|
Making Your Highland Chamber Membership Work:
Now that you have joined the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce, you are probably asking yourself "What Next?"
Here are some suggestions:
Both community minded individual members and business members benefit by attending chamber events, especially the Good
Morning Highland Breakfast, which is held quarterly. The breakfast program offers a Chamber orientation and it is also the
best way to find out about what is taking place within the City of Highland. The City of Highland's Community Development
Director gives an update on infrastructure, commercial and residential development.
In addition, our members are encouraged to attend the Chamber's monthly luncheons, which give you an opportunity to enjoy
a great lunch with other business professionals and civic minded individuals. Members find out about up to date business
and community issues along with current information from the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber staff.
Bring your marketing materials and plenty of business cards as we usually have 50 to 70 attendees. Luncheons are held
at the Elks Lodge from 11:30am - 1:00pm on the fourth Tuesday of every month with the exception of December. Topics are announced
in the monthly membership newsletter that is mailed directly to you along with being an insert in the Highland Community News.
Becoming a member presents you with many opportunities from growing your business to becoming more informed about the
Highland community. Being active can help you get the most out of your membership.
The Highland Area Chamber of Commerce is your information center and we are here for you.
Business Contact Tips:
When you receive the Chamber's membership newsletter, turn to the New Members section. Mail each one a personal note
congratulating the business for joining the Chamber. Meanwhile, include one of your business cards or promotional brochures.
This is a great way to introduce your products and services... before they spend money with one of your competitors!
When making an office call on a new client, look for signs of personal interests; a picture of a boat, travel photos,
painting and photos of family. Even the way the office is furnished can give you ideas for conversation icebreakers. People
like to talk about things that interest them.
Also, mornings are much easier to arrange than afternoon meetings.
This is a good way to start the day. Minds are fresh and life is a little calmer.
If business is slowing down and boredom sets in, remember setting goals could put the excitement back in the day. As
a professional, you know the importance of setting goals. Remember that businesses help make a community and you're part
of what makes Highland great.
Making the Most of Your Membership:
The Highland Chamber offers lots of opportunities to meet and promote your business. Promoting your business can make
a world of difference in the bottom line of any business and meeting other people face to face is one of the best ways to
promote you and your business.
Here's a quick guide on how to promote your business utilizing the Chamber.
Attend Chamber events regularly to make business contacts.
Provide door prizes for Chamber functions.
Join Chamber specialized groups to benefit your company.
Promote your business through Chamber publications.
Introduce yourself and shake hands often at Chamber events.
Give out business cards generously.
List products and services on back of your business card.
Thank clients openly for their business.
Wear a name badge with your company name on the right side of your body so that people see it when they shake your hand.
Do business with fellow Chamber members and be sure to tell them that you are a member.
Have fun and become active.
Making the Most of Networking:
Networking... the great way to increase the exposure of your product, your company and yourself. Best of all it's easy!
Worst, it is one of the most poorly practiced parts of the business world.
A few points about networking that will work for you. Use them often at all meetings and mixers.
Get there early for that is the best time to network. Latecomers have less time to mix, present themselves and win.
Bring your networking tools with you. Your name tag is important as are your business cards, brochures and flyers. Give
or exchange business cards when one is requested or proffered. Don't push sales material into people's hands. Use cards
to follow up on leads. Write comments on the back with your plan to set up the next contact and/or meeting.
Greet persons warmly, with a genuine smile and a firm handshake. Limp hands, like wet rags, leave a poor impression.
Come across as if you are the host and not the visitor. Believe in your efforts and put it to use. You will continue
to benefit.
Be comfortable in introducing people to one another. It gives a feeling of genuine interest, comfort and future friendship.
Be prepared to explain your product or services in a minute or less. It will require much practice to do it right effortlessly.
Don't expect to sell everyone or be disappointed if they don't buy! They may not need it or have an immediate interest!
Listen attentively to the other person and spend no more than ten minutes with one person! Time is a limited commodity.
Follow up with potential clients in a few days with a gentle reminder of the conversation you have had and try to set
up a meeting.
Keep your mind on why you are at the event; to network!
Avoid eating and drinking in excess. It is hard to network with your hands and mouth full.
Share leads with other non-competitive members. Networking thrives on give and take. A win-win situation for everyone.
Most of all smile, be pleasant and presentable. People are drawn to those who seem to be enjoying themselves.
Utilize Chamber Board Members and Chamber staff.
If you're a little on the shy side, don't hesitate to look for one of these people to help make you feel more comfortable;
to make an introduction or two. We'll do our best to help you mix as easily as possible.
|
