Credit for Small Business shrinks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.