Chamber Conversations

Traffic Triggers – Focus the Information on Your Website!

2011-04-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Did you read the previous two Traffic Trigger articles? These are step-by-step lessons to help you successfully market your business on the Internet. The first talked about using the right words that people want to see in order to find your website. The second talked about the consequences of not following the rules when you publish information about your business.

Let’s visit your website again. Look carefully at each page – is there a main focal message for each page of your website? Or, have you crammed it with as much information as possible, hoping to tell everything you can about your business? The best websites have a tight focus about their message, and that focus matches what the user wants to experience when they visit the website.

When businesses hire me to write information for their website, I need to have a thorough understanding about their products and/or services. I also need to know what their prospective visitor wants to see about that product or service, and what their competitor has already done to beat them in the race when marketing that product or service.

Each page of your website should focus on a specific thing – one service type, one product type, or one category. If you try to cram too many keywords in one page, you confuse the only two audiences that matter – the search engines, and the people wanting to take action on your website.

If the search engines get confused when they see your site, they won’t rank it well against your competitor. If you’ve included too much of a variety on your main pages, the search engine won’t know what your focal point is, and won’t provide relevant search results to the person looking for you. You may not even show up in the search results, if you can’t focus your marketing efforts well enough!

If the visitor actually ends up at your website, and you haven’t kept a tight focal point, they may not know how to navigate or what you want them to do on your website. A confused mind doesn’t buy; a confused mind doesn’t take action; and a confused mind turns and runs away.

Take some time to look over each page of your website, and ask yourself, “What is the main focal point of this particular page?” Determine if you are confusing both of your visitors – the search engines and the human reader. If you are, then you may need help determining your marketing message better for your website.

Traffic Triggers – Give Good Information and Don’t Copy

2011-04-14T06:53:00.000-07:00

We all know about copyright issues – it was something you learned in your Basic English class. Don’t plagiarize and don’t take information from another place without citing your source – I can still remember my English teacher slapping her desk every time she brought this up!

The same is true on the Internet – did you know that there are ways of tracking information and content on the Internet to find out if it has been illegally used? Of course, there are legitimate ways of sharing information online, but even then, there are rules to follow.

This was an issue that Google looked at just over a month ago. They changed the rules, which was a good thing for most of us marketers, because it made things tougher. And, anytime something gets tougher, I know that it’s better for those who adapt to follow the new rules.

In a nutshell, there are valuable places to publish information about your business, your products, and your services online. They key traffic tips here are to make sure it is unique information, that it is relevant to your business, and that it is valuable to the viewer.

I’ve published articles about my services online at specific directories. Others may re-publish that information on their website, or in their marketing – as long as they cite the source and give me credit for the original publication. That’s the viral part of spreading the word about your business, and it works very well! That is how some of my keywords for marketing show up repeatedly in the first six pages of a Google search.

Unfortunately, many places online were dropping the ball at establishing and enforcing standards. Their English teacher would have probably given them an F for what they were publishing!

Google saw a lot of irrelevant, poorly written information spreading across the Internet, without the value that searchers were looking for. As a result, they adjusted their algorithm that decides where the traffic goes when people are searching online. The end result was that some businesses and other areas of the Internet lost more than 70% of their traffic within a week!

They were publishing short, copied information; that was lacking in value and authority. Now they have to adjust their marketing efforts to make up for that loss in business.

It’s best to start your traffic strategies already knowing the rules, and following those rules to the letter! If you want to understand how, visit me at one of the Chamber Marketing Lunch and Learn workshops to find out!

Traffic Triggers – How Do You Get Traffic To Your Website?

2011-04-12T06:52:00.000-07:00

There is a key ingredient in making online marketing work for your business, and this ingredient is so critical that it shouldn’t be overlooked.

When you have a business website, you need to do more than just speak to people and ask them to visit your site. You need traffic to your site, driving there 24/7, without you physically telling them to go there.

You need traffic, but not just any traffic will do. Your website should be jammed with targeted traffic that is genuinely interested in your offers. This traffic should already be pre-qualified, and ready to become part of your customer base. The best traffic to your website is relevant, targeted, and active traffic that will power your business and fuel your marketing campaigns.

So, the question is; how do you get your share?

There are over 40 different ways to generate traffic to your website. From search engine optimization, to feeder site resources, to pay per click marketing and sponsorship opportunities, there is no shortage of opportunities available to you.

This Traffic Trigger series will give you a quick guide to evaluating a number of options, so that you can develop a marketing campaign geared for success. Of course, if you’d like further information about how to effectively implement any of these traffic techniques, we can brainstorm ideas together sometime!

Traffic Starts at Home

Setting up your traffic strategy for success all begins at home, and before you work to develop off-site marketing campaigns, you need to first focus on optimizing every square inch of your website. This prepares it to start generating organic traffic from the major search engines.

Organic traffic is the crème de la crème of traffic, as it’s natural, targeted and organic – coming directly to your site after a user types relevant keyword phrases that the search engine has identified as being associated with your site.

Of course, you can’t set up your website successfully until you understand what those users are searching for in order to find your business! Most often, they don’t search for your business name, unless they already know that you exist.

Think through the key questions that people have when they visit your business. What are the key products or services they are looking for? Those are some of the same words they, or just about anyone else, will use to look for you on the Internet.

Many businesses ignore this first step in a traffic campaign. They spend countless hours, an wasted dollars, implementing online marketing, only to find out that they should have focused on entirely different words to bring traffic to their website.

How are you doing with your traffic triggers? The next article will explain why Google recently shut down traffic to some websites – and how you can avoid that happening to yours!

Three Marketing Necessities to Get Google to Love Your Business

2011-04-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

There is only one way to get Google to love your local business and that is to give Google what it wants. That makes sense, doesn’t it?

So what does Google want from you?

Relevant Keywords: Google wants you to use keywords that match what people are typing into its search engine. Google’s role is to connect customer queries to your website, using keywords as the traffic source. You need to use the same words that potential customers use when they want to find your business. If they are searching for green shirts and you are using purple shoes as your keyword, Google won’t match you to their search.

High Quality Content: Google wants you to use high quality content. It has an image and reputation to maintain and is getting stricter with determining whether the content published is relevant to the search being conducted. The content you publish needs to be well written, provide value to the reader, and be relevant to your industry. In fact, Google recently adjusted its algorithms to tighten up the standards for high quality content. Those businesses that published less-than ideal content noticed a drastic drop in traffic to their website.

Google Wants to See Relevant Backlinks: Backlinks are similar to road signs on the Internet, directing traffic to your website. You get backlinks a number of different ways, and Google is constantly judging whether your backlinks match what your industry represents. Connect to quality forums, social networks and websites that relate to your industry and to your business. Choose your backlink practices carefully, because your business success on the Internet really does depend upon it.

Follow these three guidelines in your online marketing efforts, and your business website will get noticed by Google in a good way, resulting in more traffic and more sales for your business.

Building Your Business to Benefit Others

2011-04-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

I spent a rather intense 13 months studying under Jay Abraham, who is undoubtedly one of the best business mentors and strategists around today. He's called "America's Number One Marketing Wizard," and has significantly increased business growth for thousands of clients across hundreds of industries.

Mr. Abraham set high expectations for our accomplishments between each of the live strategy sessions, and called us on the carpet when we fell short - because he sincerely believed we could do better. His homework assignments were tough, and I think it was because he saw potential in us that we hadn't realized yet, and wanted to give us hope to reach our goals.

There were many lessons that I learned from those mastermind training sessions, and many that I need to revisit as my business evolves and grows. And, I believe, that's a critical point for businesses today - take some time to revisit what you've done in the past, find where you need to grow, and find the help you need to make it happen.

Probably the biggest lesson I learned from Mr. Abraham has given me the desire to strive for a high level of service in my business. Granted, I am human and fall short of my goal, but the important factor is to bounce back, learn from it, and do better next time.

Mr. Abraham calls it the "Strategy of Preeminence." Here is how I recall his definition of that term, which is the underlying foundation of success for many businesses when they take their vision to this level.

As a successful business leader, you exhibit the Strategy of Preeminence when you are emphatically authoritative as a trusted advisor in your market. You have empathy for your clients, and work to develop their trust in you. You commit to enriching your client's lives, and to give them hope.

Operating in this Strategy of Preeminence, you are NOT trying to sell your products or services or your best interest, but instead you are focusing all your attention on helping and protecting your client.

Mr. Abraham also helped me visualize my marketing terms, specifically between the words of "customer" vs. "client". A customer is defined as "someone who buys a commodity or service" while a client is "someone who's under the care and protection of another."

Can your business take the Strategy of Preeminence challenge?

It is your responsibility to resolve problems for your client.
You need to make a personal connection.
You must make individuals feel special.
Surprise and delight your clients from time to time.
Always seek feedback and make improvements.
Pay attention to details.

Take time to revisit how you have been serving your clients, how you have been marketing to them, and how you need to grow to make it better for them.

Your Sales Funnel - Are You Keeping Your Funnel Full?

2011-04-06T21:33:00.000-07:00

Your business thrives and grows as you add more customers and satisfied clients. Sometimes, it is helpful to take a step back and examine how you obtained your current clients in order to plan future strategies. Take a few minutes to examine your existing strategies for getting more prospects and customers.

How are you drawing prospects to you who are ready to buy your products or services?
Are you using opt-in boxes on your website or sales pages?
Are you handing out business cards or working trade shows?
Do you have direct response mechanisms in newspapers, magazines, or the radio?
How are you meeting new people and drawing them to you?
Are you doing cold calling or direct mailing?

In order to keep your sales funnel full, you need to have a method or mechanism for drawing new people to you. Write down what methods you are currently using.

If you weren't able to come up with a method or mechanism that you are purposely using right now to get more prospects, you have a fundamental problem in your business. Take some time to plan out a few of these strategies, and get comfortable using them.

Hopefully, you wrote down at least 1-2 methods for getting new prospects. Now, what is the sales process that you use once you meet that new prospect? Typically, you are helping them to solve a problem, so how will you go about doing that?

Your next step is to plan out what happens after that new prospect makes an initial purchase with you. How are you moving them on to more sales with you, or for additional services that you provide? If you've planned out this sales funnel in advance, you are more likely to move prospects through to loyal customers who are ready and willing to give raving referrals to your business!

Plan ahead and implement methods to keep your sales funnel full. Remember to review these periodically, and make adjustments when necessary. Examine your sales funnel, and see what needs to be changed or improved upon. Change is a good thing, especially when you can integrate new ideas to better serve your customers!

