A Great Time for Chamber Membership

This article published courtesy of ChamberMaster:

In the midst of the economic recession it may seem like a challenging time to gain new members and retain existing members. Many businesses may be hesitant to spend money on something that is not a "necessity."

While moderation and wise judgment must not be thrown out, research has shown that those that keep themselves visible during economic recessions maintain and even increase their sales after the recession is over. Chamber membership may be the perfect return on their investment during these hard times.

An article published by the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, cited a McGraw Hill Research study that looked at over 600 companies from 1980 - 1985. They found that "those businesses which chose to maintain or raise their level of advertising expenditures during the 1981 and 1982 recession had significantly higher sales after the economy recovered. Specifically, companies that advertised aggressively during the recession had sales 256% higher than those that did not continue to advertise."

Key off of this advertising statistic to promote the dual value of money spent on chamber membership. Chamber membership provides not only special member benefits (access to other members, networking, events, consumer leads, business information, etc) but also targeted advertising opportunities.

Advertising value is found in not only listing their name in your Business Directory but the ability to include a detailed business description, hours of operation and driving directions that may be modified by them at any time - - "Free" advertising, with unlimited updates.

In addition, members may advertise their business through Hot Deals, job postings and events - - all of which promote the normal, everyday life of a member business and will gain world-wide exposure just by listing this on the chamber website. Little effort, but wide-spread exposure.

Chamber membership is a great way for members to receive double value on money spent - member benefits and website advertising all-in-one.

If you are not using the features of ChamberMaster to provide these website advertising benefits, please contact us so we can assist in helping you "sell" this aspect of your member benefits.

Call us at 263-0887 or email info@sandpointchamber.com.

Network, network, network

Today's post is all about maximizing your membership with the Chamber. I have a few short and easy to follow rules for attending any and ALL Chamber functions:

1. Bring your business cards (I WANT you to hand them out!!)
2. Be ready to introduce yourself (people are inherently shy and won't always come up to you)
3. Have a brief description of what your business is ready in case you are asked
4. Practice asking questions that are not personal in nature but help you get to know others
5. Try to remember names, repeat a name when you are introduced and use it at least three times while talking
6. Next time you see someone you have recently met at another function, try & remember to ask them something about them that you learned
7. Bring your business cards (I WANT you to hand them out!!)

We are here to promote, develop & support the business community of the greater Sandpoint area. Please use our functions, programs and events to promote yourself!

Membership Tip of the Week

Did you know that members of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce can post job openings to the Chamber website for FREE? All you need is your login and password. Call us at 263-0887 and we'll walk you through the whole process. It is quick, easy and free, and one of those GREAT Chamber Member benefits!