Finding and Keeping Quality Employees--tips from our members

At a recent Business over Breakfast, we asked our members to share tips on how to find and keep quality employees.  Here's what they said:

"Compensation. Incentives. Benefits. Encouragement."

--Joy Vander Weel, All Saints Cemetery

"Make employee feel appreciated. Offer sales incentives.  Thank them often. Give encouragement.  Great benefits include: health, 401k match, excellent vacation time.  Genisys Credit Union is Hiring!  Full and part time.  Apply online at www.genisyscu.org."

--Hollie Sayles, Genisys Credit Union

"The greatest way to attract and keep employees is how you treat them."

--Ron DeLorme, Manage Max Performance Improvement

"Involve the employees in the decision making."

--Carol Peters, Lafontaine Automotive Group

"Offer incentives like tuition reimbursement."

--Fred Ritter, Clarkston Autowash Co.

"Feed them."

--Chris Collins, Planet Kids Premier Academy

"Use 4 hour working interviews and ask staff opinions."

--Dr. Bryan Cornwall, Advanced Petcare of Oakland

"Invest in them!  Spend time getting to know their dreams.  Love them (in the right way)."

--Janet Tait, Wellness Enhancement LLC

"Work for your wife.  Divorce is expensive."

--David Jackson, Ideas for You

"Define jobs specifically.  Recruit widely.  design interview questions to reveal job skills.  Do not SETTLE for warm body!  Lots of talent available in Michigan."

--Ron DeLorme, Manage Max Performance Improvement

"Casual Friday."

--Fritz Jackson, Ideas for You

Social Media Tips--What's working for our members

At a recent BOB, we asked our Chamber members, "What's working for you with Social Media?"

TWITTER

"Keep tweets limited to 120 characters so others can retweet.  (RT)"

Jason T. Ryan, Vision Fuel Media

FACEBOOK

"Facebook is working!  I spend 10 minutes a day.  I respond to other's posts.  One in 20 of my posts is about my business, the rest is about my life."

Laura Jasurda, Rodan and Fields

LINKED IN

"I'm a fan.  Linked in helps you think strategically about your contacts.  You can use it to send a thank you for connecting--it leads to conversations."

Larry Ribits, Keaton Publications

CONSTANT CONTACT

"I use Constant Contact--it helps me stay in touch and in front of customers and clients, even in the busy times."

Tom Lowrie, Lowrie's Landscape

WEBSITE

"Having information about our natural burial area The Preserve, is bringing great interest to our website."

Russ Burns, All Saints Cemetery

CROSS LINK
Cross links from Twitter to Facebook to Linked in etc and to your website will help you come up higher in Google and other search engines."
Tom Kiihr, Signs Now Waterford


From the Chamber staff
There are a lot of online social media marketing outlets and tools out there
Invest a little time learning about what each has to offer
Go to where your target audience (and prospective audience) spends their time

TWITTER, the Chamber utilizes Social Oomph to pre-schedule tweets.
Look for content that's easy and interesting to tweet for these pre-scheduled tweets.
We use motivational and inspiration quotes
DTE Energy music theater concert announcements
Local blood drives and community events and activities.
Along with general Chamber information, trivia and tips.
We also use Tweetdeck to "listen".  We've set up columns to capture keywords and phrases of interest to our community.  When people tweet about Clarkston--we want to hear what they're saying.

CROSS LINK We've connected Twitter and Linked In to our Facebook page.  When we post once--it shows up on all 3 Social media outlets.

FACEBOOK--photos and weblinks grab the eye and engage the audience.
Asking questions--even simple ones like "What's your favorite flavor ice cream" can engage the readers.  Let them tell you what they like.

