MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Could Joining Your Chamber of Commerce Make You Happier?

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Could the chamber be a key to more joy and happiness? Perhaps so according to 24 Tips for being happy at work (Shine for Yahoo, February 9, 2010). Experts have found that, "Socializing boost the moods of introverts and extroverts."

Most people in business know that joining a chamber of commerce makes good business sense. Where else can you meet other business leaders, share ideas with business professionals, have your voice represented in local government, and build your business for less than the cost of a cup of coffee a day? However, only the most involved in the local chamber understand how much joy you can gain from participation.

Much of our work is done in isolation. We work from home, behind a windshield, or in a private office or cube. In the pre-internet world, our interactions with people were more frequent and often in person. Much of our time was spent either on the telephone or face to face with colleagues and clients. This satisfied our need for community.

Today a large majority of workers interact with clients and colleagues through text and screen. Gone are the days when we really spent time with people. The local chamber of commerce can provide some of the key interactions you need as a worker to enjoy work and life more.

The article goes on to suggest, "Periodically, have lunch with co-workers." Solo-preneurs, home-based business professionals, outside sales professionals, and other individual workers are hard pressed to have lunch with co-workers. Often they attempt to fill their lunch appointments with sales calls or personal errands. But all workers need to feel a sense of community.

Having time and opportunity to discuss personal life and work challenges and accomplishments gives us a sense of belonging. The chamber is a great place of refuge in an isolated work world. So while joining the chamber may not be the key to happiness, attending chamber events could be.

Attend a chamber lunch or social and you just might find you are happier at work and in life. You'll definitely meet great people and make connections that can lead to more success.

*****
Glen Gould is a business growth and relationship thought leader. He understands business people and how they connect and helps companies large and small to achieve more through targeted verbal messaging and strategic networking. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of numerous audio programs and books including his latest release 101 Networking Nuggets ebook. Visit http://thesuccessfulnetworker.com/101_Ebook.html or email Glen@InspirationAgents.com to learn more.


Glen Gould
glen@inspirationagents.com
770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com
Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace


For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Could Joining Your Chamber of Commerce Make You Happier?

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Do You Have My Money?

Mastering the Membership Maze
with Glen Gould

Each month I meet hundreds of business owners who have joined chambers of commerce, business organizations, associations, and networking groups. Each month I hear the same question from most of these individuals. Some ask more boldly than others, but virtually all new members ask the same question. "Do you have my money?"

Obviously they don't come right out and ask that question, but all the comments they make and the few questions they ask are designed to find out who has their money.

Joining a new organization is the pinnacle of excitement about the potential return on investment of the three "T's" we are investing. We will invest time, talent, and treasure in this new organization and we expect a healthy return on our investment. We invest our treasure (in the form of membership dues) and we invest our time (in the form of time attending events). Savvy networkers will offer to invest their talent volunteering. These investments are made with the assurance in our minds that someone has our money and we must find it. The more involved we become the more likely we will find our money. Herein lies the source of most failures in networking.

Networking is best used to build relationships with people who will see you as a trusted resource. Trust comes only with time and experience. The ultimate goal you should have for attending networking events is to find three to five prospective networking partners with whom you will build a lasting relationship. To do that you will have to turn off your "me" switch and begin focusing on the other person.

Everyone knows that you are there to sell your stuff. Everyone else is as well. But the people in any group who excel rarely talk about their products or services at networking events. These individuals answer questions when asked but spend most of their time asking questions of others. Their sincere desire is to get to know others. Why? Because they only do business with people they know, like, and trust and they are trying to find out if the person they have just met is someone they would like to get to know better.

The next time you attend a networking event, go with the plan to meet three new people. But don't just meet them, spend a few extra minutes with them to find out what they are looking for. Turn off your "me" switch and tune into their needs. Then go to work.

