Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com Chamber Nation has created an expanding network of Chambers of Commerce to provide members with a powerful system to promote their businesses. We are creating through this national network and collaboration an ever expanding platform that makes it easier to manage and promote Chamber membership. It is a complete framework, internal operational automation and a content publishing system designed for creating highly interactive multi-language Web sites, online communities, media distribution, networking, TCS member portals, blogs, fully integrated e commerce and local search engine applications. Our new Going Green program for Chambers of Commerce is amazing. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000 http://snappages.com en Fenton MO. Chamber of Commerce first to launch Chamber Intelligence App http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2012/01/25/fenton-mo-chamber-of-commerce-first-to-launch-chamber-intelligence-app http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2012/01/25/fenton-mo-chamber-of-commerce-first-to-launch-chamber-intelligence-app Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:33:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2012/01/25/fenton-mo-chamber-of-commerce-first-to-launch-chamber-intelligence-app ADVANCED Chamber of Commerce mobile application in Fenton Missouri. This is produced by Chamber Nation and is called "Chamber Intelligence". This new mobile framework will alow us to product mobile automation that converts the
We are really excited the announce that today we have formally launched a new, ADVANCED Chamber of Commerce mobile application in Fenton Missouri. This is produced by Chamber Nation and is called "Chamber Intelligence". This new mobile framework will alow us to product mobile automation that converts the Chamber Nation system into a full blow Chamber Publshing System.

It is available now for Android phones and soon on iPhone / Blackberry devices.

DOWNLOAD ANDROID EDITION HERE

]]> Chamber Intelligence - Latest Mobile App http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2012/01/12/chamber-intelligence-latest-mobile-app http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2012/01/12/chamber-intelligence-latest-mobile-app Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:32:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2012/01/12/chamber-intelligence-latest-mobile-app Chamber Intelligence for a very good reason. It is a fully interactive mobile application that begins to take Chamber of Commerce management mobile. Executives can access important reports, view member details, add a prospect, edit profiles, view member trends and much [...]]]>
The latest Chamber Nation mobile app is called Chamber Intelligence for a very good reason. It is a fully interactive mobile application that begins to take Chamber of Commerce management mobile. Executives can access important reports, view member details, add a prospect, edit profiles, view member trends and much more.

Members can update parts of their community advertising, TCS page information, create / edit coupons, chamber daily deals, post to the chamber social network right from their phone.

Public will find valuable information on the community and the members easily through our newly updated mobile member directory, calendars and more. Visitors can even use their phone to create reminders to events and quickly share deals and members ads to others.

Chamber Nation customers will soon see this option added to the www.ChamberAPPStore.com
in February at an affordable price point so all can afford the transistion to mobile technologies.

]]> Buy USA Program Launched this Week http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/12/05/buy-usa-program-launched-this-week http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/12/05/buy-usa-program-launched-this-week Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:38:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/12/05/buy-usa-program-launched-this-week Chamber of Comerce members around the country are connecting and displaying their USA made products through the Buy Local Program automation. When they post and select "Made in USA" then their items are added to this resource guide automatically.

Businesses who would like to display their [...]]]> Chamber of Comerce members around the country are connecting and displaying their USA made products through the Buy Local Program automation. When they post and select "Made in USA" then their items are added to this resource guide automatically.

Businesses who would like to display their products and services here at no charge are encouraged to join a participating Chamber of Commerce.

Call 1-855-233-6362 to request the location of a Chamber closest to your location.

]]> Chamber Nation's Art Director (Juliet) is Kicking Out Some Nice Mobile Icons - At Least We Think So? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/12/05/chamber-nations-art-director-juliet-is-kicking-out-some-nice-mobile-icons-at-least-we-think-so http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/12/05/chamber-nations-art-director-juliet-is-kicking-out-some-nice-mobile-icons-at-least-we-think-so Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:31:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/12/05/chamber-nations-art-director-juliet-is-kicking-out-some-nice-mobile-icons-at-least-we-think-so
]]> ChamberPAL.Com is Now Ready for Members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/11/16/chamberpal-com-is-now-ready-for-members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/11/16/chamberpal-com-is-now-ready-for-members Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:05:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/11/16/chamberpal-com-is-now-ready-for-members Every business today can benefit from having a smart mobile strategy.

