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/

Director's Corner

All I’ve ever wanted is an “unfair advantage”. Don’t hang me yet! An “unfair advantage” isn’t lying, heating or stealing. It’s doing everything just a little bit better than your competition.

Even if you’re THE BEST at what you do, you know you need to do everything just a bit better today than you did yesterday. That’s your “unfair advantage”.
The old saying goes – “If you build a better mouse trap, people will beat a path to your door.”

That is definitely not true in today’s competitive market. Unfortunately, having the best product or service does not automatically guarantee your success. Here are just some of the reasons why:

1. People do business with people they know.
2. People do business with the people who do business with them.
3. People do business with people their friends talk about.
4. People do business with people they read about.

Start today to develop your own “unfair advantage”. Try some of the following ideas and watch your client base grow.

1. What one thing can you do better than your competition? How can you let the world know about your advantage?
2. What one activity can you improve on? What one step towards that goal can you take this week?
3. Are you collecting stories and testimonials from your satisfied clients
4. If the answer is “yes”, are you using them in your promotional materials, sales presentations, brochures, web site?
5. Determine ways you can work on that first list – the one that proves how important networking and community involvement can be to your success.

And here is the Chamber connection – if you don’t know how to get involved, give me a call. Our committees are always looking for people who want to build relationships with other people and organize first rate events at the same time. Nordonia Hills Chamber has 2 – 4 events each month. Involve yourself in chamber activities – involvement adds value to your chamber membership and creates opportunities for you to market your business/organization to other members. Just imagine all the new contacts, referrals and ultimately, new business that can lead to.

Give me a call at 330-467-8956 and we’ll find ways together to get you that “unfair advantage”.

Laura Sparano - Executive Director Nordonia Hills Chamber, Ohio

www.nordoniahillschamber.org