Over the next twenty-four hours, try to find a match from your network for the needs of the new people you met. Then invite each one for a cup of coffee at Starbucks. There you will spend more time learning about them and their needs and you will bring a referral from your network. Rest assured, you will be remembered, appreciated, and you will become a trusted resource for them as well.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace.

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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Do You Have My Money?

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Economic Recovery Is Our Responsibility

Mastering the Membership Maze
with Glen Gould

Today you can spark an economic revolution. Are you up for the challenge?

It has been said that environment is a direct reflection of the people in it. If you want to change the environment, just change the people. Shouldn't this apply to our economic situation as well? So how do we change the local economy? By changing the way the people interact and do business. When each of us becomes more focused on helping our friends, neighbors, and local businesses, everyone will experience an economic revival and it starts by referring friends and acquaintances to people we know.

And best of all, it's not a new skill to learn. You've already referred people to others before. Maybe you referred a friend to a local dry cleaners or auto mechanic. Perhaps you helped someone find a store in town when asked, or maybe you just conveyed well wishes from one friend to another. These are all forms of networking. Everyone is networking all the time, whether for business, charity or friendship, networking is a part of all our lives.

Networking is and has been one of the most relied upon ways for small and large businesses alike to build their business base. Networking is cost effective, easily measured for success or failure, and often times fun! It brings great joy to know that you have helped someone address a need or solve a problem

Most everyone knows that a customer that comes to us through word of mouth promotion is very likely to be one who will become a loyal customer and one who will send us future referrals. But did you know that a potential contributor to your favorite charity will donate more money more often if they have a personal or networked relationship with that charity? Even our relationships are enhanced when we are referred to a potential new friend. As the saying goes, “Any friend of yours is a friend of mine”. What most people don’t know is they can control to a large extent the quantity and quality of the referrals they receive.

There is a golden rule in networking as there is in life; treat others the way you wish to be treated. In business, local business owners wish for local consumers to shop in their store. As consumers, we wish for businesses to give us excellent service, quality, and value for the price we pay. Whether buying or selling, we wish for others to consider our needs.

So here's the challenge: Start your own personal economic revolution today. Meet someone new or get to know someone you already know better. Ask them how you can help them and then go about the process of connecting them to someone you know. Remember, successful networking and economic recovery will happen when we remember the golden rule.

Glen Gould is a business growth and relationship thought leader. He understands business people and how they connect and helps companies large and small to achieve more through targeted verbal messaging and strategic networking. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer and the author of numerous audio programs and books including his latest release 101 Networking Nuggets ebook. Visit http://thesuccessfulnetworker.com/101_Ebook.html or email Glen@InspirationAgents.com to learn more.


Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace






Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free For Your TNNW Newsletter and THE BLUE MONDAY REPORT! - Click HERE.
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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Economic Recovery Is Our Responsibility

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: What to do Right Now To Win in 2010!

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Soon we'll bid 2009 farewell and before you know it, 2010 will be in full swing. What can you do right now that will make all the difference next year? Here's a simple action plan to budget your time and money for success in the coming year.

First, review your networking efforts during the past year. Take out your calendar and see where you spent your time. Were you committed to one or two groups or were you all over the place? Where did you get your best results? Where did you spend too much time socializing and not enough time strategically networking? What did you enjoy the most?

Second, determine which networking efforts yielded the least. You should be able to determine where you spent time but received nothing for your efforts. If you can't, this exercise will solve that problem for you in the future but for now you'll need to go by feel. Be brutally honest here. You know in your gut what is fluff.

Third, commit to eliminating at least one of your current formal networking groups or efforts. If you are in your chamber of commerce, an outside leads group, and a social or community club or two, you're likely spread too thin. Eliminate one at least. Choose carefully. You'll need to examine what you've experienced in the past as well as the potential you could receive by more strategic engagement.

Fourth, recommit the time you've just gained to follow up. That's right, don't add another networking group, spend the time you wasted last year by committing to better follow up this year. Put a plan in place that allows you to better focus on each person you meet. Send cards (www.SendoutCards.com/64618) or make personal phone calls to really connect with people. In 2010 the people who win will be the people who show they really care.

