One of the greatest challenges for small businesses today is to get out, get noticed and get ahead. Joining an organization such as the Carlsbad Chamber is a good way to overcome that challenge if you take advantage of the programs, committees and events we offer.
However, many people don't know how to use membership to their advantage. Some people attend one or two events, but don't connect and feel they've wasted their time. Like anything of value, you have to work your membership just like you have to work your business. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your membership:
Make sure your information on the Chamber website is correct and leads people to you. Check to insure you have accurate and appealing information under the More Information link. If you have a website, make sure we have your link listed under your business name on the website. The Chamber website gets 5,000 to 8,000 hits per month. We generate 3,000 to 5,000 member referrals per month.
Call Carlsbad Chamber members first. Remember, we have members who do just about everything from A, Z. Use the directory to find an accountant to having a sign made to replacing your windows. Always mention that you found the member in the Directory, ask if they give Chamber discounts and always ask for a referral in return.
Use the Carlsbad Business Journal for leads and advertising. The Carlsbad Business Journal (CBJ) is mailed to over 1,500 member businesses and delivered to about 8,000 individuals per month. Consider the Journal for advertising or an advertorial article. Read the stories to learn more about a business that you may want to contact. Everyone appreciates a call or note when they've been highlighted in an article or ad. A warm call is when you're contacting someone that you have a connection to, either member to member or through a referral from someone. The Welcome New Members page in the CBJ is also a great opportunity for you to contact new members and drop a friendly note or schedule a meeting, member to member. Let us know when you have announcements or articles to highlight as well.
The First Friday Breakfast is a great netweaving event for just about everyone. "Neatweaving" is our term for weaving networking and relationships together. Whether you're shy or outgoing, this breakfast is structured so that you can meet at least 10 new people by 9:00 a.m. You are given a table number so seating is random and a table facilitator insures that you meet everyone at your table. There's always a great speaker and you are encouraged to provide your business card so that you can be invited to a Table for 8 luncheon prearranged for you. Always keep in mind, you don't have to meet the next company you'll do business with, but relationships can lead to business.
Join a committee to develop relationships and promote your business. The Chamber has 10 committees, some that meet monthly and others that are event specific. It's the best way to become involved on a regular basis, to promote yourself, to become known in the Chamber and to develop relationships that can result in referrals. Attend more than one to find your area of interest and involvement and then offer your time and expertise.
Seek business counseling to help you succeed. The Chamber has many resources to assist you with marketing, sales, financing, bookkeeping, technology and on-site counseling. Let us help you develop a plan to get your business going.
For personal assistance in getting involved in the Chamber, contact Andrea Korogi, Director of Small Business Development (760) 931-8400.
However, many people don't know how to use membership to their advantage. Some people attend one or two events, but don't connect and feel they've wasted their time. Like anything of value, you have to work your membership just like you have to work your business. Here are a few tips to help you get the most from your membership:
Make sure your information on the Chamber website is correct and leads people to you. Check to insure you have accurate and appealing information under the More Information link. If you have a website, make sure we have your link listed under your business name on the website. The Chamber website gets 5,000 to 8,000 hits per month. We generate 3,000 to 5,000 member referrals per month.
Call Carlsbad Chamber members first. Remember, we have members who do just about everything from A, Z. Use the directory to find an accountant to having a sign made to replacing your windows. Always mention that you found the member in the Directory, ask if they give Chamber discounts and always ask for a referral in return.
Use the Carlsbad Business Journal for leads and advertising. The Carlsbad Business Journal (CBJ) is mailed to over 1,500 member businesses and delivered to about 8,000 individuals per month. Consider the Journal for advertising or an advertorial article. Read the stories to learn more about a business that you may want to contact. Everyone appreciates a call or note when they've been highlighted in an article or ad. A warm call is when you're contacting someone that you have a connection to, either member to member or through a referral from someone. The Welcome New Members page in the CBJ is also a great opportunity for you to contact new members and drop a friendly note or schedule a meeting, member to member. Let us know when you have announcements or articles to highlight as well.
The First Friday Breakfast is a great netweaving event for just about everyone. "Neatweaving" is our term for weaving networking and relationships together. Whether you're shy or outgoing, this breakfast is structured so that you can meet at least 10 new people by 9:00 a.m. You are given a table number so seating is random and a table facilitator insures that you meet everyone at your table. There's always a great speaker and you are encouraged to provide your business card so that you can be invited to a Table for 8 luncheon prearranged for you. Always keep in mind, you don't have to meet the next company you'll do business with, but relationships can lead to business.
Join a committee to develop relationships and promote your business. The Chamber has 10 committees, some that meet monthly and others that are event specific. It's the best way to become involved on a regular basis, to promote yourself, to become known in the Chamber and to develop relationships that can result in referrals. Attend more than one to find your area of interest and involvement and then offer your time and expertise.
Seek business counseling to help you succeed. The Chamber has many resources to assist you with marketing, sales, financing, bookkeeping, technology and on-site counseling. Let us help you develop a plan to get your business going.
For personal assistance in getting involved in the Chamber, contact Andrea Korogi, Director of Small Business Development (760) 931-8400.