Marketing Legalities - What Does Your Signature Say About You?

2011-04-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

When you send out emails for your business, do you sign your messages as...

Your First Name
OR
Your First Name and Your Last Name?

It's unfortunate to write this, but it is necessary to market yourself correctly in order to avoid unnecessary legal risks. Don’t present yourself as an individual, if, in fact, you are an established business entity.

If someone reads your email, they may assume that you, as an individual, have sent that email. If there is ever a reason for liability, as an individual you probably don't have a business entity protecting you.

You want to be clear that you're sending the email for your business instead, and also your position within the company.

Here are two good examples...

Example 1:

Susan Smith, Managing Member
Smith Widgets LLC

Example 2:

Joe Franks, President
Frankly Widgets Inc.

In these examples, both writers identify themselves by name, because that personal touch that is necessary in emails (and in many forms of marketing). However, they also list their company titles and the full names of their businesses.

So, how are you signing your emails? Sometimes the little things in life (and in business) make all the difference for success!

Relationship Marketing Tips - Everyone is Important

2011-04-04T22:08:00.000-07:00

Motivational speaker, Jay Block, recently recanted a lesson he learned early in his career, and I personally think it applies to anybody in business today, especially when considering the variety of people who are in your market audience.

Here's what Jay said....

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely, " said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello".

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

So my challenge to you today is, "Who are the Dorothy's in your life who you haven't met yet?" Every Dorothy can be just as influential for your business as the President of a company. Every person has an opinion about your company, whether it is good or bad.

Take time to get to know the Dorothy-people in your market audience, in addition to the decision-makers whom you normally deal with. Dorothy's positive or negative comments and opinions can be just as strong for the future of your business as your regular contacts.

Short Marketing Tips - April Fool's Day Marketing Trends

2011-04-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

I recently wrote an Online Press Release for a client who wanted publicity for his sweepstakes drawing that was scheduled for April Fools' Day. Curiosity got the better of me, and I spent a little time researching how other successful marketers used that day, and other special days, in their marketing plan.

Now, April Fools' Day isn't really a day of celebration, but a lot of people get into the action with some type of practical joke or prank. And, when you think back to some April Fools' Day events in your past, don't you remember those pranks or jokes? Admit it, you can probably recall some of the expressions or comments of previous April Fool pranks, even though they are from years ago!

Use this as a marketing idea to "think outside the box" for a moment. If a company promoted a tasteful, non-threatening April Fools' joke in their marketing campaign, don't you think it would increase their brand awareness?

Here are a couple of examples I found through Wikipedia:

In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times announcing that they had purchased the Liberty Bell to "reduce the country's debt" and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell". When asked about the sale, White House press secretary Mike McCurry replied tongue-in-cheek that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold and would henceforth be known as the Lincoln Mercury Memorial.

In 1998, Burger King ran an ad in USA Today, saying that people could get a Whopper for left-handed people whose condiments were designed to drip out of the right side. Not only did customers order the new burgers, but some specifically requested the "old" right-handed burger.

April Fools' jokes online, however, should probably be used with caution if they involve product purchases or downloads. I was searching my sources to purchase rights to use a photo in marketing, and the site changed the purchase page to say "Free - or is it?" with a link to click. I clicked the link, thinking there was a coupon or a package special to buy, and found an April Fools' graphic laughing at me. Needless to say, I decided not to download from that site until the joke disappeared. I was leery of downloading more than I wanted.

So, take some time in your marketing plan to "think outside the box", but think through the end result carefully. How can your business use marketing trends to increase your brand awareness?

Still More Marketing Tips You Can Implement Today

2011-03-31T09:36:00.000-07:00

These tips are published here with the consent of Debra Power of Get Power Marketing. Her recent presentation through the LEDC regarding creating a marketing plan was very helpful and highly informative. If you would like to contact Debra, her website is http://www.getmarketingpower.com/ and her phone number is 734-741-1134.

Encourage repeat business right from the start. This can be done by in-store, email or Facebook only offers. In services businesses, it's important to get to know your customers and help them to be familiar with all the ways you may be of service to them.

Train your staff to answer the phone with a friendly, marketing-specific message. Be sure all of the people in the business who may answer the phone are informed and on board.

Remember: your best customers are your existing customers. It takes six times the marketing dollars to convert a prospect to a customer compared with an exisitng customers. If some one is already doing business with you, then it's probably safe to say that they like you and would probably buy from you again. Make sure you do whatever you can to keep it that way. Keep them happy.

Present demonstrations, workshops and consultations whenever possible. People like to do business with people they view as knowledgible and experts at what they do. Workshops can be an interactive way for your customers to become involved with your products or services.

Choose a charity and become an advocate. This is good for the charity, good for your community, good for your personal well being and can be a PR asset. The PR is in last place though, because the other benefits are so much more important.

Review you hours of operation and see if new hours might be more appealing to your prospects/customers. Ask your customers for input. Post the question on your Facebook page. Depending on the type of business, after hours appointments may be appropriate.

In addition to today's marketing tips, I also wanted to mention the wealth of marketing information shared at today's Adrian in the AM. The presenters from various marketing related businesses offered professional marketing insight. The program concluded with a marketing tips lighting round among the morning's speakers. Thanks for all the information and thanks Ann for the great Adrian in the AM topic.

Among the upcoming announcements in the Adrian Area Chamber email newsletter you will find information on the next Marketing SIG Lunch and Learn. It will be held on Friday April 22nd and promises to be another great marketing session. Another thanks is due to Ann for giving me the opportunity to share some marketing thoughts and ideas with the Chamber Conversations blog readers. Stay tuned to this blog for more useful and interesting marketing information.

Strategies for Email Marketing

2011-03-29T13:43:00.000-07:00

People are so inundated with information everyday, it's hard to get their attention. Consider how many emails you receive that you don't read. These strategies will help prevent your email marketing from falling victim to the delete key.

At the top of the list is having permission to send email marketing to a recipient. There are a variety of ways to build an email list. In the email marketing we do for our business, the email service offers tips on growing your email list. One idea is at your store, or when you meet people you would like to add to your list, simply ask them if it's okay to send them your email marketing.

Be familiar with the people on your list. This gives you the opportunity to segment your list by interest or provide information that you know will be of interest to everyone on your list. Requesting replies to your email also helps gauge what gets the attention of your recipients. Monitor your in box for feed back and reply to comments and questions.

Keep your email marketing personal by using the recipients' names. It makes bulk email seem more personal. The email marketing service we use does this for us.

Email marketing may not be as effective during holiday seasons. People are distracted with other activities. If you have a retail business and your recipients have opted to receive your emails, then shopping seasons are prime emailing marketing times for you. Business to business service organizations may want to think about sending their email marketing early in the week for at work consumption. Business to consumer business may want to email market closer to the weekend when more people have free time to take advantage of email offers.

Email subject lines should state an immediate benefit to the recipient. Mention a discount or ask an interesting question. It's a good idea to avoid $ and ! and "free" as these may trigger spam filters. Our email subject line is the title of our newsletter, which includes our business name.

If you include a call to action, make it clear and easy to follow through. If you want recipients to print a coupon, test it to make sure it works. If you want them to click through to your website, make sure the link works. If you want them to do something specific when they land on your website, make it easy to find and complete.

The email service we use provides us with a variety of statistics regarding our email newsletter. We can learn who opened the newsletter and how many times. Who opted in or out, who clicked through and more. This is usefull information for the purpose of personal follow up and other business purposes.

Email marketing is inexpensive but has significant impact. Our average open rate has been around 30%. If you compare that with direct mail, which is ususally around 2% to 5% and much more expensive, you can see why we find email marketing appealing. The Chamber has a very nice email newsletter and is a good example of how email marketing can be done well. If you would like to see our Boulevard Financial newsletter, please send me an email at boulevardfinancial@comcast.net.

Presentable Presentations

2011-03-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

While not all businesses employ presentations as part of their marketing. For those that do, presentations may be very important to the business - prospect relationship. Presentations, in that context are intended to inform in an interesting way and move the audience from prospect to client.

To have an effective presentation it's important to be well informed about the audience. What do they already know about the topic? Why would the topic be of interest or of value? What do you want them to do as a result of the presentation? Why would they not want to do that? The audience, for the presentation to be effective, needs to know why they should think you are credible and qualified. To augment the connection, building a rapport through common interests is a real asset.

The job of the presentation is to take the audience through the process of seeing the current situation and then understanding what could be. Even if the audience has the information they need to make a decision and it's presented in an interesting, credible and persuasive way, without a call to action, the audience may not understand what the next step should be. Some call to action tools, may be spelling out a time line for the next step. Having appropriate paper work on hand and asking for the desired action is another way to go. People with a sales background reading this will recognize this step.

Some nuts and bolts things to keep in mind include making sure that there isn't too much detail on one page. The audience won't be able to take it in. If possible, use photos or images to illustrate your message. If you use a template or a logo on each page, observe that this takes up a large part of area that could be used for clean simple lettering and images. The audience will comprehend the message better with less information per page and one clean sharp font used in a limited number of sizes.

Before your presentation, go through it with someone you trust to give you an honest opinion. Walk through it in your mind until you are comfortable with the flow and how it relates to the audience. Hopefully these tips will help you create and deliver more effective presentations.

More Marketing Tips You Can Implement Today

2011-03-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

These Marketing Tips You Can Implement Today are published here with the permission of Debra Power of Get Marketing Power. Her recent presentation at LEDC was highly informative and very helpful. You can learn more about Debra by going to her website GetMarketingPower.com or call 734-741-1134. These are some of Debra's useful and clever tips.

Host a contest for something related to your business. Keep in mind the expense of the prize and any collateral expenses versus the benefit.

Make your telephone on-hold message a marketing tool. Keeping this fresh is a great idea.

Start a blog. If you have email addresses for your customers, contact them and invite them to follow you. Be sure to put your blog address in other promotional materials, including your business cards.

Review your pricing strategy and see if there are opportunities to improve. It's not a bad idea to know what your competition is charging for the same or similar items. Is it possible for you to afford a loss leader for a period of time to bring new people into the store? If you offer a loss leader, it's important to advertise. Your pricing may also need revising if there is something you offer that just isn't selling. Remember that your customers may also have some insight for you on this topic.

Keep quality a priority. Customers are disappointed with shoddy merchandise. If you have a service business, make sure that your entire team is on the quality band wagon. Customers remember and share a good experiences with a business. Customers remember and share not so good ones too. For which would you prefer to be remembered?