Finally, develop a system to track your results. Budget time in you day to recap each networking meeting, schedule follow up calls, and have one on one meetings. Remember, it's about people and people do business with people they know, like, and trust. You need to get to really know more people and they need to really know you.

If you recommit your efforts this year by following this simple plan, you can easily determine what is working and what isn't as the year progresses. That means that you'll spend more time making effective connections and less time will be wasted.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.






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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: What to do Right Now To Win in 2010!

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: The Creation Experience

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Many are beginning to notice a trend into the next "economy". No, it's not the health care economy or the government bail-out economy. This trend is far more powerful than any of those so-called "new economies" and you'll need to know what to do if you want to capitalize and win.

This powerful new economy has consumers engaging in a new way that will change everything about your product and service. First there was the consumer economy. In this economy, people purchased products and services and consumed them. Later consumers graduated into what many called the experience economy. In this trend, consumers were no longer satisfied with consuming a product or service, they wanted to experience it as well.

For many years we've been hearing of the relationship economy. But the relationship economy has been around since the conception of commerce. In nearly every commercial transaction, a degree of trust is required. Of course the strongest relationships develop when repeat purchases happen between buyers and sellers with satisfactory results.

But now we're entering a new era. No longer do we rely solely on the relationship we have with the seller or buyer. And loyalty is becoming a thing of the past. All one must do is log on to Google and you'll find thousands of vendors offering deep discounts and other benefits to lure you into a relationship with them.

Now we're beginning to see the "creation experience" economy. Consumers now are demanding products and services at the lowest possible cost and they want to have a hand in creating the experience they will encounter when consuming or using what they've purchased.

Consider the IPhone. There are nearly 90,000 "apps" for the IPhone. Each app is an opportunity for you to create the experience you will have with your IPhone. Your IPhone is fundamentally different from mine, but together we share a commonality with all other IPhone users that is fundamentally different from Blackberry users. To take this to the logical end, together with the Blackberry and other smart phone users, we create another unique experience.

Facebook provides each person the opportunity to create their own experience and when shared, their own community. Facebook is wildly popular because it offers each of us the opportunity to engage in the "creation experience".

And of course this publication does the same. Each subscriber is given options to create the consumption experience he or she wants.

If you intend to be in business for any length of time in this economy, you must begin today developing ways your consumer can create their own experience. You simply cannot afford to ignore the signs and trends. Your chamber should be engaging you in new ways. You can capitalize on this trend by offering to serve your chamber by developing and supporting programs that give the members the opportunity to create their own experience.

Begin talking with fellow members and chamber staff about new ways to engage groups of members. You will certainly benefit from being the leader of this new economy in your chamber of commerce.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free For Your TNNW Newsletter and THE BLUE MONDAY REPORT! - Click HERE.
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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: The Creation Experience

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Have You Ever?

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

If you're like most people, you struggle to tell others in a succinct and effective way what it is that you do without coming across as a salesperson or marketing brochure. Now I know what you're thinking; "I'm great at this". Well think again.

How can I be so bold without ever having met you? Over that past four years Ben Turpin (my business partner) and I have worked with hundreds of chambers and tens of thousands of chamber members and in the process we've heard over 10, 000 self introductions, elevator pitches, and marketing minutes. Chances are we've heard something similar to yours in the process.

And the truth is most people struggle telling others what they do in a way that makes sense to the listener. You see, we suffer from the curse of knowledge; we know what we do so well we naturally assume others have a working knowledge of what we do as well. This results in our using industry terms and acronyms that make no sense to the listener.

When we do, the listener realizes you think they know more than they know and she doesn't want to appear ignorant. So she politely nods her head and smiles, then she walks away still having no idea what you do or how to help you.