It starts with covering both marketplaces and thats INCLUDED too!

Easy Dashboard

When we say easy we really mean easy. It's even easier when our team sets the whole program up for you.

We don't sacrifice the advanced services [...]]]>
Every business today can benefit from having a smart mobile strategy.

It starts with covering both marketplaces and thats INCLUDED too!

Easy Dashboard

When we say easy we really mean easy. It's even easier when our team sets the whole program up for you.

We don't sacrifice the advanced services Chamber of Commerce members need to promote their businesses locally, and via the most popular mobile marketplaces.

Chamber Search Engine

National search engines lead people to Chambers of Commerce thousands of times a day.

People typically use search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo and Ask to find information on a local community. It's critical that Chamber Member businesses are optimized locally to take advantage of this traffic.

LEARN MORE AT www.ChamberPAL.com

]]> Meporter.Com Special Chamber Edition http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/10/03/meporter-com-special-chamber-edition http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/10/03/meporter-com-special-chamber-edition Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:17:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/10/03/meporter-com-special-chamber-edition
Welcome to the mobile newsdesk. Say goodbye to next day stories. Help share breaking news through the Chamber of Commerce website, your community and the world on location.

Now with a unique localized reporting module for Chambers of Commerce. During [...]]]>
Welcome to the mobile newsdesk. Say goodbye to next day stories. Help share breaking news through the Chamber of Commerce website, your community and the world on location.

Now with a unique localized reporting module for Chambers of Commerce. During your Chamber Nation implementation phase, we'll offer to integrate this powerful news reporting system at no additional cost.

Please visit: www.Meporter.com



]]> We Love Compliments Like This! http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/09/27/we-love-compliments-like-this http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/09/27/we-love-compliments-like-this Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:03:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/09/27/we-love-compliments-like-this Our Chamber Nation engineering team received this compliment today from a customer.

When our program helps others grow that really makes us happy.

Here is what our customer had to say:

Chris & Chris,

Just a quick note to share and say, "Thanks!"

The changes we just finished for the custom [...]]]> Our Chamber Nation engineering team received this compliment today from a customer.

When our program helps others grow that really makes us happy.

Here is what our customer had to say:

Chris & Chris,

Just a quick note to share and say, "Thanks!"

The changes we just finished for the custom pages in the TCS system lead to signing a Property Manager and acquiring 16 new Homeowner Association Member Accounts all using the TCS system.

It is just the beginning! Again thanks for everything and for making this so much fun! Your hard work and attention to detail is really appropriated. You guys rock!

Robbin



]]> Self Publishing System for Mobile Apps - a Chamber of Commerce Solution. http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/07/27/self-publishing-system-for-mobile-apps-a-chamber-of-commerce-solution http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/07/27/self-publishing-system-for-mobile-apps-a-chamber-of-commerce-solution Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:54:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/07/27/self-publishing-system-for-mobile-apps-a-chamber-of-commerce-solution
Members look to their Chambers of Commerce for guidance in areas of business development.

For this reason Chamber Nation has created the first ever Mobile Publshing System for self publishing of mobile applications.

This creates [...]]]>
Members look to their Chambers of Commerce for guidance in areas of business development.

For this reason Chamber Nation has created the first ever Mobile Publshing System for self publishing of mobile applications.

This creates a LOW COST mobile development platform and a great on-going revenue model for the Chamber.

We invite you to read all about this at the Mobile Publishing System website.

]]> Chamber App Store Announced http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/07/07/chamber-app-store-announced http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/07/07/chamber-app-store-announced Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:32:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/07/07/chamber-app-store-announced July 7, 2011 - Chamber Nation

We are pleased to announce the opening of the Chamber App Store. A store dedicated to providing great mobile applications for Chambers of Commerce at affordable prices.

"Most Chambers of Commerce have a very limited budget" says Richard Scully, CEO of Chamber Nation.

