the-uniform-the-strength-of-veteran-owned-businesses</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5bce5d3b1a3633e6e69bc</guid><pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_2726395b53534cc39d18cea8a3a41f52~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHAT CUSTOMERS REALLY SEE BEFORE THEY BUY FROM YOU]]></title><description><![CDATA[You might think customers buy because of your price, product, or your great reviews. But before they ever hit “call,” “buy now,” or “book today,” they’re doing something else first. Checking you out. Every potential customer is running a silent audit of your business before they decide if they trust you. And in 2026, that digital first impression can make or break the sale. Let’s look at what they’re really noticing and how to make sure what they see builds confidence instead of doubt. 1....]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/what-customers-really-see-before-they-buy-from-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5bb9674eeae096e52a407</guid><pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_c4f3abe77ee6495397a73a3a2cddb4e6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 SIGNS YOUR BOOKKEEPER MIGHT BE GHOSTING YOU]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every October, the talk turns to ghosts, ghouls, and things that go bump in the night. But around here, we keep hearing about a different kind of haunting — the one hiding inside your QuickBooks. Yep, the ghost bookkeeper.You know, the one who was all communication and promises in the beginning but now you can’t seem to get a straight answer, an updated report, or even proof your books are being touched. If that sounds familiar, here are a few signs your bookkeeper might be ghosting you (and...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/5-signs-your-bookkeeper-might-be-ghosting-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5bae0d3b1a3633e6e652d</guid><pubDate>Mon, 27 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_14a3f34c134e4ddb8a5ece3a210e6f5f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[THE TOP 10 THINGS EVERY SMALL BUSINESS NEEDS TO GROW IN 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[2026 is the year of steady, smart growth. For small business owners, that means getting back to the basics creating structure, simplifying systems, and building a strong foundation that can handle whatever the year brings. At Conner Strategies, we believe growth doesn’t have to mean chaos. It’s about doing the right things, the right way, again and again. Here are the top 10 things every small business needs to grow stronger in 2026. 1️⃣ Get Clear on Your Numbers You can’t grow what you can’t...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/the-top-10-things-every-small-business-needs-to-grow-in-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b99974eeae096e529fad</guid><pubDate>Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_708e5ef578d9464aa9b83c35c144b174~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU FINALLY HAND OFF YOUR BOOKKEEPING (AND WHY IT’S A GAME CHANGER)]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you’ve ever spent a Saturday night buried under receipts, muttering “I’ll get organized next month,” this one’s for you. Letting go of your bookkeeping feels kind of like handing your firstborn to a babysitter. You want the break… but can they really handle it? Here’s the truth: a good bookkeeper won’t just “handle it” they’ll transform your business. And your stress level. And probably your sleep schedule. Let’s talk about what actually happens when you finally let a pro (like Marshall...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/what-happens-when-you-finally-hand-off-your-bookkeeping-and-why-it-s-a-game-changer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b8add3b1a3633e6e6063</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_b459b7594ff345078f0aeb53c64185e0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HOLIDAY PROMO IDEAS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES (STEAL THESE!)]]></title><description><![CDATA[The holidays are coming in hot—like peppermint lattes and inboxes full of discount codes. Your customers are shopping, scrolling, and screenshotting. So if you’re a small business looking to sleigh this season (yes, we went there), it’s time to launch a promo that’s festive, fun, and totally doable. At Conner Strategies, we believe holiday marketing should feel like a warm hug, not a stress spiral. So here’s your cheat sheet of promo ideas that are easy to run, hard to resist, and designed to...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/holiday-promo-ideas-for-small-businesses-steal-these</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b79974eeae096e529b9e</guid><pubDate>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_c02241953fa64af7b71ed14c77ff32fa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORY: HOW A WEBSITE REFRESH AND SEO BOOSTED ENGAGEMENT 600%]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every small business wants more people to find them, stay longer, and reach out. That’s exactly what happened in this success story after a client invested in a website refresh, SEO updates, social media synergy, and Google tools. In just two weeks, the results showed big growth: more clicks, more views, and more customer engagement. A STRONG STARTING POINT This business already had a great reputation and loyal customers. They wanted their online presence to reflect that same strength and...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/small-business-success-story-how-a-website-refresh-and-seo-boosted-engagement-600</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b691185db816d655a565</guid><pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[5 SIGNS YOUR SMALL BUSINESS IS READY FOR A BOOKKEEPER]]></title><description><![CDATA[Running a small business takes heart, hustle, and a whole lot of energy. Between serving customers, building your brand, and managing the day-to-day, it can feel like there’s never enough time to handle everything on your plate. And while keeping up with the numbers might not be the most exciting part of your job, it’s one of the most important. For many owners, doing the books works fine at first. But as sales grow and responsibilities multiply, the financial side can quickly become...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/5-signs-your-small-business-is-ready-for-a-bookkeeper</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b50c33362686b5d72515</guid><pubDate>Sun, 21 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_12f7477ede3249d29390f725f80c3efa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Marshall Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[HOW TO PREP FOR SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY IN JUST 10 WEEKS]]></title><description><![CDATA[We know running a small business feels like juggling flaming batons while blindfolded. And then bam… Small Business Saturday shows up on your calendar. You know it’s a big deal, but maybe you’re thinking: “Where do I even start? Do I need ads? Do I make bundles? Do I just cross my fingers and hope people show up?” Deep breath. That’s where your business bestie (hi ) is here. We pulled together a simple, week-by-week plan that gets you ready without the panic. Fun fact: shoppers have spent...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/how-to-prep-for-small-business-saturday-in-just-10-weeks</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b3d3d3b1a3633e6e55b5</guid><pubDate>Mon, 15 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_fbc313d48a034200b279e4b0959d3666~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[THRIVING THROUGH THE ’BER MONTHS: A SMALL BUSINESS CHECKLIST]]></title><description><![CDATA[‘BER months = SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER and DecemBERFall is here, and for small business owners, that means one thing: the busiest (and often most profitable) season is just around the corner. Whether you run a boutique, a coffee shop, or a service-based business, now’s the time to set yourself up for success before the holiday rush hits. Fun fact: Nearly 80% of small businesses say the fourth quarter is their most profitable time of year (U.S. Chamber of Commerce). Translation? The prep...]]></description><link>https://www.connerstrategies.com/post/thriving-through-the-ber-months-a-small-business-checklist</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d5b28a74eeae096e528f64</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/91a3fe_3fea9da859fd47cb915f499ba86987fc~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Krystal Conner</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>