The purpose of your self-introduction is to convey to the listener the value you bring to their sphere of influence in such a way that she is compelled to act on your behalf. Simply put, your self-introduction should compel your listener to act. You want her to begin to think of ways she can help you and thereby help her sphere of influence. So stop talking in your language and start talking in hers.

A simple way to begin to talk the listener's language, no matter how inexperienced she is in your industry is to use the "Have you ever" technique. This technique puts your listener into a story in which she is the star.

After being asked what you do, you could say you work for PDQ Widgets. That may be the fact, but facts are boring. Instead ask, "Have you ever seen someone using a widget? I help people get the right widget for their company." So simple and so easily understood. This engages the listener into an active role. She immediately sees someone she knows using your widget. She begins to think of others she might know who could use your widget and that makes her more likely to think of leads and referrals for you.

Use the "Have you ever" technique at the next networking event you attend and you'll see dramatic results.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free - Click HERE.
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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Have You Ever?

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Getting Out of Conversations

Mastering the Membership Maze
with Glen Gould

Talk about uncomfortable. Not long ago I was at a networking event and found myself in one of those conversations I wanted out of! You know what I mean, you meet someone and you immediately know that you have nothing in common; all you want to do is move on. But how? What should you do when you find yourself in a conversation you want out of?

After years of experience I can tell you some of the things that don't work.

Don't let your eyes wander away from your conversation partner – you'll get caught by the person you're supposed to be talking to – how embarrassing!

Don't make up a lame excuse – you'll likely say something silly like "I've got to go to the bathroom." Really? This is like asking permission in grade school.

Don't say you're looking for someone else – you might as well say, "hey, you're not very important and I'm looking for someone who is." Ouch!

And of course there's the classic "dump off". You know, you want out of the conversation so you introduce the person to anyone nearby. Would you want that to happen to you?

Of course there are hundreds of other faux pas, but only one correct way. It's incredibly simple yet so rarely used. Here's the script:

"It was nice meeting you." If you've met them before, "It was nice seeing you again." That's it. Shake hands and walk away. Simple right? So why don't we use this technique?

We mistakenly assume we owe others an explanation for our actions. While there are times when this is true, we owe no one an explanation for our style of mingling at a networking event. It comes from our desire to be liked, to be treated fairly, and to please others. We think we owe the person we've meet enough attention to make them feel validated.

But staying in a conversation with another just because we think we should doesn't help anyone. It actually hurts. If you tie someone up in a meaningless conversation they loose the opportunity to engage in a conversation of meaning with someone else.

Just walk away. Say, "It was nice seeing you." It works every time. But beware of your desire to let someone down gently. Don't add anything to the script. You'll be tempted to say, "Maybe we can get together sometime." That just adds expectations that you aren't wanting. Keep it simple. "It was nice meeting you."

An engaging platform speaker and author of four books, Glen Gould is a business growth and relationship specialist who understands business people and how they connect. He helps entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial-minded organizations leverage relationships to

create amazing results.

Glen Gould has worked with Fortune 500 corporations including Allstate, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Kmart, Albertsons, and Publix as well as thousands of small and mid- sized firms. Additionally, Glen works with chambers of commerce and associations throughout the world to help them grow and retain their membership.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

Published by THE NATIONAL NETWORKER Newsletter. All rights reserved. Subscribe Free - Click HERE.

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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Getting Out of Conversations

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Weigh Benefits of Chamber

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Thinking about dropping your chamber of commerce membership? Better think again.

If you're like many small and mid-sized business owners you're likely seeking every possible way to trim the fat, cut costs, and draw maximum value out of every dollar you spend. And this is with good reason. Just listen to the conversations at the table next to you in any restaurant and within a moment or two you'll hear people talking about "this economy".

So it might stand to reason when you receive your chamber of commerce membership invoice that you'd think twice before sending the check. After all, this is one business expense you might be able to do without, right? And how can you tell if your chamber membership is really helping you? You'll likely do just as well without that expense, right? Well, not so fast.