All [...]]]> July 7, 2011 - Chamber Nation

We are pleased to announce the opening of the Chamber App Store. A store dedicated to providing great mobile applications for Chambers of Commerce at affordable prices.

"Most Chambers of Commerce have a very limited budget" says Richard Scully, CEO of Chamber Nation.

All communities must be online through many different channels. This includes Print, Website, Social Networking and Mobile App Marketplaces.

We are hopeful that the Chamber App Store will satisfy this need in even the smallest communities where budgets are tightest. Chamber Nation knows all about small communities... our community here in Quincy California has a population of about 5000, but we serve tens of thousands through the Internet. It goes to show how important it is to promote small communities and their member businesses througout the nation.

We are releasing the Chamber Mobile App on July 15, 2011.

Be sure to visit: www.ChamberAppStore.com to learn all about it.




]]> New Live Chamber Nation Training Center http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/16/new-live-chamber-nation-training-center http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/16/new-live-chamber-nation-training-center Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:55:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/16/new-live-chamber-nation-training-center
We also hope to [...]]]>
We also hope to imporve our town-hall member meetings through this type of technology too! We've got a lot to do nation-wide so this is just another way to make that process a bit more efficient along the way.

]]> Colleyville says thanks to businesses - Posted Monday, May. 30, 2011Read more: http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/04/colleyville-says-thanks-to-businesses-posted-monday-may-30-2011read-more http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/04/colleyville-says-thanks-to-businesses-posted-monday-may-30-2011read-more Sat, 04 Jun 2011 14:03:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/04/colleyville-says-thanks-to-businesses-posted-monday-may-30-2011read-more http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/05/30/3113851/colleyville-says-thanks-to-businesses.html [...]]]> http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/05/30/3113851/colleyville-says-thanks-to-businesses.html

BY STEVE NORDER SNORDER@COLLEYVILLETEXASCOURIER

COLLEYVILLE - Economic development - most often translated as attracting businesses to the city and retaining the ones already here - is at the top of Colleyville's to-do list.
City officials offer studies to business prospects on the number of people within a 17-minute drive of Colleyville Boulevard and Main Street - 254,000 people. They have provided SCORE consultants with a City Hall office, so they can offer free business planning advice. On May 16, the city sponsored a business appreciation evening at the Colleyville Center, to say thank you to local business owners.
Marty Wieder, the director of economic development, likes to repeat, what he calls a "truth," he heard many years ago to explain his attitude toward business. "Businesses will locate where they can profit, but they will stay where they're wanted."
To that end, Wieder, along with his marketing coordinator, Ashley Stathatos, are continually working on ways to help the local merchants become more competitive. They have dropped the former campaign slogan of Keep It Colleyville as being too close to phrases used by nearby cities. The new slogan is Colleyville. Close Buy. The words are accommodated by a stylized graphic of a purse with a heart on it and a fork and a spoon on either side.
"What I like about it is that not only does it point out the shopping portion, but the dining," Wieder told the City Council at an April presentation.
More than 80 merchants attended the second-annual appreciation event.
"It is most important for us to say thanks to local businesses," Wieder said.
Mayor David Kelly welcomed the participants. "We depend on our businesses," he told them. "You are a major part of our community."
Booths, most representing the city departments, were set up. Kelly noted that the city can offer a sophisticated mapping system to help someone locate the perfect site for a store, or provide a retailer with a security check by a police officer. Both services are free.
Stathatos showed a new web-based service the city is developing in conjunction with the national web company, Chamber Nation. "It is designed to help drive consumers into Colleyville businesses," she said, adding that it will be at no cost to the merchants.
The system will allow retailers, restaurant or other business owner to have a website presence, Stathatos said. "You can create your own website or a profile page or link to an existing website," she said. "You can upload videos, pictures, slide shows or link to your Facebook or Linkedin pages. All of that can be seen through this website."
Merchants can also create discount coupons, she said. And they would be able to sell directly to customers off of the website.
Stathatos said that using the platform is easy. "If you can drag something from one place to another [on a computer screen], that's all you need to know to do it," she said. "Literally, it takes two minutes to figure it out how to use it."
Wieder said Stathatos will review each page before the public sees it. "We want to be assured that we don't have businesses in neighboring cities that want to get close to this and tag onto it," he told City Council members at an earlier briefing. "This is strictly Colleyville."
As of last week, Stathatos has not signed up the minimum of 40 local businesses to take the new site public, though she is continuing to sign them up. The idea, Wieder said, is to have enough businesses on the site to make it worthwhile for people to use it.
Although the merchant is not charged for having a presence on the website, the city pays $350 per month for the service from Chamber Nation, Stathatos said. While Chamber Nation is not affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, it is connected to the Green Business Chamber of Commerce, a cooperative service of local chambers that promote green business practices, according to its website.


Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/05/30/3113851/colleyville-says-thanks-to-businesses.html#ixzz1OLLwLydd

]]> Mark LeBlanc Seminars Sponsored by Chamber Nation - FREE to Participating Chambers of Commerce* http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/02/mark-leblanc-seminars-sponsored-by-chamber-nation-free-to-participating-chambers-of-commerce http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/02/mark-leblanc-seminars-sponsored-by-chamber-nation-free-to-participating-chambers-of-commerce Thu, 02 Jun 2011 09:41:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/06/02/mark-leblanc-seminars-sponsored-by-chamber-nation-free-to-participating-chambers-of-commerce
















Growing Your Business!

with Mark LeBlanc


New Strategies. New Ideas. New Tools.

Simply the best investment you can make for
sustainable and predictable success.
Guaranteed.


Invest 9 hours with Mark, $365 and make the next 12 months the best year of your business and career! This special event is designed to meet the best of what you need to know and what you need to do in order to grow your business or professional practice. We hope to see you in the city that works best for you.

It's more than a seminar and less than a weekend commitment. Anyone can carve out a block of 24 hours in their schedule and create a turning point towards a bigger, bolder, deeper and more meaningful level of success.

We've taken the best of our business development strategies and added new content modules that will guarantee your success. You will...
get the latest digital tracking tool that is changing the landscape of true performance.
sharpen your skills, better articulate your value and close more sales.
receive a new template for writing proposals that position your value and get results.
take a new look at High Value Activities and how to be more focused on a daily basis.
create a marketing plan and calendar that gets you visible, busy and booked.
discover how to mine your database for more sales and build customer relationships that last.
finally, put more money in your pocket!

Register yourself. Register your spouse. Register your partner. Register your staff.

“Mark, in the month I went to your 24 Hour event, I booked 4x my Optimistic number! I have always been a fan, but now I am a believer.” Henry DeVries

“I’ve gotten more done in the two weeks after attending your 24 Hour event than I did in the last two years. I can’t believe it!” Ronna Timpa

“It always made sense before, but something clicked for me in this new format. The new tools and details made it work for me.” Mary Goulet


There has never been a better time to be in business. Whether you own a business, or are responsible for any aspect of marketing or business development, this unique experience is for you. Only 30 seats are available for each event. Receive a 15% discount if 3 or more people from your company register.


To register* or get more information please call Kylie at (800) 690-0810 or visit our event registration website at: www.GrowingYourBusiness.com. * If you are part of the Chamber Nation network please call Kylie at (800) 690-0810 to register for your free seat that is sponsored by Chamber Nation. Remember their is a limit of 3 sponsored seats per event date.

Mark LeBlanc
Mark@SmallBusinessSuccess.com

19 South 1st Street, Suite B2404
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(800) 690-0810

If you would like to receive our free ezine, BusinessWise, please subscribe on our site at: www.SmallBusinessSuccess.com.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

www.MarkLeBlanc.com
Event schedule and upcoming cities

Day 1: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Day 2: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Denver, CO
June 3rd - 4th

Phoenix, AZ
June 5th - 6th

Minneapolis, MN
June 10th - 11th
July 8th - 9th
August 25th - 26th

New York, NY
June 24th - 25th

Chicago, IL
September 9th - 10th

Nashville , TN
(Murfreesboro)
October 14th - 15th

Boise, ID
October 25th - 26th


]]> Real Work Experience Program - Now Released http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/05/09/real-work-experience-program-now-released http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/05/09/real-work-experience-program-now-released Mon, 09 May 2011 15:29:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/05/09/real-work-experience-program-now-released
We invite Chambers of Commerce to partner with their local school, college or university so that members can get the most from the Internet.

