Why is our Chamber like a paper clip?

There are many ways to visualize the Nordonia Hills Chamber. I've often thought of us as a tree, with the trunk being the office, the branches are the different categories of membership and the leaves are the members.

But what about a paper clip chain? That's a new "Chamber visual" for me. Actually, my chain isn't that neat row you're thinking of; it's more like the mess in my paper clip bowl. But they're all attached! Now think about it a moment. Think about all the connections you have, not just the one-to-one long chain, but all the paper clips that might be linked to you and the ones linked to the others. Think about the connectivity - the connections - you have out there: other Chamber members, online and face-to-face networking groups, your neighborhood, your church. (Are you using them to your full capacity to benefit your business? Are you turning those connections into sales and increased business? No? We can talk about that later!)

And think about the "connectivity" of our Chamber. Each of our 300+ members is a link in that paper clip chain. (And our members don't just come from Nordonia Hills; we have members from all over Northeast Ohio!) When a person inquires about a particular type of business, we refer only our members because they are vital to our chain. If we refer non-members, there is a "dis-connectivity" because we've broken the chain.

Our events are brimming with "connectivity". Our monthly meetings are driven by "connectivity" - as each of you stand to introduce yourself, you're becoming connected to everyone else in the room. At a ribbon cutting ceremony, you can connect with the movers and shakers in our community. On our event committees, every person will develop a relationship with others on the committee and will "connect" weekly or monthly. All our events and programs add to the chain. But the chain only continues and connects if you choose to be involved and use those connections.

We are currently just over 300 members and as we gain new members, not only does the chain grow, but so do your connections. So I ask that you not only get involved with the chain, but also add to the chain. Ask the businesses with whom you do business if they belong to our Chamber. If not, send them our way.

Together we can make the chain continue to grow and offer more connections to you. There are many links to our community chain and our string of connected NHCOC clips only grows if you choose to be involved and stay connected.

Those are my thoughts. I welcome yours.

Order your promotional items from fellow Chamber members!

You still have time to order new pens, can cozies, letter openers, notebooks, t-shirts, sweatshirts and duffel bags for the Expo. You can order almost anything with your name and/or logo on it. This is a great way to get your brand into the hands of prospective clients and customers. These Chamber members are more than happy to help you decide which item is the best fit for your business. Make that appointment to discuss your options today!!!!

· Better Letters & Graphics – 330-467-0176
· Design Wizard - 330-468-0208
· GMS Signs - 330-467-0888
· Graphic Traffic - 330-405-9354
· Kimpton Printing – 330-467-1640
· Memories Made to Order - 330-468-8508
· NV Corp – 330-468-3689
· Ohio State Graphics – 330-467-3881
· PS Awards – 216-587-1000
· Sign-A-Rama - 330-468-0556

Get your prospects and clients to your Expo Booth!

A marketing campaign is a series of touches with your market to communicate a key message. The key word is “series” since it usually takes multiple touches for your audience to recognize your message and respond.

1. Mail a postcard to attendees 3 weeks before the show; invite them to your booth with an intriguing incentive such as a coupon, sample, or "sign-on" incentive.
2. Mail a special invite to key prospects and customers to for a VIP reception. Ask them to RSVP by phone, email or URL.
3. Call key prospects and customers as a second effort.
4. Send an email to all confirmed attendees and 3 days before the event.
5. Email the non-respondents one last time.

This is YOUR Expo! If each exhibitor does his/her part, attendees will be knocking down the doors!

And don't forget that as a Chamber member, you can use the Chamber's postage bulk rate permit and save possibly hundreds of dollars! Minimum mailing is 200. Call the office at 330-67-8956 for more information.