In a study by The Schapiro Group and Market Street Services, consumers indicated that companies who are members of a chamber of commerce enjoy a 44% increase in consumer favorability, 51% increase in consumer awareness, and a 57% increase in their local reputation. It could take tens of thousands of dollars in advertising to receive such benefits, but for less than a thousand dollars in most communities (much less in many) you receive this and so much more.

That's a huge benefit for the investment. And there's more: Consumers report a 63% increase in the likelihood that they will patronize a business in the future when they know that business is a member of the chamber. Simply put, remaining a member of the chamber makes good business sense, now more than ever.

Once you renew your chamber membership, get involved in the chamber. Attend meetings regularly and network with business professionals and peers from across your community. You'll build your reputation even more; becoming known, liked and trusted, and being referred by your fellow members.

Chambers of Commerce provided the single best way to grow your business. Even in "this economy", being a member of your chamber of commerce just makes good business sense. If you're not a member, join your local chamber today.

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Weigh Benefits of Chamber

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Plan a Workshop

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Contrary to what you may have heard or read, everyone is not struggling right now. Most businesses are still in business and employing people. And while most businesses aren't struggling, they are wondering what they can do right now to improve their productivity and increase sales. If you fall into this category, this article is for you.

Across the country chambers of commerce are looking for new business too. They need new members, new volunteers, and new programming and they are willing to work with anyone who can help. That's where you come in.

Do you have a product or service that solves a problem for a target audience? You better have. Are you able to present your product or service to prospective buyers? You need to be able to. Do you know about your industry, your competition, and how the things you and your competitors are doing impacts business in general? If yes, have I got an opportunity for you.

We're all familiar with the sales call. You prospect, call, set an appointment, and then you present your product or service to one person says either "Yes" or "No". But imagine presenting to a room full of people who may be clients but also may be referral sources. Here's how it works.

Develop a 20 minute presentation in a workshop format about your industry. Be certain the presentation is audience focused and value-packed. Leave plenty of room for questions and even plant some in the presentation. When the audience leaves they should have enough information to have a working knowledge of the options and they should know that you are the expert and have a solution as well.

For example, let's say you're a banker. You might talk about business loans and discuss different funding sources (Credit Cards, Micro Lenders, Grants, SBA, Angel Investors, Factors, Mezzanine Finance, and of course traditional Banks).

Present your idea for the workshop to your chamber of commerce (yes, you need to be a member). Show them how having this program that you will provide FREE of charge will benefit their members. Then tell them that you will be inviting non-members who you'll introduce to the chamber so they can see the value of chamber membership. Reassure them that this will be generic in nature and that you understand it cannot be just about you and your company. All you want is a place to present and for the chamber to promote it to the chamber membership.

Make sure you promote the event to your clients, prospects, email and other lists that you have accumulated. Get the chamber's approval and create a press release. Submit it to every media outlet in your service area (television, radio, web, print). Tweet about the upcoming event on Twitter, and join The National Networker and post the event on our calendar.

When you present your program, resist the temptation to make it a pitch-fest about your product or service. Make it generic in nature. But be certain to create a handout with your contact information in the header and footer on every page. Let the audience know that you are here to help.

Here's what will result. You'll be seen as the expert in your field. You'll bring in new members to the chamber and they'll love you for it. You'll present your ideas to a crowd, some of whom will buy your product or service and some of whom will let others know about you. Everyone wins.

One bit of warning. Every chamber won't warm up to this idea. That's o.k. You can use it with business associations, service clubs, and anywhere that people congregate. Right now, people are seeking answers. Be the solution.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace

For more information, please visit Glen's TNNW Bio.

*******
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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Plan a Workshop

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Use Summer to Build Your Network at the Chamber

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Summer time is here! School is out and everyone is looking forward to back yard barbecues and summer libations! It's the perfect time to enjoy the fruits of your labor, your well-deserved reward.

