Spring is here (can you believe it?!) and this has me thinking about the things we usually do during this time. The change of weather away from the cold (theoretically, here in Carlsbad, of course) makes us start thinking about starting fresh, whether it's spring cleaning, adopting healthy habits or taking up new activities.
So why not apply that "fresh start" concept to your Chamber membership?
The idea here is to approach your membership with a new perspective, in a sense recommitting yourself to the Chamber. Here are a couple of suggestions from me, if you have any more, please share them with me and I'll try to share them on our Facebook page or on upcoming columns.
Attend a new Chamber event
Did you know that the Chamber holds nearly one event a day? Whether it's a workshop, a networking event (a First Friday Breakfast, a Sundowner or a Coffee Connection) a committee (refer to the calendar on page 13 or go to our website, carlsbad.org, for details), attend one new thing this spring. You never know who you will meet and what you may learn.
Refresh your networking style
Have you fallen into the same networking patterns? Maybe it's time to try something new. As many of you know, we here at the Chamber are strong believers in "netweaving" instead of networking. If you're not familiar with it, it's a simple process if you remember that the goal is to focus on building relationships with others first and helping them with the understanding "what goes around comes around." Keep this in mind at the next Chamber function you attend and make "netweaving" your priority.
Use your directory
Our Chamber directory is one of the most popular services we offer at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, and it illustrates exactly why "membership counts." The next time you're looking for a product or service, turn to your directory and give first thought to a fellow Chamber member. Tell them you're calling because you saw them in our directory. We're currently working on our directory for 2014. Contact Julie Miramontes at [email protected] or call 760-931-8400 for details. In the meantime, you can use last year's directory or visit www.carlsbad.org for an updated list of members.
Take Ownership
One of the things I always do is make sure to refer to it as "your Chamber." That's because I want to stress that the Chamber is all about the involvement of its members. You know how difficult it is to start and maintain your own business.
Mine that passion and that determination for success and apply it toward your membership. Become an active member of the Chamber and get the most out of your membership. We need you!
Refer a new member
Do you appreciate what the Chamber has done for you? Then share it with the world, especially with businesses that are not Chamber members.
Let them know what being part of the Carlsbad Chamber member has done for you, and ask them to consider joining us. As a staff member I can go on and on about what we do, but it means more when it comes from you. Remember, there is strength in numbers.
Contribute to the CBJ
Did you know that the Carlsbad Business Journal is in a unique position among Chamber publications? It recently won back-to-back first place awards from the Western Association for Chamber Executives and also won first place among trade publications by the San Diego Press Club. But here, again, it needs you to thrive. Consider writing a guest column, submitting your work for publication or advertising your business in the "CBJ"for more information, contact its editor, Jos? A. L?pez at [email protected]
Ask Questions
Finally, please feel free to call us if you have any questions. We're always happy to talk to you. The number is 760-931-8400. You can also email me at [email protected].
So why not apply that "fresh start" concept to your Chamber membership?
The idea here is to approach your membership with a new perspective, in a sense recommitting yourself to the Chamber. Here are a couple of suggestions from me, if you have any more, please share them with me and I'll try to share them on our Facebook page or on upcoming columns.
Attend a new Chamber event
Did you know that the Chamber holds nearly one event a day? Whether it's a workshop, a networking event (a First Friday Breakfast, a Sundowner or a Coffee Connection) a committee (refer to the calendar on page 13 or go to our website, carlsbad.org, for details), attend one new thing this spring. You never know who you will meet and what you may learn.
Refresh your networking style
Have you fallen into the same networking patterns? Maybe it's time to try something new. As many of you know, we here at the Chamber are strong believers in "netweaving" instead of networking. If you're not familiar with it, it's a simple process if you remember that the goal is to focus on building relationships with others first and helping them with the understanding "what goes around comes around." Keep this in mind at the next Chamber function you attend and make "netweaving" your priority.
Use your directory
Our Chamber directory is one of the most popular services we offer at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, and it illustrates exactly why "membership counts." The next time you're looking for a product or service, turn to your directory and give first thought to a fellow Chamber member. Tell them you're calling because you saw them in our directory. We're currently working on our directory for 2014. Contact Julie Miramontes at [email protected] or call 760-931-8400 for details. In the meantime, you can use last year's directory or visit www.carlsbad.org for an updated list of members.
Take Ownership
One of the things I always do is make sure to refer to it as "your Chamber." That's because I want to stress that the Chamber is all about the involvement of its members. You know how difficult it is to start and maintain your own business.
Mine that passion and that determination for success and apply it toward your membership. Become an active member of the Chamber and get the most out of your membership. We need you!
Refer a new member
Do you appreciate what the Chamber has done for you? Then share it with the world, especially with businesses that are not Chamber members.
Let them know what being part of the Carlsbad Chamber member has done for you, and ask them to consider joining us. As a staff member I can go on and on about what we do, but it means more when it comes from you. Remember, there is strength in numbers.
Contribute to the CBJ
Did you know that the Carlsbad Business Journal is in a unique position among Chamber publications? It recently won back-to-back first place awards from the Western Association for Chamber Executives and also won first place among trade publications by the San Diego Press Club. But here, again, it needs you to thrive. Consider writing a guest column, submitting your work for publication or advertising your business in the "CBJ"for more information, contact its editor, Jos? A. L?pez at [email protected]
Ask Questions
Finally, please feel free to call us if you have any questions. We're always happy to talk to you. The number is 760-931-8400. You can also email me at [email protected].