You may be impressed... to find out please visit:


We invite Chambers of Commerce to partner with their local school, college or university so that members can get the most from the Internet.

You may be impressed... to find out please visit:

www.RealWorkExperience.com

]]> Chamber Member Recruiting Tool Available Now http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/03/04/chamber-member-recruiting-tool-available-now http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/03/04/chamber-member-recruiting-tool-available-now Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:47:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/03/04/chamber-member-recruiting-tool-available-now As a Chamber member you gain immediate access to the "Most Trusted Source for Local Information" - the Chamber of Commerce.

As a Chamber member you become a part of a [...]]]> As a Chamber member you gain immediate access to the "Most Trusted Source for Local Information" - the Chamber of Commerce.

As a Chamber member you become a part of a vibrant group of businesses with the advantage of a local referral network.

We're helping grow memberships one phone at a time.

ChamberMe is designed to provide an overview of Chambers of Commerce and to introduce the next generation of business people to the advantages of membership in their local Chamber of Commerce.

Remember…The Chamber of Commerce is the most trusted source for information on local businesses and services. Chamber Nation would like to introduce a new generation of business people to the advantages of Chamber membership regardless of the size or location of the Chamber of Commerce.

ChamberMe is a free gift to all Chambers of Commerce and sponsored by Chamber Nation.

www.ChamberMe.com

]]> Chamber Mobile Application for Member Education and Support Launched Today. http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/03/01/chamber-mobile-application-for-member-education-and-support-launched-today http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/03/01/chamber-mobile-application-for-member-education-and-support-launched-today Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:59:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/03/01/chamber-mobile-application-for-member-education-and-support-launched-today
You can view this mobile application by using the browser on your cell phone and going to:

M.ChamberNation.Me
[...]]]>
You can view this mobile application by using the browser on your cell phone and going to:

M.ChamberNation.Me


]]> Silver Springs Chamber to discuss new website on Wed. http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/02/12/silver-springs-chamber-to-discuss-new-website-on-wed http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/02/12/silver-springs-chamber-to-discuss-new-website-on-wed Sat, 12 Feb 2011 10:46:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/02/12/silver-springs-chamber-to-discuss-new-website-on-wed
The founder of Chamber Nation, Richard Scully, will make the presentation.

The new website offers Chamber members a variety of options to advertise their business, and members who wish to [...]]]>
The founder of Chamber Nation, Richard Scully, will make the presentation.

The new website offers Chamber members a variety of options to advertise their business, and members who wish to participate in the website can receive their own web page where they can post photos, advertise products and more.

The Chamber meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.

For more information, call 577-4336 or 775-354-4314.

Original Newspaper Article: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201102090600/FERNLEY04/102090368

]]> Small Businesses Can Survive and Thrive in 2011, Says Business Development Expert Mark LeBlanc http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/02/04/small-businesses-can-survive-and-thrive-in-2011-says-business-development-expert-mark-leblanc http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/02/04/small-businesses-can-survive-and-thrive-in-2011-says-business-development-expert-mark-leblanc Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:14:40 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2011/02/04/small-businesses-can-survive-and-thrive-in-2011-says-business-development-expert-mark-leblanc MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 3, 2011 — This year can be a great time to start a new small business or grow a business, says small business marketing expert Mark LeBlanc, author of “Growing Your Business!”

“There has never been a [...]]]> MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 3, 2011 — This year can be a great time to start a new small business or grow a business, says small business marketing expert Mark LeBlanc, author of “Growing Your Business!”

“There has never been a better time to be in business for yourself than right now because the opportunities are endless,” said LeBlanc, an in-demand small business speaker who recently completed a 15-city speaking tour sponsored by JP Morgan Chase Bank that helped small business owners focus on money and marketing plans that get results. “But,” he warns, “you must be more innovative and creative than ever before.”

CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE - CHAMBER NATION MENTION

]]> Great article on Joining a Chamber of Commerce http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/12/great-article-on-joining-a-chamber-of-commerce http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/12/great-article-on-joining-a-chamber-of-commerce Fri, 12 Nov 2010 11:14:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/12/great-article-on-joining-a-chamber-of-commerce
http://www.eq-mag.com/ezine/2010/11 [...]]]>
http://www.eq-mag.com/ezine/2010/11

]]> What should a small business' website do? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/08/what-should-a-small-business-website-do http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/08/what-should-a-small-business-website-do Mon, 08 Nov 2010 09:54:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/08/what-should-a-small-business-website-do http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/strauss/2010-11-07-strauss-ask-an-expert_N.htm?csp=usat.me [...]]]> http://www.usatoday.com/money/smallbusiness/columnist/strauss/2010-11-07-strauss-ask-an-expert_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Q: I am tasked with redoing our company website. I am planning on using a free or low-cost service and then customizing the template. My question is what do other small businesses do right and wrong when creating a business website — that is, are there things I should add or be on the lookout for?
—Sara

A: Someone recently told me that he considers a company's website to be so important, and so fundamental, that it is the "the business card of the 21st century."

Close, but no cigar.

I think my associate understates it. Yes, like a business card, your website is the first thing people often see when encountering your business, but it also has become a major factor in whether people even choose to do business with you. No business card can claim that. So your site has to be great.

Here, then, are the 7 Deadly Small-Business Website Mistakes that you must avoid:

1. The site confuses the Web for a billboard: Every now and then you will run across a small-business website that gets it: It is graphically appealing, it contains valuable, unique content, and it engages the visitor. It is a sales tool, meet-and-greet, advertisement, brochure and conduit, all in one.

But most small-business websites do not do that. Instead, they are simply an online version of a billboard or other sort of basic ad: a big headline with some backup information and not much more.

Mistake.

The days when you could simply throw up an e-version of your Yellow Pages ad are long over. Yellow Pages ads are great because they serve a specific purpose, and do it very well — namely, to get the phone to ring. But the purpose of your website goes beyond that. Sure, a great small-business website will cause the phone to ring (or the e-mail to be sent), but it should also create a positive, lasting impression.

To do that, the site has to engage, not just be.

2. The site lacks a great "About" page: Because your website is your virtual version of your store or office, it must serve that function well, and you do that by having a robust "About Us" page.

The About Us page tells people who you are, what you are about and why they should trust you. It is one of the most-clicked-on pages on any website. People want to know who you are, your history and story, so a well-written, jargon-free, interesting About Us page is essential. Putting a short video there (more on that later) may even be better.

Your About Us page is your online version of a firm handshake and a look in the eye. It helps people to trust you.

3. The site contains mistakes: Dead links, 404 Error pages and typos are the sort of sloppy errors that can turn a prospective client off. After all, if your site contains mistakes, what does that say about the sort of work you may do for the client?

4. The site lacks ways to further connect online: Does your site have a blog and can people get to it within one click from your home page? They should be able to. Can site visitors surf over to your Facebook page from your site? Can people easily follow you on Twitter, or link with you on LinkedIn, by clicking links on your site?

5. The site is not SEO friendly: People should be able to find your site in a variety of ways:

•From seeing your URL in your ads, business card, or store.

•By finding you via forums, articles you have written, or social-media sites.

•From online ads if you use those.

•And, probably most important, by locating you in a search-engine result.

That last one comes from, of course, search engine optimization (SEO). An SEO-friendly site is one where there is plenty of content (updated regularly), where the content is full of key words and phrases, and where there are plenty of incoming links.

6. The site lacks video: This is the YouTube age. People like and watch video online. Use that. Your site visitors will click on the videos you post, so put up how-to videos or videos that introduce your staff or business or product demonstrations — just as long as you have some video.

7. The site's pages lack a call to action: What do you want people to do on your site — buy something, call you, apply, opt-in, download, e-mail or what? Whatever the answer, you have to encourage them to do it. Go on your site and notice how many of your pages lack a call to action. Fix it.