Which is why right now is the perfect time to redouble your networking efforts. Chambers across the country are beginning to go into "summer mode". Fewer programs, lower attendance, and a general more relaxed attitude may lead you to believe that summer is lost time. Don't fall into that trap.

Summer is the best time to focus on chamber networking. Now is the time to follow up on all the connections you've made over the winter and spring. You have the time to connect and develop relationships with other chamber members and they have time to take your call and meet with you. Summer provides a built-in period where everyone is more relaxed and you can more easily reach people.

Begin by examining the contacts you've made over the past three months. Divide the contacts into prospective buyers of your products and services and prospective networking partners. Then set aside one day a week to focus on really connecting with these two groups.

Really connecting means that you will schedule face time with each person. Call them and ask to meet for a cup of coffee, lunch, or just at their office to better get to know them and how you can help each other. Be certain to focus on the potential benefits for the person with whom you wish to meet and honor that promise by being fully prepared when you meet.

Being prepared includes knowing the purpose of the meeting. If you're connecting with a potential client, identify key objectives for the meeting and benefits the prospect will gain by meeting with you. If it's a potential networking partner, outline how connecting with you can drive more connections and business for them. In both cases, create an agenda for the meeting.

Develop a plan and a goal or outcome for you and your meeting partner. Have it in writing and advise your meeting partner of your intentions before you meet. Then when you arrive at the meeting, share in writing the agenda you have discussed. And be certain to leave time to get off track and still finish on time. Begin and end on time. If your meeting reaches the end of the allotted time and you are both still engaged, ask for an extension of time. "We've reached the end of our allotted time but it seems we still have things to discuss. Would you like to continue or would you like to schedule another appointment?"

After the meeting send a card thanking them for their time and recapping the meeting. Email is fine, but only when sent in conjunction with a written note or card. And follow up as you promised.

When you develop relationships by having personal one-on-one meetings during the summer, you'll be way ahead when members start to flock back to chamber meetings in the fall. Everyone will know you, and that's the first step in being known, liked and trusted. This will make all the newcomers want to know you as well. Become known by having one-on-one meetings. You'll build more relationships and win more business.

Glen Gould

glen@inspirationagents.com

770-435-0781

www.InspirationAgents.com
Inspiring Positive Change

www.IsYourNetworkingWorking.com
Powerful Networking Tools

www.AtlantaCommunityBreakfast.com

Bringing business people together to discuss faith and values in the workplace

*******
Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER (TNNW). All rights reserved.

To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to http://www.thenationalnetworker.com/ For the complete National Networker (TNNW) Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com/

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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Use Summer to Build Your Network at the Chamber

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Why Did You Join the Chamber?

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

Why did you join the chamber? Have you stopped to ask yourself this question?

Usually members join the chamber with no clear-cut plan. Our study shows that members join for one of three reasons: Respect, Recognition, or Return on Investment. Unfortunately, members rarely know which of these they are seeking. In their minds, members usually join because they "ought to". They ought to support the community. They ought to because it will grow their business. They ought to because everyone does. And while "I ought to" is a reason, it will rarely lead to a benefit for the member beyond the momentary good feeling one gets when doing something they "ought to".

But there is good news. If you are one of the hundreds of chamber members in the typical chamber who still isn't sure why he or she joined, you can begin today to get a huge benefit from your membership. And if you are one of the few who knows exactly why he or she joined, you can get greater benefits too. All you need to do is to tap into the collective knowledge base of the chamber membership.

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One of the more valuable benefits of being a member of your chamber of commerce is being able to interact with like-minded business people and to learn best practices and cutting edge ideas to build your business. Chances are there isn't a problem, challenge, or opportunity you face in your business today that hasn't been addressed by someone in the chamber before. All you need to do is to tap into the collective knowledge base and find the answer. It seems easy, and it is.

At chamber events you have access to the best and brightest minds in business. By connecting with others you can help them, help yourself, and help your community. All you have to do is become engaged. Just attending meetings and meeting people will expose you to many new ideas that will help your business. While this process works, there is a better way.

