If you're a business owner in Rockland County — big or small — here's one question you need to ask yourself: Is your company listed on Rockland County Now? If the answer is no, you might be missing a major opportunity to get noticed by local residents who are actively looking to support and shop local.

We all have (or wish we had) that one friend. You know the one. They are the person you can call at any time. They listen without judgment. They cheer for you when you succeed and pick you up when life throws challenges your way. They know your dreams, your quirks, and even that embarrassing story from five years ago that you wish would disappear. More importantly, they always have your back, guiding you toward opportunities and helping you thrive.

Being a small business owner is an incredible journey, but let’s face it—there are days when it feels overwhelming. You’re not alone.

In a fast-paced, digital-first world, small businesses, nonprofits, and freelancers in Rockland County, NY often face a common challenge: How can you promote your services, share your mission, or connect with your community effectively—without spending a fortune on marketing?

So, you’ve decided to start your own small business, freelance service, or maybe you recently left your job to take a leap of faith into something new. First of all, congratulations! That’s a big, bold step—and while it can feel overwhelming, the rewards of building something you’re truly passionate about can far outweigh the initial struggles.

In an era of rapid technological, cultural, and economic shifts, businesses that fail to identify growth opportunities risk stagnation and eventual obsolescence. Many industries today are failing to adapt their products, services, and workforce strategies to attract and meet the needs of younger generations. A striking example of this is the home care industry, which serves a growing elderly population but has struggled to make caregiving an appealing career for young adults.

If you're a small business owner trying to understand why all of the post you've shared on social media is not bringing you the clients you hoped for, you are not alone. As a business owner, you’re constantly looking for ways to connect with potential customers. Social media platforms like Instagram might seem like the perfect tool at first glance—after all, they’re visually engaging and widely used. But let’s take a closer look.

What does one more customer mean to you? For a business owner, it’s not just a number. One more customer can represent so much more—a step closer to achieving your goals, a boost to your team’s morale, and an opportunity to solidify your business as a cornerstone of the community. Whether you’re a family-owned shop, a growing restaurant, or a dedicated service provider in Rockland County, NY, that one more customer can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

The Ultimate Guide to Getting Found by Rockland County Customers Running a business is tough. Between managing inventory, dealing with customers, and figuring out why the Wi-Fi stopped working, there’s barely time to think about how people actually find you. But here’s the thing: if Rockland County customers can’t find you, they can’t support you. And no, just having a social media account isn’t enough anymore.

The Customer Is Not Always Right, but You Should Pretend They Are Ah, the age-old mantra of customer service: “The customer is always right.” We all know this isn’t always true. Sometimes, the customer is mistaken, confused, or flat-out wrong. But here’s the tricky part: telling them that isn’t great for business.   So, how do you balance keeping your customers happy while also keeping your sanity intact? Let’s explore some humorous (but practical) ways to handle tricky si

Let’s face it: in today’s world, customers rarely just stumble upon your storefront by accident. They’re glued to their phones, searching for the best coffee, cutest boutiques, or top-rated services near them. This is where a local business listing becomes your secret weapon, especially on a platform like Rockland County Now!   Still skeptical? Let’s dive into five ways being listed drives real people (with real wallets!) straight to your door.

Why Your Business Needs an Online Presence Beyond Social Media Social media is great, until it isn’t. Sure, platforms like Instagram and Facebook help businesses reach an audience, but let’s be honest: getting noticed on these crowded platforms feels like trying to yell your specials across a noisy marketplace. Not to mention, algorithms change faster than the weather in New York. If your posts aren’t perfectly timed or boosted with paid ads, they can vanish into the digital

How to Politely Escape Conversations About Other People’s Kids Networking events can be a lot like speed dating, except instead of...

Duct Tape Won’t Fix Your Business Plan Running a small business is a lot like assembling IKEA furniture: the instructions don’t always make sense, you’re never sure if you have all the pieces, and at some point, you’ll wonder if duct tape can save the day. Spoiler alert: it can’t.   While duct tape is a miracle worker for leaky pipes and last-minute Halloween costumes, it’s not the solution for patching up a shaky business plan. Let’s laugh through some common entrepreneur

Thanks, But No Thanks: The Art of Ignoring Condescending ‘Help’ as a Small Business Starting a small business is exciting, nerve-wracking, and often filled with unsolicited advice from strangers who think they know better. If you've ever launched a venture, chances are you’ve run into the "expert" who swoops in uninvited with their magic formula for success, often wrapped in a thinly veiled insult. It’s almost a rite of passage for small businesses.

It’s Like the Cool Kids’ Table, But Better Running a small business isn’t just a job. It’s like being the superhero of your community (cape optional). But even superheroes need a team, right? That’s where community websites swoop in, not with flashy capes but with something just as powerful: connection.   So, why should your business join a local community website? Sit tight, because we’re spilling the (sweet and locally roasted) beans.

Which Way is Best for Yours? Let’s face it: running a small business is like juggling while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Exciting? Absolutely. Challenging? More than a little. But here’s the good news, you're not alone. Every small business owner wonders at some point: Am I heading the right way? Is this helping my business grow or just burning my coffee budget?   We’re here to help you untangle the options, find the path that works for you

Do You Have What It Takes to Start? (Spoiler: Yes, You Do!) Starting a small business is like jumping into a cold pool on a hot summer day. It’s thrilling, nerve-wracking, and refreshingly bold. Most of us don’t have a shiny suitcase of cash or a 10-person dream team when we dive in. Let’s face it: many of us start with nothing more than big hearts, unwavering faith, and maybe one friend who’s good at Photoshop.

Together, We’re Stronger (and Happier!) Picture this: a small bakery recommending a local florist for your next bouquet, or a boutique...