All About Women

2011-03-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

If your business could benefit from meeting your customers face to face, then "All About Women" could be just the event for you. "All About Women" Women's Health Fair and EXPO is being held Saturday, April 16th at The Centre. This event allows businesses to sell, show & demonstrate their products and services to a mostly female audience attending the event. The cost to be a vendor is reasonable and an 8 foot skirted table is provided in each of the 10' X 7' display spaces.

For most businesses, women are a highly desirable audience. They tend to lead the way or have a lot of input on many decisions in their home. Women also make up a large share of business owners. Some vendors at the show may find women an attractive audience because their products are appealing to women.

Women attend the EXPO because the price of admission includes health screenings, pampering services, workshops and more. The featured speaker this year is America's Nutritionist, Zonya Foco. If participating as a vendor isn't in your plans for one reason or another, coming out to attend promises to be loads of fun. For more information on being a vendor or attending, contact the Chamber 265-2320.

Marketing Tips You Can Implement Today

2011-03-18T09:16:00.000-07:00

The tips in this post are shared with the permission of Debra Power of Get Power Marketing. Recently I attended a workshop at LEDC presented by Debra. She is an exceptional speaker and her presentation was both informative and useful. If you have an opportunity to hear her speak in the future, I would recommend it. Just for reference, her web address is http://www.getmarketingpower.com/ and her phone number is 734-741-1134. The title of her presentation was Your Path to Marketing Success and the core topic was developing a marketing plan. Since wiser minds than I have recently addressed that topic, I'm simply going to pull out a few key tips for simple marketing steps you can take today. These are drawn from the workshop booklet I received at the meeting.

Survey your customers. They are a treasure trove of valuable information.

Create a customer database and use it. It requires 6 times the marketing expenditure to gain a new customer compared with getting an existing customer to do business with you again.

Follow up with your customers after the sale. They will be impressed that you care.

Use coupons, offer free samples or a free hour of consultation. Consider the impact on your bottom line before implementing this tip.

Hand out free promotional gifts. See above.

Re-examine your signage. Look at your business inside and out, like you have never seen it before. This can be a real eye opener.

Enjoy your weekend everyone! Spring is just around the corner.

Your Telephone Is A Marketing Tool

2011-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

There is a marketing tool in every business that can be put to better use today. It's your telephone. How you answer your phone may be a new undiscovered asset to your marketing.

To begin with basics, all your staff should answer the phone the same way. Think about first impressions. How do you want your staff to sound and what do you want the caller to think about your business as a result of the phone being answered? There is one business I have called a couple of times recently where the person who usually answers the phone sounds like they dislike talking to customers. Not a good first impression. Consider that on the other end of the phone line is a potential or existing customer and you have the opportunity to communicate something about your business. What will it be?

If you are having a sale or a special event, a very brief description of the promotion may be a good way to start. If you are unique in the market place and have a slogan that reflects that, saying your slogan as a part of phone answering protocol may be a good choice. Using the fast food drive thru approach may be something to consider. If you have a new product, ask the caller if they would like information about it. Even if they aren't interested at that moment, they know about something else you have to offer. This can also be used for product lines that you already have, but would like to emphasize. If you have a recorded message on hold, update it to include new information you would like to communicate about your business.

Remember to get everyone in your business who may be answering the phone on board with the kind of first impression you would like to give callers. The caller has already sought you out, you have the opportunity to give them another reason to do business with you.

Adrian Area Chamber Shared Interest Groups

2011-03-14T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce offers members a valuable resource through Shared Interest Groups (SIG). Currently, there are two, Technology and Marketing.

Tomorrow the Technology group will meet at the Chamber office for a Lunch 'n' Learn regarding smart phones, Blackberries and Android phones. Mike McLemore is facilitating this conversation so those attending can make better use of their phones for practical and business purposes. There are some really smart people involved with the Chamber.

On March 25, the Marketing SIG will have a Lunch 'n' Learn covering location based apps. Details to be announced. The Marketing SIG has been especially helpful to me personally. I represent my organization's products and I am also responsible for the marketing. I have a marketing background, but I certainly don't know all of the answers.

Recently, I signed up to participate in the "All About Women" expo. While I've attended and represented a business at an expo before, I've never planned a booth, materials etc. I mentioned this at a Marketing SIG meeting and within a few minutes had lots of new ideas offered by members of the group. Like I said, there are some really smart people involved with the Chamber.

The Marketing Lunch 'n' Learn meeting in February covered creating and executing a marketing plan. It was presented by Gaynor Meilke who is Director of Corporate Relations at Siena Heights University. There was a lot a very good feed back. And no wonder, many businesses can benefit from information on planning marketing.

Each week the Adrian Chamber sends an email with information on upcoming events as well as some additional reminders during the week. If you haven't had time to look these over, take a moment to check out the emails. You may be pleasantly surprised at the learning opportunities that are available through the Chamber.

Adrian Area Chamber Marketing Benefits

2011-03-11T11:35:00.001-08:00

The Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce offers its members a wide variety of marketing opportunities. Some are networking, others are forms of advertising.

Networking offers the opportunity to mingle with and get to know other local business people. From the business point of view, the more people you know and the more relationships you form, the better chance you have of doing business. Customers like to do business with people they know. Potential business, of course, isn’t the only benefit of networking. I’ve found that AACC members are a really nice group of people, very enjoyable to be around and really worth getting to know. As Ann says “The Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce is a living, breathing social network”.

With AACC, the potential for member networking occurs almost weekly. There are shared interest groups in technology and marketing. Chamber Ambassadors actively promote the Chamber and get to know members through a variety of activities. Monthly breakfast meetings are a great way to get acquainted with other Chamber members. The Chamber offers learning opportunities, expos, golf outings, Business After Hours and more.

AACC also has a variety of advertising opportunities available for Chamber members. On the Chamber website, members receive their own business page and a link to their business website. The Chamber will do email blast and offers Chamber email newsletter advertising. The Chamber membership mailing list is available to members on request. Members are also listed by name and category in the Chamber directory. Members may also sponsor various Chamber events and offer literature at the Chamber Information Center. There are also some group advertising opportunities through the year. This is only a partial list.

For more details on any of these networking, marketing and advertising opportunities, contact the Chamber office at 517-265-2320.

Audience, Message and "Pure Michigan"

2011-03-10T13:05:00.001-08:00

The audience and message for the "Pure Michigan" campaign is as broad and vast as the state itself. The tourism campaign is a "come one come all" invitation for visitors to enjoy the state and spend money.  But the campaign is anything but random.  With over ten television commercials and nearly 60 different radio ads, the campaign is highly segmented. Some commercials address cultural attractions, other showcase beaches, family vacations, fishing and autumn colors. Each message is designed to tell a receptive audience why a Michigan vacation is right for them. When considering the complexity of the Michigan campaign it makes marketing one's businesses almost seem simple.

Let's start with a definition.  A target audience for a business, in essence means current and potential customers. Your target audience is the focus of your marketing in order to sell your products or services. Generally they already have an interest in what you have to offer. A target audience can be subdivided by interests, income or demographics.

Your current customers are tremendous information resource. By talking with and surveying them a business owner can learn what need is being filled, what solution is being provided by your business. Why do they do business with you? What do they like and not like? Based on your business there may be other key questions your current customers can answer.  When you are trying to attract birds of a feather, it's good to know why the birds you have are showing up in the first place. Using that information in marketing means you are addressing the needs of potential as well as current customers. Tell the audience you are the answer or solution to their need. When you have a campaign in place, be sure to inform your employees so they can reinforce the message.

When one observes the "Pure Michigan" television or radio ads, it stands out that the pacing is gentle, but the message is informative. This model is helpful in understanding that less is truly more in marketing. If a message is crammed with information, the audience misses a great deal. It seems that people today function with their minds running in several directions at the same time. A simple marketing message is easier to understand and remember. And of course, one of the purposes of marketing is to be remembered.

The next post will cover some of the marketing tools available exclusively to Adrian Area Chamber members.

Media and "Pure Michigan"

2011-03-07T11:37:00.001-08:00

The "Pure Michigan" advertising campaign is carried out on television, radio, on-line and in print. Having a combination of media helps to reach a broader cross section of the desired audience. For most businesses, consistently using a limited number of paid media options is best. Most advertising budgets only allow for doing one or two things well. Knowing your audience and your message will help you determine which media is right for your business.

Radio is a good choice for business events and image marketing. It's important for the advertiser to have a large enough budget to create the desired impact or consistency with radio. Television also requires consistent repetition to have the desired effect. Television and radio both are good at demographic targeting. Television offers the advertiser the opportunity to show what they have to offer in an eye catching format. The "Pure Michigan" marketing uses both television and radio for the ability to evoke emotion and build image.

The on-line portion of the "Pure Michigan" marketing includes a website, Facebook and YouTube. A website can be done well and inexpensively but needs to be updated regularly. To have an appropriate website designed it's best to know what the purpose of the site will be. Facebook is free but requires a time commitment to to keep it fresh. Facebook is great for customer interaction and Facebook only offers. YouTube may not be right for all businesses. Perhaps having a customer contest to create a YouTube video for your business could be fun and attract attention.

The print portion of the "Pure Michigan" campaign is the annual Michigan travel guide. It provides details about attractions and events all over Michigan. Most local businesses aren't likely to require a publication that large or detailed. Print media is a good choice if you have a lot of information or images to share and the distribution area and audience meet your needs. A good use for newspaper in particular is event marketing, as it allows the reader to keep a copy of the important ad.

Other marketing options to consider are direct mail and email marketing. Both are great tools for customer loyalty marketing. Email marketing also offers you the opportunity to provide information to your customers to potentially position your business as expert in your category.

The next post will cover audience.

Strategy, Planning and "Pure Michigan" Part 2

2011-03-04T13:01:00.001-08:00

There is one important step that comes before anything else. In order to plan a campaign and set any goal, a business owner needs to understand what makes their store or company unique and why their customers choose to do business with them. Those pieces of information will determine your goal, your theme and your media choice. Knowing who you are and what you are doing right will help you decide what you want your next step to be. Your theme is based on your identity and your goal. Your media choice is, in large measure, determined by who you are trying to reach and what has worked for you in the past.

It’s evident from the quality and results of the “Pure Michigan” campaign that the agency behind it put a lot of time and effort into planning before writing a single script or buying any media time. The energy spent on a marketing plan, know matter what size the business, is well worth it.

The next post will look at media.

Strategy, Planning and "Pure Michigan"

2011-03-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

When the strategy behind the "Pure Michigan" campaign is analyzed, it is easy to see that there are many things that were done right. A well done marketing campaign rarely happens by accident or chance. It is well thought out from beginning to end. The state of Michigan hired a top tier advertising agency to plan and execute their tourism campaign.