Many chambers have formal idea exchanges. Whether panel discussions, interviews with successful business leaders, CEO Roundtables, or Business-to-Business Connection programs, there is an avenue for you to meet people that you can help and that can help you. If your chamber doesn't have a forum that regularly puts members together to discuss ideas, I have great news for you!

You can be the solution to the problem by volunteering to lead a group.

If you are a regular reader of this column or my blog (www.glengould.net) you know that the biggest benefit you can receive is through service to others. Helping your chamber develop a CEO Roundtable or Business-to-Business exchange will deliver amazing results. Imagine a group of business leaders who meet monthly in a non-threatening atmosphere to discuss challenges and solutions to problems they face. Whether it's hiring employees, sales training, or work-life balance, you can create a program for business leaders to come together and solve problems. It is a powerful tool that every business owner needs.

Or you could develop a business-to-business program to facilitate the exchange of leads and referrals for salespeople of member companies. Start out meeting once a month in an open format and then create closed groups of non-competing industry people to meet more often and build tighter relationships.

Often the best way to solve your problem is to bring others together who share a similar challenge to solve it together. Try building CEO Roundtables and Business-to-Business groups at your chamber and watch your business grow!

Glen Gould

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MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: Why Did You Join the Chamber?

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: One Thing You Can Do Now That Can Change Everything

Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould

The first quarter of 2009 is in the books. Now is the time when we look at the figures and identify trends. No doubt the figures will tell a story and as my mother always said, "figures don't lie, but liars sure can figure."

But what exactly are the figures telling us? What figures should we be considering?

And most importantly, what really matters? The last thing any one needs right now is someone adding to the negative news we are being bombarded with every day. But perhaps you are one of many examining your figures and you are beginning to believe that things are not going so well. Remember, the figures don't lie.

Of course there are many who are experiencing a great year. Their numbers are up and things are going well. What could be the difference for these people in this challenging economy? Could it be one thing? Most emphatically YES.

Those who have good results now or at any time most certainly have faith. Faith should not be confused with belief. Belief can be based on proof or fact. When your numbers are down and everyone around you is telling you that things are going poorly, it is easy to believe that things are going poorly. But belief does not trump faith.

Faith is more than a good attitude or a belief that things will work out for the best. Faith is confidence or trust in a person or thing. Faith is belief that is not based on proof. In the example of our numbers being down, one would believe that the numbers are down based on the evidence, but could still have faith that things are going well regardless of the evidence. Faith requires trust, confidence, and belief not based on proof. Simply put, faith is a choice. It is the choice of optimism over pessimism.

Which brings us to the one thing you can do now to change everything. You can choose to have faith that things will be good. You can have faith in your company, your product, your service, and yourself. You can have faith that your clients will buy and that they will pay on time. You can have faith that you will benefit from this economic climate and not be a victim of it. You can choose to have faith.

And when you choose to have faith the world will respond in kind. People who have faith are more optimistic, more jovial, and more engaging. People are naturally attracted to those who smile more, speak positively, and are engaged with others in a positive manner. You will be more attractive when you have faith. And others will want to be around you and do business with you.

You'll receive more orders, more leads, more referrals, and more money. This will lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy: I have faith that things are going well and they are. I am more attractive to others, more people want to be around me, and more people do business with me. And they are telling others about me too!

The choice is yours. You can believe what everyone is telling you or you can choose to have faith that you are exceptional. Choose to have faith and you will find that networking is easier, referrals are plentiful, friends are abundant, and your wallet is fat.

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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. All rights reserved.
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To subscribe for your free TNNW Newsletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free continuous RSS feed (available either by traditional RSS or by direct email), go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.

You are also invited to click our buttons:




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Forward/Share This Article With Colleagues And Social Media:

MASTERING THE MEMBERSHIP MAZE: One Thing You Can Do Now That Can Change Everything