Preparing for the NHCOC B2B Expo

How to Market at a Trade Show
You must market your goods and services at trade shows just as you would at any other networking event. Marketing means letting getting out the word about your products and means building your prospects' trust. It means listening to what they need and solving their problems. Here's some help for your next trade show.
Step1
Decide on a marketing theme. It's best to pick one or two benefits that speak most to the type of clients who'll be attending the show. Efficiency, problem solving, saving time, boosting profits and a gaining a leg up on the competition are all good customer benefits to highlight.
Step2
Make a marketing plan for the trade show that includes activities before, during and after the event. Decide who's responsible for each activity and set deadlines everyone can meet. Have regular meetings to make sure everyone's on board.
Step3
Coordinate your marketing materials. The most effective way to reach potential clients is through diverse mediums. Some respond to flashy brochures, some prefer information products like white papers and some like to check you out on the Internet.
Step4
Give your marketing materials a consistent look and message. The colors, fonts and graphics should be the same for each medium. Produce a brochure or flier especially for the show with your marketing theme, show specials and discounts. Let your website introduce potential clients to the rest of the benefits you offer.
Step5
Get creative with your trade show presentation. Encourage people to check out your booth with a contest, quiz or some tasteful entertainment, like a magician. Remember, they'll be bombarded with marketing gimmicks, so make yours engaging.
Step6
Explain your marketing theme to your staff and offer multiple ways of carrying the message. Role play so they learn how to present the company at the booth. You don't want them facing situations they're not prepared to handle.
Step7
Add hot prospects to your marketing list. Follow up from the trade show with a phone call and direct mail pieces.

Director's Corner

Anyone who has ever worked on a non-profit event knows that it can be a lot of work. There are a million details – food, entertainment, decorations, raffles – the list goes on and on. And then comes the inevitable questions that keep Stephanie and I awake at night – What if no one comes? What if we don’t make enough money? It’s enough to cross your eyes and turn your hair grey. (Hint – Blonde highlighting covers grey VERY well!) And yet we continue to create events, ask for sponsorships, sell tickets and gather raffle prizes. Why? Because this is how we fund our operations to provide services and benefits to you, our Chamber members.

An organization such as ours is funded through a variety of means. Annual membership investments account for less than 50% of our revenue. The other 50% comes from events, revenue-sharing partnerships and products such as mailing labels, newsletter advertising and fees for the use of the bulk permit. Each year, the budget is carefully assembled and goals are set for all revenue and expenses. The challenge is always to ensure that we set our goals at the proper level so we can continue to offer the benefits and services you have come to expect.

Occasionally, a member will challenge the fee for an event. Or someone will look at me in disbelief when I explain that we can’t afford to have an event where we don’t make a profit. Just as in your own business, we have to carefully manage every dollar to keep the doors open and the lights on. Did you know that Administrative Expenses (payroll, taxes, rent, office supplies, insurance, etc.) account for almost 70% of our total expenses? It would be easier to simply raise membership investments to cover that cost, but by doing that, the Chamber eliminates any added-value to your membership. Event sponsorship allows for the opportunity to tailor-fit which event best showcases and promotes your business. Without special events, your annual membership investment would be much higher just to cover the basics!

The Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce exists to serve the interest of business in our community, whether it’s through benefits, educational programs or helping our members grow through marketing/networking activities. Our committees are busier than ever and you’ll be reading about new programs developed to help make your business a success. It takes money to develop and present new programs. We hope that the next time you see an invitation to a Chamber event, you’ll see it as an opportunity to contribute to this ongoing process. It’s money well spent!

That’s my opinion. I welcome yours.
Laura Sparano Executive Director

Networking Tips of the Month - January 2008

Networking Tips of the Month
January, 2008

1. Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections.

2. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.

3. Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.

4. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others.

5. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.

6. Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.

EASY WAYS TO ATTRACT VISITORS TO YOUR BOOTH

Try these suggestions and watch your Expo "traffic" increase!!

1. Improve your lighting. The human eye is naturally attracted to bright lights.

2. Color your world. Bright colors in high contrast will attract & excite visitors.

3. Use the soft touch. Upgrade to quality carpet. But match the color to the aisle carpet so there are no physical or psychological barriers to your booth.