Although most small business people don’t have access to a high end advertising agency, there are high quality media people who have the knowledge and experience to be an asset when it comes to developing a marketing plan. It would be helpful to identify creative and successful media people that you trust to help you with ideas and direction.

The common characteristics of a well designed marketing plan include a stated goal, a consistent theme and the commitment to carry out the plan on an on going basis. If the goal of the marketing is defined, then the advertiser will know if it has been successful. It’s important to plan the manner in which the campaign will be carried out, including budget and media, to be certain that consistency is attainable.

The next post will deal with the first step in a marketing plan.

What We Can Learn From "Pure Michigan"

2011-03-02T10:43:00.001-08:00

The Pure Michigan tourism advertising campaign recently had its funding renewed by the Michigan state legislature. State Representative Brad Jacobsen was quoted as saying "Pure Michigan is essential in promoting Michigan tourism to both residents and out-of-state visitors. The program has been a tremendous boost to our struggling economy and investing in the campaign will bring additional recognition and business to Michigan tourist attractions." The Pure Michigan campaign is being funded largely from the 21st Century Jobs Fund.

The campaign was launched in 2006. In its first three years the advertising is said to have brought 5 million new visitors to Michigan and they spent approximately $1.3 billion dollars. The Pure Michigan campaign has been recognized with both state and national honors. This high quality marketing effort has yielded measurable results. So why has it been so successful and what can the average business owner learn from the strategy and the message? We'll look at the answers to those questions and more in the next few days. For today, use the link below to view some of the ads in the Pure Michigan tourism campaign. www.michigan.org

60 Minute Marketing Plan Presentation

2011-02-25T16:01:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at today's lunch and learn presenting 'The 60 Minute Marketing Plan'. Thank you to everyone who came and shared ideas. If you weren't able to attend, you can download the presentation here.

Happy Marketing!

See You Tomorrow!

2011-02-24T16:22:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to seeing some of our local businesses out for the Lunch and Learn at Adrian Public Library tomorrow (Friday at noon). The program is entitled 'The 60 Minute Marketing Plan' and will cover six simple steps to developing and evaluating a comprehensive marketing plan.

Social Media Ground Rule # 5: Integration

2011-02-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the last 'rule' of social media...of course, these are really guidelines meant to help you shape your own social media presence. Of all of the rules, integration is the one that many organizations overlook, but it's key in maximizing your brand's meaning in the marketplace and leveraging the ROI from all of your other communications efforts.

Make sure that you create a 'closed loop' of connections between the content and calls to action that you use on social media sites and the rest of your marketing, whether it is a web site, a brochure, or a presentation. Consistency of message, content, and values is as key for social platforms as it is for anything else you add to your marketing mix.

Social Media Ground Rule # 4: Make Real Connections

2011-02-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

Of all of the 'rules' of social media, #4 may be the toughest to implement. What makes social media so wonderfully different from traditional media is its ability to help organizations have real-time, candid connections with customers, prospects, and the world-at-large. This means that the typical marketing one-way communication mind-set won't work in the social sphere. You can post content all day long on a social media site, but it won't do any good for your communications ROI if you don't respond in a timely and true manner to the content your followers/friends/fans create on your social assets.

Social Media Ground Rule #3: Content Considerations

2011-02-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

Now that you've got a clear objective and a resource or two committed to keeping your social media assets up-to-date, the time has come to decide what content is going to be shared through these channels.

What you share should be relevant to your target audience and drive them to specific action--similar to any other media you might use. Some examples of action-inspiring content might include a Tweet with a link back to your website or a special 'Facebook' only promotion. Image posts tend to garner more feedback and views than text-only posts--and even though videos can go viral, they take longer to download and view than simple photo content, which can decrease the number of actual complete impressions.

Also related to content considerations is the quantity of material put out into the social sphere. More is not necessarily better. Focus on quality messaging that is of value to your audiences rather than many superficial interactions, many of which may garner no response at all.

Social Media Ground Rule #2: Commitment

2011-02-15T03:38:00.000-08:00

Now that you've identified your business objectives for entering the social media sphere, the next step is to determine the resources you are going to commit to establishing and keeping your presence positive there. This most likely means that you will need to delegate the keeping of your social spaces to someone on your team or a third-party content provider. Be sure that whomever is responsible for updating your social media presence is fully aware of your objectives and well-informed about your company.

How often should you update your FB page? Emerging research shows that unless you have a real-time event occurring, once a day is plenty (btw, Wednesdays before noon are one of the peak traffic times on FB...the weekends are the least trafficked times). Twitter followers tend to accept more frequent updates, but use your discretion--too many tweets may turn off your audience.

Social Media Ground Rule #1

2011-02-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

The business world is abuzz with the power and potential of social media, but the true success stories are few and far between when it comes to the average organization utilizing Facebook, Twitter, and other social platforms. Why is this? Perhaps it is because there are a few 'ground' rules that are ignored by many corporate users of social media.

The next few posts will focus on five key 'rules' that can really impact a company's success with social media. So let's start with #1:

Start With a Clear Objective

Social media is no different than any other activity that a business engages in: there needs to be a reason for devoting the time to it. There needs to be a payback, ROI, a measurable result.

Here are a few social media objectives to consider:
- to connect with customers
- to obtain specific feedback from customers
- to provide a special place for promotions, premium content, and other things that may be offerred only to engaged customers
- to bring customers, prospects, and employees together in a genuine forum.
- to provide 'real-time' updates/news/feedback

What are your objectives for utilizing social media?

In Case You Were One of the 5 People Who Missed It...

2011-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

Check out all of the Super Bowl commercials here: http://superbowlads.fanhouse.com/
Then let us know which one was your favorite and why!

The Age-Old Debate Rages On: Marketing vs. Sales

2011-02-04T11:25:00.001-08:00

Many businesses struggle with striking the right balance between their marketing and sales efforts. Hopefully, most of us are enlightened enough to know that without marketing finding prospects or leads to follow up with would be much more difficult and without a good sales strategy closing the transactions that bring in revenue would be darn near impossible.

The 'traditional' definition of marketing is 'everything that you do to reach and persuade prospects.' Sales are everything that you do to close the sale and get a signed agreement or contract. A business won't survive without both of these functions, however, an organization will thrive if the right balance is struck between them.

Think about marketing as setting the stage for sales to occur. If your prospects have never heard of your company or its products and a salesperson contacts them, the sales process is going to be that much harder and longer. Good marketing reaches the right prospects with the right message to create demand, preparing the prospect to buy. Marketing can include advertising, public relations, brand marketing, viral marketing, direct mail, social media, and online activites--just to name a few tactics.

Traditionl sales usually involves some sort of interpersonal interaction. E-commerce has added a different kind of dynamic where the interaction happens through an online transaction (note: it is usually marketing efforts that get prospects to the site to purchase.)

Research has shown that it takes eight contacts to move a prospect or potential client to the close of the sale. Marketing can move a prospect along in the process and 'warm' them up for a sales professional to close the deal. For most organizations, success in marketing and in sales depends on balance!

Culture: The Game Changer

2011-02-03T03:34:00.000-08:00

What happens inside your organization from a 'people' perspective--often called culture--has such a profound impact on overall business success, that it is wise to take some time to evaluate whether the way you walk and talk internally is in line with your external brand, marketing strategy, and sales activities.

For example...if you are going to build your brand around a 'Satisfaction Guaranteed' promise, your company culture must make it possible to deliver on that promise by empowering employees to produce a great product that is less likely to create customer dissatisfaction, to take care of any issues customers encounter along the way, and to celebrate a sense of pride about your company and its products or services. Otherwise, the promise becomes just another unfulfilled marketing gimmick that today's savvy consumer will never embrace.

The Power of Simplicity

2011-02-01T17:30:00.000-08:00

Clear the clutter...reduce the amount of copy, chop the number of daily FB posts, be careful about the amount of talking you do on a sales call. Use the extra space and time to solicit and analyze your audience's feedback. Make it easy for your target audience to understand your point of view and then provide their own perspective.

Incorporating this practice into your everyday communications is simple and the results can be invaluable.

2011 Marketing Trends in a Nutshell

2011-01-30T09:44:00.000-08:00

Do you have a small business? Are you interested in the marketing trends for 2011? This article by Susan Gunelius at Entrepreneur.com
via Reuters.com sums up what you need to know perfectly.

As the global economy struggles to correct itself, and social-media marketing becomes a strategic imperative, small businesses will have exciting opportunities to expand in new directions this year.

The need for trust, value and brand transparency, among other trends from last year, are just as important today. But the current shift to geotargeting, mobile marketing and online reputation management require that small businesses modify their plans to surpass competitors.

Here are 10 marketing trends that small businesses should incorporate now to be positioned for success from the start.

1.Building reliable brand advocates. The idea that you need tens of thousands of Twitter followers, blog subscribers, LinkedIn connections and Facebook friends to build your business via social media is dead. Quality connections with those who are loyal to the business and the brand are far more helpful to spread your message than large groups of connections who disappear after the first interaction.

2.Excelling in one area rather than being all things to all people. This will be a year for small businesses to focus on their unique niches and position themselves as the definitive source for information, products and services related to the specific places in the markets where they operate.

3.Creating quality content as a viable marketing tool. Social media marketing and content marketing go hand-in-hand, and this is the year businesses will create useful content that adds value to the online conversation and to people's lives. The Web is a cluttered place. Amazing content is essential to break through the noise.

4.Moving more marketing dollars to social media. Statistics show that large and small companies are shifting budget dollars to social media and other digital marketing initiatives and away from print and radio advertising. Consumers spend more time online than ever and to reach them and stay competitive, small businesses need to have a presence on the social Web.

5.Tracking brand reputations on the social Web in greater detail. Social media has given consumers a large platform to voice their opinions, and small-business owners are realizing the importance of actively monitoring their reputation on the Web. With dashboards and social media aggregators like Hootsuite and Spredfast, it's easier than ever for small businesses to develop, nurture and track their stature online.

6.Increase in branded online experiences to meet diverse consumer needs. Simply having a Twitter account or Facebook page isn't enough this year. Small businesses must surround consumers with branded online destinations such as a blog, LinkedIn profile, YouTube channel, Flickr profile and so on. Consumers can then pick and choose how they want to interact with your brand. Of course, quality trumps quantity, so extending a brand across the social Web must be done strategically to maximize opportunities without compromising content and communications.