What else is out there?  
Have videos of your business, events, activities, products, testimonials and staff?  Upload them to YouTube and link to them from Facebook and Twitter
Have photos of your business, events, activities, products and staff?  Use Flickr to post them online.
Sign up for Pinterest and learn how to "pin" photos to your public bulletin boards.  You'll find out what people respond to when they Like or Repin your photos and videos.
If you've posted photos or videos on your website, Flickr or YouTube, you can PIN them to your Pinterest boards.  (Facebook photos and videos don't pin . . .yet)

If you have a retail business, you might want to investigate FOURSQUARE.  This social media, location based smart phone app encourages users to announce where they are by "checking in" with their phone.  Retailers and restaurants can capitalize on this by finding out who visits them on a regular basis.  You can also encourage users who are nearby to come on in and check your business out, by posting a special offer on FOURSQUARE.  When a user is in the area, their phone will tell them what special offers are nearby.

There's a lot of social media tools that are out there--free of charge--but needing an investment of your time to learn and keep current your online presence.

There are also a lot of tools out there for additional charges (many of these are nominal annual fees) to upgrade your accounts, give you access to more features or even monitor and manage your online presence for you.

Best Marketing Tips

At a recent BOB, we asked our members to share tips, ideas and strategies for marketing.

"A millionaire once told me--To be a success you need to talk to 15 people per day.  Track how many people you talk to each day."
Laura Jasurda, Rodan and Fields

"Take advantage of being feature on Groupon.  Exposure to 700,000 people in SE Michigan and no out of pocket cost."
Jason T. Ryan, Groupon

"Run a Testimonial Ad in the local paper.  People always like to know what your customers think."
Russ Burns, All Saints Cemetery

"Advertise in the local paper."
Jill Dixon, Heather Pines

"Track where your leads come from.  Give and get referrals."
Lenny Dicks, MAACO

"Join local networking groups and form relationships."
Jason T. Ryan, Vision Fuel Media

"Get referrals from your existing customers, on their business letterhead.  If necessary, offer them a sample letter to show them what you're looking for."
Don Souden, Coffee Break Service

"Develop strategic referral partnerships."
Larry Ribits, Keaton Publishing

"Follow up! The fortune is in the follow up.  Read No More Cold Calling by Joanne Black."
Nick Shone, Legal Sheild

"Attend ribbon cuttings, grand openings and open houses."
Ginny Hechinger, Costco

"Pass out promotional items with your company name, logo, slogan or branding."
Fritz and David Jackson, Ideas for You

From the Chamber we add the following tips:

• Know who your target audience is and where to find them
• Partner with other chamber members who have a similar customer base to give referrals back and forth
• Ask questions of the advertising representatives for newspapers, mailers, radio and TV--advertising may be more affordable than you realize.
• Running 1 ad isn't going to do much--be consistent.  Build your marketing plan so it sustains consistent and multi-platform (Social Media, Print advertising etc.) based.
• Consider participating in service clubs and volunteer organizations.  You'll build friendships and camaraderie, but you're also building your personal and company brand.  People do business with people they know, like and trust.
• Show up.  Attending a Business Over Breakfast is an easy way to meet new people and grow existing relationships.
• Sit with somebody new at lunch.  If you always talk to the same people, you will get the same information.  Reach out and meet someone new.
• Sponsoring an event like Women in Business, allows you the opportunity for a table display and presentation time in front of the group.
• Co-brand with excellence. Sponsoring an event like Concerts in the Park or Taste of Clarkston, gets your name in front of a lot of local eyeballs--while being aligned with well-loved, smooth running events.
• Put your flyer in Advertising Advantage, the Chamber's direct mailing to 1000 area business.  ($150 per month)
• Take advantage of Independence Township library business resources and databases.
• Remember that excellent customer service at every touchpoint is fabulous marketing that will keep you in front of return customers and clients!

We've told you a few of ours, now share with us some of your best marketing tips, ideas and secrets!

Tips for Saving Money

At a recent BOB, we asked attendees to share with us their ideas, tips and secrets.