Today's Tip: Don't guess when choosing your keywords. Good tracking tools include Google's keyword tool, Wordtracker, and Keyword Discovery.

Ask an Expert appears Mondays. You can e-mail Steve Strauss at: sstrauss@mrallbiz.com.And you can click here to see previous columns. Steven D. Strauss is a lawyer, author and speaker who specializes in small business and entrepreneurship. His latest book is The Small Business Bible. You can sign up for his free newsletter, "Small Business Success Secrets!" at his website —www.mrallbiz.com. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stevestrauss.

]]> New Green chamber seeks unity in sustainable business practices http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/05/new-green-chamber-seeks-unity-in-sustainable-business-practices http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/05/new-green-chamber-seeks-unity-in-sustainable-business-practices Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:30:10 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/11/05/new-green-chamber-seeks-unity-in-sustainable-business-practices http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2010/11/03/news/profiles/doc4ccb05eba865e311940576.txt [...]]]> http://www.azbiz.com/articles/2010/11/03/news/profiles/doc4ccb05eba865e311940576.txt

By Lee Allen, for Inside Tucson Business
Published on Friday, October 29th, 2010

In business, as in all of life, there is strength in unity and working together makes a lot more sense than having to fight daily battles by yourself. Hence the advice from the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce (SAGCC): If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

But SAGCC wants to do both — go far and do so rapidly —and the newest member of the eight chambers, linked together under the banner of the Southern Arizona Chamber Alliance, has taken off since its launch in March.

“We’re a nonprofit trade association of businesses, organizations, students, and individuals interested in the concept of sustainability in Southern Arizona,” said Melissa Black, president of SAGCC. “Our efforts are directed at promoting the common economic interests of our members while advocating for ecologically sound policies and sustainable practices in the business community. It is not our intent to duplicate the offerings of other sustainable organizations, but rather to compliment them.”

The listed chamber mission is to enhance the regional green business climate by researching, educating, and promoting sustainable business practices and lobbying to enact practical legislation of those practices to maximize green footprints.

The idea began in the fall of 2009 and grew out of business colleagues Black and John Brown of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce discussing a mutual desire to increase solar energy use in Southern Arizona.

“We’re being passed on the solar technology curve by places like Portland and Denver because we don’t adequately inform the populace about solar benefits so they can make different life choices,” said Black, owner of Solar Gain Inc., and a listed ‘eco broker’ with Long Realty.

“John and I began contacting green friends and acquaintances, they quickly jumped on board, and we were off to the races,” she said.

“We’re a volunteer organization, board run, with no executive director, and we’re working as hard and fast as we can to put our foundation and infrastructure in place.”

However they’re doing it, it’s working. In slightly more than six months, membership is closing in on 200.

“We’re riding the green wave that’s sweeping the country, tapping into what is happening around us and putting a more specific emphasis on the business component. In our homes, as individuals, we can have a positive influence on the environment. When those efforts concerning energy usage and resource reduction and recycling are translated into the business equation, collectively we can help move the shift to sustainability,” she said.

Among the existing chamber membership list are names and organizations that are easily recognized in the sustainable community: entities like the Community Food Bank.

“We’re a green organization in many ways,” said Bill Carnegie, president and CEO of the Food Bank. “We practice a wide range of recycling, harvest water in our own cistern, operate hybrid vehicles, reduce utility costs by using solar at our main warehouse, and compost for our farm and garden. With common goals of sustainability like these, the Community Food Bank and the Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce make a good, and very logical, fit.”

There’s room for a lot more growth according to a City of Tucson Sustainability Office report that shows more than 35,000 firms licensed to do business in Southern Arizona.

“We’re looking forward to launching a coordinated membership drive in 2011 with the expectation that we could have 500 members by years end,” Black said. “The enthusiasm of our current membership about growing the business community in a greener direction is palpable. There’s a buzz of excitement in the room at all of our events with like-minded people getting together and collaborating on how to increase energy efficiency and reduce waste. It’s exciting and contagious and we encourage each other about our potential to have a positive influence when we all work together.”