7.Pursuing mobile marketing. There is absolutely no doubt this is the year of mobile marketing. While still in its infancy, it is the marketing imperative of the future. With mobile advertising, branded mobile apps and mobile marketing apps like Foursquare, consumers will expect businesses to have a mobile presence in 2011.

8.Geotargeting and localized marketing will become a top priority. Local discount websites like Groupon and local review sites like Yelp make it easy for consumers to find deals and reviews about businesses in their neighborhoods and beyond. Creating targeted, local marketing campaigns using these popular tools will become the norm this year.

9.Accepting that silo marketing is ineffective. Offline, online and mobile marketing initiatives create an opportunity to lead consumers from one message to another by integrating those strategies. You can drive a significantly higher return on investment by cross-promoting branded online destinations, discounts, contests and events.

10.Co-marketing to boost returns and lower marketing costs. The economy is still struggling, which means small businesses can benefit from economies of scale by partnering with complementary businesses to develop co-marketing programs in 2011. Promotional partnerships not only lead to reduced costs but also can lead to increased exposure to new audiences.

This year, all businesses will be experimenting with a variety of online, localized and mobile marketing initiatives. Remember, even if you're not leveraging marketing trends and opportunities, your competitors are.

Are You "We-ezing"? Try "You-sing" Instead

2011-01-29T04:59:00.000-08:00

It's a simple yet difficult mindset to attain, but it's a critical element of successful and relevant marketing strategies: think and act from the customer's point of view.

As tough as it might be to accept, the truth is, the buyer of your product or service and/or the supporter of your organization is only going to be moved into the desired action (i.e. buy something, give money or time) if there is something in it for them. What is that 'something'? It should be the crux of your marketing message.

Take a look at your marketing collateral, your organization's language and policies, your website--if you're referring to 'we', 'our' or 'our company name' more than you are framing your information from a customer's point of view, you're 'we-ezing'. Try 'you-sing' by talking about the benefits an individual receives by being involved in your organization--the ones that matter to them...not you.

2010-11-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

People regularly ask questions about the Chamber. "What is it? What does it do?" Recently we updated the wnswers to those questions and have adopted the following "Elevator Speech" that describes the Chamber to a tee!

" The Adrian Area Chamber is a living breathing social network that enables members to create personal and professional relationships. It is a resource for information and learning, a collaborative partner and a venue for interpersonal interaction. Members are often only one degree of separation, one phone call or one introduction away from many of the people they want to meet - potenetial customers and vendors, community, political and business leaders."

If you don't have an effective, descriptive "Elevator Speech", start working on one today. It's one of your best marketing tools.

Ann Hughes
President & CEO
Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce
www.adrianareachamber.com

Keeping your customers happy

2010-11-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

I recently came across an article that focused on things that we can all do to keep our members, clients and customers happy and returning to our businesses and organizations. It was in the October edition of the Chamber's Business Intelligence Report which also has articles on local sourcing for small businesses, crowd funding and what the increasing number of multi-generational households means for businesses in terms of supply, packaging and marketing.

Do you know that there are better times to post on FaceBook than others? The author of this piece says that Friday posts result in more engagements than any other day and are followed by Tuesday and Wednesday. The lowest rates of response follow Saturday and Sunday posts,

The publication also includes a short article which insists that customers really do pay more for exceptional service and do so willingly! Research shows they will pay up to 10% more for service that exceeds their expectations. Keep that in mind as you deal with customers and train employees on how to work with customers as well.

To request a copy of the October Business Intelligence Report, call the Chamber at 265-2320, Members receive an e-mail edition each month.

Ann Hughes, President and CEO

Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce

517-265-2320

www.adrianareachamber.com

Regenerate Tech Conference & EXPO

2010-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Technology can make your operation more efficient, maximize the efforts of yourself and your employees, reduce costs and make dealing with your clients and customers simpler! Learn how this Saturday, Ocotber 16th at ReGenerate - Business & Tech onference & EXPO. Logon to www.regentechexpo.com to learn all the details.

regeneragte

2010-08-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Regenerate Business and Technology Conference and EXPO is a result of a collaboration between the Chamber, LISD Tech and JCC @ LISD TECH. It will take place at the TECH Center on Saturday, October 16th. It is a business-to business event that will feature lectures, workshops, and opportunities to engage vendors who have the ability to address participants' technology needs.

Available at the event will be management and small bu...siness consultants to speak with business owners about their needs and concerns. The Business Resource Center will be free and open to all attendees. We than Sounth Central Michigan Works for sponsoring this portion of Regenerate!

Guest speakers, Pat Farver, President and CEO, Blissfield Manufacturing Company and Oded Gur-Arie, Ph.D. will offer keynote addresses at this inaugural event developed by the Chamber, LISD TECH and JCC @ LISD TECH. They will be addressing new environmental technologies being developed at Blissfield Manufacturing and fostering entrepreneurial initiatives and creating jobs in today’s economic environment, respectiveoly.

Additionally, the LISD TECH Center will have their technology programs/labs open for viewing and local auto dealers will be on hand with displays of the latest in vehicular tecnologies.

Cost to attend is $20 per person and businesses are encouraged to purchase advance tickets for employees. Vendors will be supplying prizes and attendees will be able to select which prize(s) they would like to have a chance to win! Brochures will be available by September 8th and will be online by that date as well. Call the Chamber at 265-2320 for more details.

2010-07-26T08:36:00.000-07:00

A recent post from the Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center recommends joining your local chamber of commerce in order to find support during the current challenging economic times. They go on to point out that working along side the MI-SBTDC, the local chambers are a great resource to small business owners, providing advocacy, networking and marketing opportunities.

By becoming a member you will be able to participate in activities such as expos, golf outings, educational sessions and special events while networking with other professionals and business owners. Through this established network, business owners have the opportunity to make connections with others who could be their future clients and customers or who cold generate referrals for their business.

Chamber membership affords you many marketing avenues - website links, membership directories, sponsorships, social media outlets and affordable advertising opportunities are available to you as a chamber member.

Membership makes a statement about you and your business. It says that you have chosen to be an active participant in your business community. Your membership investment is actually an investment in the economic development of the community. For information about membership in the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce, contact Phil Hughes at 265-2320.

Ann Hughes
President & CEO
annhughes@adrianareachamber.com
www.adrianareachamber.com

What is the Chamber?

2010-07-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me last week to tell them about chambers of commerce. I began by telling them what a chamber is not: it is not a unit of government and it is not a privately-owned business. A chamber not a for-profit business, although it's not-for-profit status does not prohibit a chamber earning more income. Not-for-profit is simply a tax status not a preferred way of doing business.

Some chambers are highly political - endorsing candidates and making recommendations to voters. Others, like the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce are not political, giving equal presence to all candidates. These chambers provide information, ballot samples and access to the candidates to their members.

Chamber revenues are made up of a combination of sources including membership income, program revenue, fundraising activities and contributions. Twenty years ago, membership income might have been made up to 75% of the annual budget. Today, revenue from annual member investments range from 35 - 50%. Therefore the need for creating additional revenue streams to support the organization.

Chambers differ in their mission depending on the nature and needs of their community and constitutents. While many are focused on government advocacy and legislative affairs, others have business and community development, tourism, marketing and education as their priorities. Each chamber is as unique as the community they serve. For more information specific to the Adrian Area Chamber, log ono to www.adrianareachamber.com.

Ann Hughes, President & CEO
Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce
www.adrianareachamber.com
annhughes@adrianareachamber.com

Get your employees on board with the Chamber

2010-05-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

If you are a member of the Chamber, then so are each of your employees. Encouraging them to get involved on some level will give you greater value for your membership investment. They can receive e-mail, attend programs, serve on a committee - just about anything. As they become more involved, they will be creating additional visibility for your services and products and building potentially valuable business relationships.

Remember, it is actually your business that is the member, thereby affording all benefits of membership tothose in your office or workplace. These include Member Discounts, referrals and more. Log on to www.adrianareachamber.com and click on the Join Now button to view the growing list of services that have been designed to help your business grow!

Ann Hughes
President & CEO
annhughes@adrianareachamber.com
www.adrianareachamber.com

2010-04-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

The Chamber, working with the LISD & others is developing a Business & Technology EXPO set for 10/16/10 at the Tech Center. Committeee meets next week for 1st time. Looking for interested volunteers. Call me at 265-2320.

Initial thoughts center on the event serving as a showcase for local businesses of all kinds with a special are set aside for technology related organizations. The plan also calls for hands-on instructive session on hardware, software, social medial and other business applications.

The show is belong held on a Saturday in order to make it possible for participation by area college students as well as the general public and business persons. Vendor fees will be held to a minimum and we are looking not to charge for admission for the event.

Anyone interested in serving on the Planning Committee may call the Chamber. Registration materials will be available in mid-May.

For more Chamber and member news log on to www.adrianareachamber.com

Ann Hughes
President & CEO
Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce

Littmann to headline Economic Luncheon

2010-03-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Want to learn about what's happening with the economy and what has to happen to fix it? Then join us tomorrow (Tuesday, March 30th) for the Chamber's 1st Economic Luncheon event. To be held at the Centre at 1800 West US 223, the Luncheon runs from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. The featured speaker is David Littmann, Senior Economist for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy. This is a great opportunity to hear and learn from one of the region's foremost economists. Call the Chamber at 265-2320 for reservations.

Social Media - A Commitment

2010-02-10T12:35:00.000-08:00

This isn't New Year's Day but I am going to once again make a resolution to commit to a schedule of regular social networking! I can't be the only one who realizes the importance of social media in marketing a business, an event or issue and who simply gets bogged down with other things and all of a sudden realizes that they haven't blogged in 6 weeks or that it has been days (or weeks) since a post was put on Face Book, Twitter or Linked In. Tell me, I'm not the only one!

Anyway, if you are like me and occasionally miss the opportunity to tweet, post or blog, join me in setting aside a bit of time each day to take advantage of the opportunities these media afford us. I'm going to try for first thing in the morning before my schedule starts to crumble! Let me know how it goes for you!

Resolve to utilize your membership in 2010!

2009-12-28T11:17:00.000-08:00

Limitations of time, staff and energy can make it difficult to get involved with Chamber activities. but we encourage you to make use of Chamber services, access benefits and attend networking events whenever possible in the coming year. The Chamber works for you regardless of your level of involvement - website presence, referrals, brochure distribution, directory listings, etc. - but you get more from your membership investment when you are present at events and programs and take the opportunity to do some face-to-face networking. The Chamber is all about marketing - yourself, your products, your services - and we are available daily to sit down for a one-on-one conversation about helping your business succeed. Call me anytime at 265-2320. We are here to serve you and your business. Remember that your membership covers all of your employees and they may attend and/or participate in any Chamber program, committee or event!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

We are thankful!