"Pay yourself first.  Set aside 10-20% in savings and don't touch it!"
--Laura Jasurda, Rodan and Fields


"Review every contract and vendor annually."
--Donna Bullard, Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union

" Don't print unless absolutely necessary.  You'd be surprised how this small thing adds up."
--Holly Sayles, Genisys Credit Union

"Switch to CFL light bulbs."
--Joanne Kent, Batteries Plus

"Take advantage of FREE interns through Michigan Works, Oakland University, Baker College and more!"
--Jason T. Ryan, Vision Fuel Media and Groupon

"Create a budget and stick to it."
--Carol Peters, LaFontaine Automotive Group

"Take advantage of discount savings through your company."
--Liza Shone, Legal Shield


"Track your spending.  Manage your facilities maintenance and equipment carefully."
--Russ Burns, All Saints Cemetery


From the Chamber's side, I know of a few more tips that you want to keep in mind.

• Be a member.  Members save money on most event registrations.  
• Check with your tax advisor.  Chamber membership dues may be a business deduction
• Utilize early bird sign ups.  You'll save $5 on BOBs and Mixer registrations and $25-$50 on Golf, Business Bootcamps and EXPO registrations.
• Get and use your free Office Depot discount card.
• Price our your health insurance options utilizing Mi-Benefits.com.
• Participate in Advertising Advantage and reach 1,000 area businesses for just $150
• Use Chamber members--and check the chamber's website directory at www.clarkston.org to see if they offer a chamber member to member discount.
• Check out Chamber programs with Comcast Business Services
• Sign up for a year's advertising on the Chamber page with the Clarkston News and get a FREE Advertising Advantage

These are just a few of the ideas and tips our members shared with us.  Do you know of other good ways to save money? Tell us!

Networking tips from the Ultimate Networker--NPR interview

This morning, like most mornings, I turn on the radio and listen to NPR while I have my coffee, check emails and start the debate about when I NEED to get my running shoes on and still have time for a shower before heading to work.


Today's broadcast included an interview with Reid Hoffman is the co-founder and executive chairman of the professional networking website LinkedIn.


Don't sit with the same people at lunch all the time.  (Good point!  That's why we do reserve seating at our mixers.  So you have the opportunity to meet new people and connect.)


Get out of your comfort zone and connect with another department, another business, another vendor, supplier or customer.  (Not everyone you meet at a mixer is your ideal customer, client or referral partner--but they are someone who could have valuable experiences, ideas and knowledge that can help you.)


Find out what's going on in their lives.  What are they look for right now? What do they see as a trend, challenge, opportunity or obstacle?  (How often do we get stuck looking through our own microscope?  So familiar with our own jobs, territories, responsibilities and routines, that we miss the chance to put together a bigger picture.)


Be curious about other people's jobs, experiences, ideas.


The entire interview had more great tips from the ultimate networker--you can check it out here:
http://www.npr.org/2012/02/14/146811474/networking-tips-from-the-ultimate-networker


About that time, the clock dinged and I could procrastinate no longer.  Time to hit the treadmill.  The 3 miles went quickly as I thought about the interview and considered how it applies to me--my job--and the Chamber.


There is a wealth of information and opportunity in our community.  The Chamber helps businesses get connected and stay connected. But how can we do it better?

Send all the Right Messages

Networking doesn't suck.  Desperation does.

--Shawne Duperon, Top 20 Networking Nuggets

This month, Clarkston Area Chamber is offering a business bootcamp that can help you get your elevator speech (and more) into shape.  Don't dread networking for another day!

Send all the Right Messages

Elevator Speeches and more

Communication is about what you say and how you say it.

2 hour interactive boot camp/workshop 

Does your Business Elevator Speech make a great 1^st impression?

What “messages” are you really sending to prospects and customers when Networking, Selling or providing Service?  

Attend this fun and interactive boot camp and make sure that your ELEVATOR SPEECH is Sending All the Right Messages!