4. Create an open atmosphere. Move the table to the back and sides to create space for discussion.

5. Make something move. Movements attract people’s eyes and in turn their bodies! If your product doesn’t move, toss a tchotchky in the air, move your arms, blow bubbles. Activity piques curiosity.

6. Tickle the senses. Smells can trigger pleasant memories. Put a drop of vanilla on a light bulb, rent baking equipment to warm brownies, or plug in a heated potpourri unit.

7. Personalize your exhibit. Put a table lamp in your booth, lay down an area rug, use props (seasonal, sports, regional) to attract attention and initiate conversation.

8. Invent a corporate dress code. Have corporate attire made so everyone wears the same thing. Even a simple accessory will let guests know whom to approach in your booth & elsewhere in the show.

9. Go high-tech. Use websites, email blasts, web links, PDA downloads. Don’t pass up these inexpensive and effective opportunities.

10. Staff your booth with the best. Only send your best, happiest and most outgoing staff. You need people willing and able to start conversation with anyone, answer questions and record lead information.


Order Your Promotional Items From The Following Chamber Members:

· Akland Printing – 330-467-8292
· Better Letters & Graphics – 330-467-0176
· Design Wizard - 330-468-0208
· GMS Signs - 330-467-0888
· Graphic Traffic - 330-405-9354
· Kimpton Printing – 330-467-1640
· Memories Made to Order - 330-468-8508
· NV Corp – 330-468-3689
· Ohio State Graphics – 330-467-3881
· PS Awards – 216-587-1000
· Sign-A-Rama - 330-468-0556

Any questions, feel free to call me @ 330-467-8956.

Some trade show tips for the B2B Expo!

From the Experts …

o “I am just looking.” If you get that response, don’t push. Invite them to browse, point out a few things of interest in the exhibit and let them have the freedom to look. They’ll ask questions after a minute or two.

o How to connect. Don’t say “May I help you?” or “How’re ya doing?” Everybody says that. For example: “Welcome! We’re providing new information on how rates are going to be changing because of new regulations.” Offer ideas and use open-ended questions that encourage more than just a one-word answer from your prospect.

o Don’t make them wait. Make sure you have enough staff to adequately handle your booth. Research indicates that 58% of expo guests will not wait longer than one minute for a sales representative’s assistance.

o Refreshments help. Research indicates that 70% of customers like to receive a beverage or snack from exhibitors and that it makes them more likely to buy.

I'm always accepting new ideas. If you have any - let me know at laura@nordoniahillschamber.org.

Director's Corner

I regularly meet with 2 separate groups of Executive Directors – one group from communities south of Nordonia Hills (Twinsburg, Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, Fairlawn, Barberton, Streetsboro, etc.); the other group is from the northern communities (Bedford Hts., Garfield Hts., Bedford, etc.). You may have noticed that I have been scheduling events with both groups, making it easier for you, my members, to broaden your horizons – and your list of business contacts! Although each Chamber has a distinct – and very different – personality, all of us Directors agree that attendance at ALL events has been down. We labor over decisions to cancel events, to charge or not to charge admission, should we have a sponsor, will another email anger our members? Mostly – WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO GET PEOPLE TO ATTEND OUR EVENTS??????? We all feel that

1. we are offering what you, our members, tell us you want
2. we are giving you the opportunities to make business contacts and develop relationships which will lead to more business
3. we are scheduling events where you are able to promote your business products and services
4. we are inviting speakers with expertise in areas that will help you run your business more profitably and efficiently
5. we are offering discounts on services and products that save you money AND promote other members.

Yet, as our chambers grow in size, attendance decreases. So I need some answers! Do you have them? Here is what I want to know:

1. Which events are your favorites?
2. What keeps you from attending? Time of day? Day of week? Cost? Facility? The specific event?
3. Do we have too many events? Do you feel that you must attend them all?
4. What would you like your Chamber to do for you? What were your expectations when you joined?

Let me know – please! The Chamber of Commerce IS its members. YOU tell me what YOU need!

That’s my opinion, and, as always, I’m open to hearing yours.

Laura, Executive Director

http://www.nordoniahillschamber.org/