2009-11-21T12:24:00.000-08:00

The Chamber staff celebrated Thanksgiving a few days early this past Friday! Taking a break from pulling together a major mailing to the membership, we ordered from a member restaurant and celebrated each other's friendship with a blessing, good food and conversation. All of us at the Chamber are grateful for the unique gifts that each member brings to the organization, Their gifts of time, talent, financial support, ideas, leadership and service are what has enabled the Adrian Area Chamber to grow and flourish.

From each of us to each of you, "May your Thanksgiving holiday be replete with blessings of peace, family and love:.

2009-11-11T11:40:00.000-08:00

Today,Wednesday, November 11th will mark the beginning of the Adrian Area Chamber’s 8th year of operation. The last seven years have been indelibly marked by the passion, leadership, service and involvement of countless individuals, businesses and area organizations who share the vision of making our community ever better, stronger and viable. Those years have been ones of opportunity for the Chamber as we grew from an idea nurtured by many in this community into a respected, results-oriented community and business development organization. To each individual, business and volunteer who has participated in any way to bring the Chamber to this point, please accept the sincere appreciation of our Directors, staff and membership!

It’s been seven years of hard work, commitment and accomplishment but you can be assured that we’re not sitting back and resting on our laurels! We’re moving forward with an agenda developed to strengthen local businesses, promote entrepreneurship, the arts, education, tourism and our quality of life. We are committed to marketing the greater Adrian community as the ideal place to locate a business, buy a home, invest, live, work and play. Log on to www.adrianareachamber.com top learnmore about the Chamber or call us at 517-265-2320.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Downtown glass is half full!

2009-10-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

A recent Daily Telegram article quoted me as saying that we have to revitalize our downtown if we want developers, businesses and families to call Adrian home. The downtown is the heart of any community and I am firm in my belief that downtowns must be vibrant, attractive and bustling with people shopping, eating and obtaining professional services.

I am one of those people who grew up here and remember when there were 100+ stores, shops and eateries downtown. Lunch hours and breaks were spent walking the aisles at Kresges, having lunch at the counter at Cunningham’s Drug Store and looking for the perfect outfit for Saturday night’s date at any one of the many clothing stores that were here. While it would be awesome to see that kind of vitality again, I realize it will look different from the 1960’s. But I also realize that it can be done and the Chamber is committed to being a part of the eventual solution.

But, in the meantime, we need to realize what is in our downtown, support those businesses and pass the word to others that downtown Adrian has a variety of viable and attractive businesses. Last Saturday at Graze to Raise, a woman came over to talk to me and commented on what a shame it was that there was so little in our downtown. She was surprised when I told her how many retail shops are here. Do you know how many there are? read this Sunday's Telegram to find out!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

A Great Monday!

2009-10-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

The day started out well as I joined a good-sized and enthusiastic crowd in the County Commission chambers in the historic Lenawee County Courthouse as Doug Spade began his quest to make a bit of history of his own! Spade will be running for the 16th District Michigan Senate seat. Doug commented that he wanted to serve in this capacity with all of his heart and the crowd applauded its approval. Check out the photo on the Chamber's Home Page at www.adrianareachamber.com .

The day progressed as I joined a group of Adrian Maples supporters to judge the Adrian Homecoming banners and windows in downtown Adrian. Great work by lots of students who are looking forward to beating Ferndale on Friday night. The theme this year is Dr. Seuss and it was fun to see how the students built the theme in to the artwork! i.e. "We can beat them in a house. We can beat them with a mouse. We can beat them here. We can beat them there. We can beat them anywhere!" Go Maples!

Thank God for Mondays!

2009-09-22T13:38:00.000-07:00

What a weekend it was in Adrian and Lenawee County!! Art-a-Licious, the Chamber Golf Tournament, Oh, These Irish Hills Festival, Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Event, Always.....Patsy Cline, Big Bad VooDoo Daddy at the TC A and the ASO's Light's, Camera, Music! Concert. Lenawee County and the City of Adrian - what a great place to live, huh?

Kudos to everyone who worked on and came downtown to take part in Art-A-Licious! It was great. Thanks for making it happen again this year- it just keeps getting bigger and better!

Log on to www.adrianareachamber.com and click on Community events to see what's happening in Adrian and click on www.visitlenawee.com for all the cool things to do in Lenawee County!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Every day is a chance to learn

2009-09-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

We're never too old to learn and we don't have to wait until the beginning of another school year to tackle learning new skills or absorbing new facts and information. There are varied thoughts on ways to acquire needed knowledge and information that is pertinent to the work we do and I wouldn't begin to issue an opinion on what might be the most effective.

But I did have an opportunity to sit in on a what proved to be enlightening in terms of the exchange of ideas and information, participant excitement, and generation of solutions and ideas. These were aimed at assisting individuals at the gathering identify effective solutions to their marketing challenges and questions.

I believe that a group of individuals sitting around a table and brainstorming can be among the most valuable tool any of us can access. Last Friday's Marketing Conversation was the perfect example of people working together to generate ideas not only for themselves but for others in the group as well. They all realized that when one is successful, we are all more successful. Great work and thanks to our marketers: Linda Gentry, Carla Ayers and Gaynor Mielke.

Back - to - School touches all of us

2009-08-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

Whether or not you are a parent preparing children for a return to the classroom next month, a teacher developing new lesson plans or are long past the classroom period of your life, back-to-school activity still impacts most of us in this community.

Stores are hoping to be tapped for the purchase of shoes, clothing and supplies. Transportation folks are getting vehicles ready for the first trek to school on September 8th. Dorms, apartment complexes and rental housing is being readied for the returning and new college students coming to our local higher educational institutions. Businesses are stocking their shelves and looking at their marketing and advertising plans in order to attract these young men and women as customers.

Drivers will need to be extra alert as children begin walking or riding the bicycles to school. Crossing guards are dusting off the STOP signs. Moms and dads are disbelieving that their sons and daughters are old enough to be in 1st grade or high school or off to college.

Let's make this a good year for our students and our community. Get involved with your local schools. Volunteer. Participate. Attend sporting and fine arts events. Share your talents and expertise with students.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Just Do It!

2009-08-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

The Chamber staff took the idea and initial conversation of a coupon book to welcome the college students and introduce them to businesses in the City on July 21st to final approval of the 73-page professional book in only 18 business days. Speaking with our sales rep at the company printing the books, we were told that they were doubtful at the beginning that we could pull it off in the allotted time frame and that we did, was a first and caused much amazement among their staff!

It just shows what can be done with determination, commitment, a positive attutude, awesome team members, the right product and willing customers. I can't say enough about the Chamber staff who worked this project: Phil, who sold non-stop for 9 days; Will and Carole for the work they did in researching clip-art and fine tuning logos, putting them into a digital file for the printers; and to our participating businesses for accepting the short time frame and getting their information to us. One of the remarkable aspects was that there were no short tempers or obvious frustrations as we worked toward meeting the deadline - great people and an awesome project. Thanks to everyone who played any part as well as the members of the Chamber's Town & Gown Council who provided the impetus for the project.

Marketing Roundtable starts this week

2009-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Following a number of conversations with Chamber members, we have decided to re-format the First Friday Forum into what appears to be a much desired Marketing Roundtable. Meetings will continue to be held on the first Friday of each month from Noon until 1 pm, but will move to the Board Room at the Chamber office. The first meeting, this Friday will be primarily to determine what those present want in terms of marketing topics, speakers, discussions etc. This program is a Members Only benefit and there is no charge. Feel free to bring your lunch and, if you can, call and let us know you are coming - 265-2320. No, more than ever, marketing is critical to business success - come and talk about it. Share ideas on what has worked and what hasn't. Ask questions. We are all seeking the same successful outcome and this is an opportunity to work together to achieve common success. Thanks to Lori Sallows, WLEN for agreeing to facilitate the monthly Marketing Roundtables!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Thinking of cutting back on marketing?

2009-07-17T07:53:00.000-07:00

Just finished an article from www.businessbrief.com/recession-marketing that addressed the question of whether or not it pays to not cut back on marketing during recessionary times. The author researched a 2005 study, "Turning adversity into advantage: Does proactive marketing during a recession pay off?" and discovered reliable information that pointed to active marketing during a down economy does indeed produce good results following the recession. "The most referenced study, one by McGraw-Hill about the 1981-1982 recession, concludes the b2b companies that increased marketing during the recession averaged much higher sales growth for the following three years than those who decreased marketing."

The author concluded by saying that if you have to decreasing marketing budgets, retain those marketing initiatives that have the biggest pay off for your business. Become smarter with your dollars and your marketing activities that will produce the greatest impact.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Empowering others

2009-07-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

I read a great article yesterday about complimenting others. It is easy to see the benefits of complimenting a co-worker, friend or employee one-on-one. The individual smiles, says "Thank You" and is a often a bit embarrased. But no matter how much he or she protests, they are pleased to have had their efforts noticed and appreciated.

However, if you want to maximize the compliment, speak it in the presence of others - peers, co-workers, supervisors, etc. By making sure that others are aware of your opinion of the individual's work, effort or idea, you are ensuring that the ihe or she will grow in stature in the minds of those present. At the same time you are making the individual feel valued and important.

And when someone give you a compliment, don't just shrug it off as though it were nothing. Simply smile and give a sincere "Thank You"!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Challenging times come with opportunities

2009-07-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to listen to conversations about the current economic climate. Some are quite negative and focus only on the downside of the situation. Others are realistic and concerned about what we are facing but they are also positive with speakers talking about how they are fighting back. They are looking for new ways to improve their bottom line, garner more customers, and identify additional niches that they can fill. These individuals are doggedly determined to survive in spite of current conditions. They are realistic but look at the glass as half full rather than half empty. They are creative and not afraid to make changes in how they do business and are seeking product lines and service options that answer unmet needs in their market area. Business owners in this category are looking at ways to expand their market - in the community and beyond, as well as online. We hope you're on of those innovative businesses looking for new ways to survive and thrive.

Celebrating our independence

2009-07-06T11:11:00.000-07:00

The community was certainly reminiscent of what we believe makes small towns special. In towns across the county, state and country, celebrations were held to celebrate our freedom and that we are blessed to live in this country. In Lenawee, we marked the 3-day weekend with special activities, family picnics, trips to the park, swimming, grilling and enjoying any one of several outstanding fireworks displays. It was a time to be with family and friends and to keep in mind just how blessed we are in spite of the economy. There is no place like the United States of America!