Bring some friends and make the most of this great opportunity! 

Space is limited

Wednesday 

February 29

7:45 AM registration check in

8:00-10:00 AM  Presentation

 Colombiere Conference Center

9075 Big Lake Rd.

Clarkston, MI 48346

Coffee & continental breakfast provided

REGISTRATION:  $49 Chamber member early bird rate

$89/per person non-members and at the door registrations

PRESENTER:

Ron DeLorme

Manage Max Performance Improvement

Program Goals:

· Focus on YOUR Elevator Speech and YOUR needs! 

· To provide useful information and give YOU time to refine your Elevator Speech!

· Help YOU be more effective, and feel more comfortable, when giving YOUR Elevator Speech.

· Help YOU build a Support Group that can help each other in the future!

· Help YOU build your business!

Program Activities:   

· Review a helpful Verbal and Non-verbal Dos and Don’ts, then, apply simple rules and guidelines that will improve your Elevator Speech immediately!

· Bring your best “Elevator Speech” and find out what a “friendly coach” really thinks about YOUR Business Elevator Speech and delivery!

· See how you score on an Elevator Speech Checklist!

· Tweak your delivery and Elevator Speech so that everything is more Clear, more Positive and more Powerful!  And these improvements may lead to greater Customer Loyalty, more Customer Referrals and more business!

· Ensure that, in the future, you are sending only the RIGHT Verbal and Non-Verbal MESSAGES!

· Create your own Business Excellence Support Team (BEST) – they will help you excel in the future!

· Have fun!  Learn new skills!  Make new friends!  Find new customers!

This event is co-hosted by 5 Chambers of Commerce in North Oakland County:

Clarkston, Orion, Auburn Hills, Ortonville and Oxford.

Networking, Expectations, Goofus and Gallant

Recently a chamber member brought a concern to my attention.

This person is what I would refer to as a "Great Networker." They noted that there are people out there that think just because you've been introduced and exchanged business cards that you're now obligated to purchase their services or send a referral. The member with Great Expectations may (or more likely may not) have done the same as they're expecting, but the expectation is there.

Now stop and think about this for a minute. Is everyone you meet a prospective customer or client? Is it possible to give business to everyone you meet for the first time WHEN you meet them for the first time? (We have nearly 600 members in our Chamber alone--and many of our members belong to multiple networking groups.)

Yes, networking can pay off with valuable referrals--but there's a difference between being a Great Networker and getting those referrals and being a "Great Expectations" kind of networker. Which one are you?

Great Networker
People do business with people they know.
Great Expectations
I gave you my business card--so now we know each other--give me business.

Great Networker
People do business with people they like and trust.
Great Expectations
I'll like you better when you give me business.

Great Networker
Relationships are about the lifetime value of a connection--not a flash in the pan.
Great Expectations
If you're not giving me business--there's no lifetime value.

Great Networker
It's not just the person I'm meeting and getting to know--it's about all of their connections too. Maybe you aren't a good prospect for my goods or services--but I'll bet you know someone who is. I treat our relationship with respect and care--it's an example of how I treat customers and clients. So even if you don't use my services or products--you know I have high integrity and value. Hopefully that makes it easy for you to think of me when a referral opportunity crops up.

Great Expectations
I'll give you some more business cards you can give your friends.

Great Networker
I ask questions about your business, learning more about you, your goals, how things are going.
Great Expectations
Why are you asking me all of these questions about my business? If you're not a potential customer or client, stop wasting my time.

Great Networker
After learning about your business, I often am asked similar questions about my own business.
Great Expecations
Well I told you all about my business--time to move on.


Rereading this before posting, I am reminded of the old Highlights Magazine cartoon strip "Goofus and Gallant." Yes, I'm a baby boomer--this was long before the days of Dilbert or Calvin & Hobbs.

Basically these are classic themes about having good manners. I strongly urge you to NOT be a Goofus.