Credit for Small Business shrinks

2009-06-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

While reading the e-newsletter from the Small Business Association of Michigan this morning, I cam across an article about the increasing difficulty small businesses are having with banks cutting credit card lines. Historically many entrepreneurs have relied heavily on credit cards as other forms of financing became less available. The article reported that in 2008, 44% of America's small firms relied on credit cards to assist with their day-to-day operations. As of April, 2009, that figure has escalated to 59%. Does your business rely on credit cards for operations? Have you been impacted by changing bank policies on credit lines? Let us know.

More tech training on the way

2009-06-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

Following this morning's Adrian in the AM event with Ben Lorenz of the Human Element in Ann Arbor, presenting the basics of Social Media use, several guests asked us, "So, what do we do now? Having the basic "why" of social networking is great but how do we put it into practice in our organizations?"So, to that end, we will be meeting with a number of Chamber members as well as Ben Lorenz and others experienced in the field and will be putting together a series of programs that teach attendees the "how" and "what" of this technology. Watch for programming to begin in September! Let us know if you would like to be part of the focus group charged with pulling together the outline for the program series.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

What really motivates employees

2009-06-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Internet is an unending source of news, ideas. professional advice of all sorts and resources that connect us with businesses, places and people. I used to delete many of the e-mails that came in without checking out what nuggets of knowledge they might contain. Now I at least open them, specifically to look at the major idea or focus of the message and to determine if any links contained in the message might be of value to us at the Chamber or to you our members/readers. This morning I received a Twitter from Mike Rodgers from the Small Business Association of Michigan with the link to an articlce about motivating employees, especially in this economy. After reading it, I thought many of you might like it as well. To learn more, click here 5 Myths about Motivating Your Employees in a Recession - Motivating your Employees - Entrepreneur.com.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Networking, Social and Otherwise

2009-06-19T11:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we attended the Annual Meeting of the Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) in Lansing and the Chamber Partner Summit held prior to the luncheon which featured Joe, the Plumbler.

The topic that was at the top of everyone's mind was social networking and Michael Rogers, the VP for communications at SBAM spoke to the potential effectiveness of such sites for businesses. There were several Chambers of Commerce represented and most had either scheduled sessions on the topic or were planning one soon.

The Adrian Chamber is doing an introductory session this coming Thursday at Adrian in the AM with Ben Lorenz, partner and owner of the Human Element in Ann Arbor. Ben has extensive experience and knowledge in the areas of marketing and business development through effective use of web tools, on-line strategies and social networking techniques.

As Ben pointed out to me on the phone earlier today. social networking brings with it the need for commitment to the effort required to keep sites, etc. current and responsive. He also told me that social networking is only one piece of a diverse and comprehensive marketing strategy. Plan on attending the AM event on Thursday - call 265-2320.

One activity that there is always plenty of at Adrian in the AM is the ever-effective face-to-face networking, which I noticed yesterday was employed by almost everyone in the room. Like social networking, standard networking activity needs to be part of your integrated marketing scheme!

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Marketing through social networking sites

2009-06-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

If you, like all of us at the Adrian Area Chamber are interested in driving traffic to your website and marketing your products and services to a broader market, them log on to http://www.startupnation.com/forums/16641/1/1 for some practical and easy-to-implement strategies and tips. The article contains solid information and easy-to-understand directions.

Social Networking/HR Policy formation

2009-06-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

Social networking is a relatively new tool that opens new and unique opportunities for individuals and businesses to network, market and share information. For businesses it also brings opportunities for employee misuse in terms of time and job productivity. Most businesses have not yet included the proper use of social networking websites in their personnel policies. Crystal Moore, American Chamber of Commerce Executives has shared a web link to help businesses and organization to find some good sources and ideas for social networking policies. Click on http://humanresources.about.com/od/policysamplesb/a/blogging_policy.htm

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

2009-06-08T06:21:00.000-07:00

While we talk about the importance of local purchasing on all levels, we need to keep in mind the importance of supporting our state's resources as well as those found right here in Adrian and Lenawee County. "Pure Michigan" is the State of Michigan's program designed to encourage residents to take advantage of all the state has to offer as well as to entice visitors to come and spend their time and resources with our businesses and attractions. Click on the following link to view snippets of several "Pure Michigan" videos: http://tr.im/puremichigan.

Ann Hughes
President and CEO
annhughes@adrianareachamber.com
517.265.2320
517.270.1818
www.adrianareachamber.com

Summer reading a must for kids

2009-06-01T12:37:00.000-07:00

This morning I received a copy of the final Youth Asset for this academic year. "Reading For Pleasure" is one of the 40 assests that have been identified as an esential developmental building block that helps youg people grow up to be healthy, caring and responsible. It is a proven fact that skilled readers read more quickly, get more out of what they read and enjoy it more.

This summer, make sure the young people in your life are exposed to appropriate reading materials. Encourage them to enroll in the programs at the Arian Public Library or the Lenawee County Library. Other ideas included in the communication from Communities in Schools include: setting aside regular times for family reading; create a family book club - read the same books and then talk about them; and limit television for all family members.

It was also recommended to donate quality books and books on tape to libraries, youth organizations, child care centers, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Check out the reading programs at Waldens Book Store and the children's (and adult) reading materials to be found at Downtown Adrian's Book Abbey.

I used to spend my summer vacation in the basement of the Adrian Public Library reading and exploring all the wonders that were overseen by the children's librarian, Julia Crukshank, What a wonderul place! Encourage the children in your families to become better acquainted with their public libraries. You can serve as a good role model for the kids by being seen reading frequently.

Business Tips

2009-05-28T13:01:00.000-07:00

Below you find some business management tips discussed at today's Adrian in the AM led by Amy Bergman of MasterMind Consulting Network. You can reach Amy at 517.789.9826.

Don’t try to be all things to all people.
Look for the “excess fat” in your organization: time; money; energy and resources.
Harness the power of your people, spending 90% of your time on top performers.
Have a business plan.
Set goals and keep them visible. List goals on a sticky note on your computer monitor so they serve as a reminder of what you should be working on.
Spend the majority of your time on your High Payoff activities. Delegate the rest.
Utilize technology to more effectively manage and deliver services.
Don’t over promise, over deliver.
Create efficiencies.
Know your core business and/or mission.
Continually monitor, evaluate and re-align.
Internal communication is critical. Staff must be aware of happenings within the business which impact their ability to do their jobs well.
Ask employees to help identify better and more cost-effective and efficient ways of doing things in your workplace.
Identify the things you do well and work to do them even better.
Get back to the basics of doing good business – product, price, promotion.
Think out of the box – identify creative ways to sell, market, manage and contain costs.
Give employees the authority to do their jobs and take care of your customers.

To find out more about Chamber programs that can provide you with business counsel, networking and marketing assistance, log on to www.adrianareachamber.com.

Learn - Anytime, Anyplace

2009-05-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

We frequently hear about life-long learning and how important it is to keep delving into new experiences, develop out abilities, and take advantage of learning opportunities wherever they may be presented. How often have you read about the importance of constantly challenging our brain using puzzles, games, different types of reading and mental activities than we usually do?

The Chamber strives to offer opportunities for our members to flex their learning muscles through a diverse offering. Programs like Adrian in the AM which features Amy Bergman from MasterMind Consulting Network. Bergman will be sharing practical ideas for "Building Lean Muscle for your Businesses" and organizations. Her presentation will be geared toward dealing creatively and effectively with the current economic conditions. Call 265-2320 and let us know you're coming!

The Chamber offers other venues for learning as well, including, Member Briefings, Tech Talk, First Friday Forums and workshops. Watch the website and your e-mail for upcoming announcements and plan to take advantage of all the benefits of membership in the Adrian Area Chamber of Commerce.

Memorial Day is for remembering

2009-05-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

The Memorial Day weekend is meant to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and for each of us. They each played a role in the freedom we enjoy today throughour our land and beyond. Take some time this weekend and reflect on the veterans in your family, living and dead who have served their country. Talk with your relatives who are veterans and learn more about what they endured and their experiences. Talk to your children and explain the significance of Memorial Day. Visit a local cemetery and show them the flags on the graves of those who served in the armed forces. Take a flag and flowers to the graves of loved ones who served their country. Help your children understand and appreciate their sacrifices.

Plan on joining the community at this year's Memorial day parades throughout the County. Adrian's parade begins at the National Guard Armory on West Maumee Street at 11 am and proceeds to Momument Park on East Maumee Street for a formal presentation ceremony. It is a very moving experience at the Park and causes you to think about the meaning of the day.

Have you visited the World War 2 exhibit at the Lenawee Historical Museum yet? Don't miss it. It will be up through the summer and depicts what life was like during the war at home and abroad. There is a large sign that lists the Gold Star Mothers in Lenawee County - the women who lost sons during the Great War. I can't describe the feeling I get when I see the names of my Grandmother, Dora Johnston and my uncle, Judson Johnston who was killed when his plane crashed into the side of a mountain in Bala, Wales. My dad, Harold Johnston served four years in the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I can't imagine what those experiences were like. For all the hours I spent listening to my Dad's war stories, he never told me about the bad stuff - the fighting and dying.

Say a prayer for the veterans of all our wars this weekend and when you see a vet, thank him or her for what they have done for all of us!

It's all about communication

2009-05-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

We may be communicating differently, but letting others know about your business, developing relationships and being known and visible is still all about communication. While we used to communicate via typewriters, land lines, the postal service, and the telegraph, we now reach out through e-mail, fax, and social networking options. Have you noticed how impatient we become when the computer is slow or an e-mail doesn't come through when we expect it. We have gotten so used to instant communication and I often hear people wonder aloud how we ever managed earlier when we had to rely on snail mail! Think about the days when letters were delivered by Pony Express riders who had to contend with indian attack and highwaymen!

It's important to keep current with the new technologies for communicating and knowing how to make using these tools relavant to our businesses and organizations. The biggest challenge I face with social networking, including our blog, Face Book, Twitter, and even our website is making the time and remembering to write frequently and keep everything current. We just launched a new website this week at http://www.adrianareachamber.com/ and it is easier than before to update and put photos on the home page. And I am relying on an old-fashioned form of communication to remind me to keep this log, Twitter and Face Book current - I have a 3M sticky note posted on my computer screen!

Connecting Points

2009-05-13T07:05:00.000-07:00

Each month our Board of Directors opens their meeting with an exercise called "Connecting Points". The Chair poses a question and individuals respond with their thoughts. Sometimes the questions are funny, sometimes more personal and often deal with community issues. This past week, the question was, "If money was not a problem, what would you do to improve our community?" I wanted to share the responses with you today: Upgrade the facades on the downtown buildings and make the entire downtown more attractive; build a parking garage; financially sustain local agencies in crisis; create more public transportation; have really free parking; train service to Ford Field and Comerica Park; fill stores downtown and throughout the community with really good businesses; convince more people that Adrian is a great place to live; and give people more reasons to shop here. What would you do for the community if money was not an issue? Let us know.

All About Women

2009-04-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

I hope many of you will be attending All About Women this Saturday at Adrian High School. The Health Fair and EXPO runs from 9 am until 4 pm - come for an hour or spend the day. It's a great activity to enjoy with family, friends and co-workers! Health screenings compliments of Bixby Medical Center, classes, fashion, pampering, shopping and lots more. $10 gets you everything but lunch and shopping.

Events like these are important for all of us. For the vendors and exhibitors the event brings increased exposure to persons who, if not right now, may later be in the market for their services and/or products. And for those who attend, the benefits are many: education, networking, learning what's available right in their own backyards,as well as an enjoyable day.

Networking WORKS!

2009-04-16T12:50:00.001-07:00

Although some people say that the term "networking" is overused, I am constantly in awe of its power to build relationships for individuals and the businesses and organizations they represent! The Chamber offfers multiple opportunities for our members to network because we believe in the necessity of people coming together to converse about business issues, services products, and experiences.

To be honest, there are very few times when our members come together, whether it is for a formal program or a simple committee meeting that business doesn't get done, So, I encourage you to actively network at not only Chamber events, but wherever you find yourself in a group of people. It's just good business!

Scams abound

2009-04-03T12:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, the Chamber found itself the potential target of two scam attempts. The first dealt with the yellow pages (not to be confused with Yellow Book). The caller said he was contacting us to confirm our listing in the yellow pages and once he did so, he went on to explain that our advertising rate would remain at the 2008 level of $431 for this year. When I told him we had never paid to have information placed in yellow pages. He said we had to have paid since he had our information. We went round and round until I simply told him we were not paying for the space and he could remove us from the book. He then asked if we closing our office and assured him we were not but we were not paying. End of conversation! Advertising pages are known for sending official looking envelopes with pretty realistic invoices inside. Many of these are not legitimate bills and should not be paid. Only pay for advertising for which you have a signed contract in hand.

The second instance involved a call from Credit Recovery International on behalf of Progressive Business Publications. They claimed that we owed $240 for a 12-month subscription, that we had received five issues and five invoices as well. They has the first 2 numbers of my birth date and said that proved I had taken out the subscription. They offered to settle for only $100 - the cost of the five issues we were supposed to have received. She accused us of throwing out the invoices, not recognizing the mailings to be ordered publications and pretty basically of lying.

I asked her for a day to check out the claim. We then contacted out attorney who prepared a
letter to both parties indicating that no payment would be forthcoming as we never ordered the publication. Susan Bays in our office Googled Progressive Business Publications and found numerous complaints against them which described the exact same numbers and information given to me on the phone. Our attorney included a reference to the claims as well as copies in his letters. We have not heard from either since.

You know, the thing that bothered me was that even though I knew I had not placed the order, after being harangued for 10 minutes on the phone, I started to doubt myself. I imagine that this is an usual response and the sad thing is that when that happens, I bet some people write the check.

Anytime you have questions about phone solicitations, letters or "invoices" you receive in the mail or any other promotion of which you question the validity, call the Better Business Bureau at 1-800-743-4222 or go their website at www.adrianbbb.org. Their office is in Toledo and serves northeast Ohio and southeast Michigan. Report any attempted scams to the Chamber office as well, so that we can we make others aware.

2009-03-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

I'm learning that it takes time to keep up with all the opprtunities afforded by technology. For example, keeping blog posts current. We will keep trying. One thing I do know is that not seeing new information on a regular basis turns off people's interest whether it is a blog or a website. I can't speak to other on-line social networking activities because I haven't ventured there yet!

We have been busy with the recent HAPPY DAYS FUNdraising event held last Saturday at the Country Club. What fun! Great food, great friends and a successful event for the Chamber. Everyone's hard work was rewarded. Thanks to each person and business who made the event great!

This week, as we work to wrap up that event, we are dealing with the fallout from the announcement of CertifiChecks ceasing operations and their plan to file Chapter 7. Information was sent to all Chamber members today in an effort to provide answers to any questions. If you would like a copy, it will be on our website late tomorrow.

Other projects being attended to as well include our Annual Meeting on March 26th, Wine About Winter (we'll be open this Friday from 6-8), and getting ready for the LCAHB Home Show at the Siena Heights University Field House. Stop and see us at booth 31. We'll be there all weekend!

This is an especially busy weekend in Adrian as we have the opportunity to attend Escanaba in Love at the Croswell, check out the Home Show at Siena, stroll through Downtown Adrian Friday evening during Wine About Winter and celebrate with Zonta of Lenawee as they celebrate their 50th anniversary at the Lenawee Historical Museum on Friday evening as well. What a great community in which we live!!

Attitude is important

2009-02-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that we find ourselves in times that are more economically challenging than any in the past 30 or even 80 years. Businesses of all sizes and types, manufacturers, service industries and non-profit organizations like local Chambers of Commerce are facing similar challenges as we all look for the least painful and often most creative ways to keep expenses at a minimum while maximizing available revenue streams. Some things are within our power to affect while others must simply be dealt with as best we can.

However, there are a couple of things we can all do during this time (and beyond) that are simply good business. As we have listened to local business owners and managers, we've learned that they are not standing still or just waiting for the other show to fall.

They are seeking out new markets for their products and services. They're looking a new ways to do things, new uses for their equipment and goods. They're researching what others in their industries are doing - it's not always necessary to re-invent the wheel. Find a good idea that has worked somewhere else, tweak it to fit your needs and situation and give it a try.

The other thing that I have noticed are the people who, despite the economy and all the challenges it has put in our lives, maintain a positive attitude and outlook. These are the individuals who will tell you that we have to be positive and keep doing what it take to move forward. We have to expect things to get better and work to make it happen.

These people are not looking at the world through rose-colored glasses. They know things are not good. But they are refusing to give up the ship. A Chamber in Pennsylvania has billboards throughout their community that read "REFUSE TO JOIN THE RECESSION"! In other words, keep working and anticipating success despite the current economic conditions. We need to move forward whenever possible in order to survive this.

Positive attitudes, positive conversations and a positive outlook will cultivate the same in those individuals with whom we work and converse. We're literally in this together and together we will see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have good news? Share it on the Chamber Blog. We have heard from a number of businesses who are doing well. Sharing good news business stories serves as positive reinforcement for all of us and gives other ideas as well.

Tech Talk

2009-02-12T13:56:00.000-08:00

Technology continues to be a priority here at the Adrian Area Chamber and we are proving that you can teach old dogs new tricks!

Today's Tech Talk focused on Google Apps and the session was attended by Will, Carole and Kathy from our staff. Based on what they learned and our own ingenuity, we have begun utilizing the calendar function on Google and accomplished a great deal today.

Using the Google calendar enables our entire staff to have access to all calendars at-a-glance and facilitates planning and setting appointments. It also focuses more pairs of eyes on the schedule and makes spotting errors in dates, etc. easier. While we stil have some learning to do as far as setting appointments and sending notices and confirmations, we made a lot of progress in a short time! Thanks to Paul Slusser for his Tech Talk presentation and Will Willnow, our webmaster for his sense of humor and patience!

As the work day was drawing to a close, we tackled Google Chat, set up our accounts, invited co-workers to be on our guest list and practiced sending and replying to each other's messages. Utilizing Google's chat feature allows us to "talk" to each other from wherever we are in the building or while traveling. It will make it easy to stay in touch on projects while out of the office.

Google Maps was another topic addressed at Tech Talk and if you haven't tried it yet, check it out. I hadn't realized that Google had come to Adrian and photographed our streets. So, you not only get a great map, but can request a Street View and see the home or business which you are seeking. The Street View screen can be turned etc. and is pretty amazing! I We pulled up the Chamber office, City Hall and a number of local businesses.

I know many of you are way ahead of us at the Chamber in understanding and using the tools offered by technology, but for those of you who are in the learning curve or are hesitant about trying some of what is out there, I encourage you to find a friend or co-worker or a kid and have them get you started. You can take classes and most software has a HELP button as well.

Learning more about how to utilize the tools on your computer is a means of becoming more effecient and effective whatever your occupation. And learning those new things, makes you feel pretty good about yourself too! Here at the Chamber, we are striving to model the learning and use of technology that we are recommending to our member businesses and organizations, encouraging them to become increasingly competent in their use of available tech tools.

Welcome to the first "Chamber Conversations" Post

2009-02-10T11:11:00.000-08:00

I am learning much more about the opportunities that are made available via technology than I ever dreamt I would and not to take advantage of them for the benefit of the Chamber and our members wouldn't be wise, so here goes! "Chamber Conversations" will be used to share news, tips, create awareness of business and community issues and topics and give members a channel for their thoughts, opinions and observations. We encourage you to post frequently and be a part of making the "Chamber Conversations" Blog an effective communications tool.

Technology is the focus of many Chamber programs this year as we develop initiatives that serve as learning opportunities for our members. Examples of this include the newly re-formatted "Tech Talk", an interactive lunch-time conversation held on the 2nd Thursday of each month and focusing on a single topic. This Thursday's "Tech Talk" will look at Google Apps.

Mark Murray, Image Center, JCC@LISDTECH, and the Chamber successfully offered a no-cost technology program to the general public last fall. It was a quick bird's eye view of a number of tech topics. Plans call for two similar events to be held again at JCC on North Adrian Highway again this year, so watch for details.

Another new program in 2009 is the "First Friday Forum". Website effectiveness was the topic of last week's first event and those who attended picked up great ideas that can be easily implemented. Here are a few:

Use your domain name as part of your e-mail address. Make it easily visible on business cards, media placements, billboards and signs to drive people to your website.
Add a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) to your website.
Create a simple Response Form to elicit contact with site users.
Collect all the users data each month, compiling it to use as a selling tool with potential advertisers.
Add a blog site - an effective way to encourage conversation among your site users, solicit opinions and share observations and expertise. Check out blogspot.com.

The Chamber must model the tech tools we encourage our members to utilize, so expect to see us adding new features through out the year including Member Forums and webinars as well as video. We look forward to reading your postings as we learn from each other.