The fledgling organization has a public presence in new offices at 44 E. Broadway and is active in holding monthly mixers and networking breakfasts. The next mixer is 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and the next breakfast meeting is 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. Nov. 17. Details are on the SAGCC website.

Chamber members also get to show how they back up their words with action as in the case of an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 at Apache Nitrogen Products, 1436 S. Apache Powder Road, Benson.

“We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as part of our corporate social responsibility program and want people to see the results of our efforts,” said Pamela Beilke, spokeswoman for Apache Nitrogen.

Between tours of the plant and its wetland area, the event will show off a new solar system now providing electricity and a rainwater harvesting system to irrigate desert xeriscape.

“We challenge businesses in Southern Arizona to step forward with green sustainable practices that will alter the energy equation and ensure future sustainability,” said Black.

Biz Facts44 E. Broadway

Southern Arizona Green Chamber of Commerce

www.SAGCC.org

(520) 777-7138

Lee Allen is a Tucson-based freelance writer.

Copyright © 2010 Inside Tucson Business

]]> Buy Local in Reno Nevada - Another Article on Organization using our latest BuyLocal System http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/09/07/buy-local-in-reno-nevada-another-article-on-organization-using-our-latest-buylocal-system http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/09/07/buy-local-in-reno-nevada-another-article-on-organization-using-our-latest-buylocal-system Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:58:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/09/07/buy-local-in-reno-nevada-another-article-on-organization-using-our-latest-buylocal-system BY KARA LAPOINT • KLAPOINT@RGJ.COM • SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

As a third-generation Reno resident, Dave Asher is as local as they come, and proud of it.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE LINK:
New Reno-Sparks nonprofit offers database of locally-owned businesses
BY KARA LAPOINT • KLAPOINT@RGJ.COM • SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

As a third-generation Reno resident, Dave Asher is as local as they come, and proud of it.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE LINK: http://www.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201009070600/BIZ/9070321

To be a true local, Asher says, one must shop local.

To grow the idea, Asher recently started his own nonprofit, LiveLocal RenoSparks. The nonprofit is dedicated to promoting local businesses and community sustainability, but Asher has an even bigger goal -- to change the shape of Reno's economy via a 10 percent shift in spending, from nonlocally owned businesses to locally owned businesses.

"I call it my local economic recovery program," Asher said.

The basis of that program is the website, which includes a directory and search engine for locally owned businesses, with subcategories for local franchises and "friends of local businesses."

"It's one thing to say 'buy local,'" Asher said. "But I'm the first one here to say, 'Who's local?'"

Asher has more than 2,800 locally owned businesses in his directory, which has been up and running since July 4.

Any business can list for free. The listing includes a link to the business's website and a Google map with its location. Businesses also can pay a fee to become members of LiveLocal RenoSparks' business co-op, which provides additional marketing tools and other benefits.

The website, which Asher maintains, also includes other resources and links related to community sustainability and the idea of local economic recovery through local business support.

Asher said he hopes the website will both educate consumers about local spending and be used as a resource. He also wants to provide a network for local businesses to support one another, he said. Asher witnessed first-hand the destruction of local businesses as a former owner of a local advertising agency.

"I was really motivated by all the business closures," he said. "It just drove me crazy."

Asher started to research the movement and came across an organization called the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies. BALLE is a national network of more than 30,000 socially responsible, independent businesses across the U.S. and Canada.

Asher became a member, representing the Reno-Sparks-Carson-Tahoe region. But, while LiveLocal RenoSparks is associated with BALLE, Asher said his nonprofit is unique in that it offers free listings in its directory.

"I believe you have to support all local companies in order to make a change," Asher said. "Not just members."

The change Asher seeks is what he calls the "10 percent shift" is based on a national movement.

"Each dollar spent at locally owned businesses re-circulates two to four times in our community," Asher said.

Asher said that such a shift could result in an additional $400 million per year circulating locally instead of leaving the state.

"We're only talking about money that is already going to be spent," Asher said. "Yes, Starbucks has great coffee, and we're not trying to take that away from them. But one time out of 10, go to a local shop to support them. ... You're already going to spend the money, just shift where it is spent."

]]> Nice Article on Buy Local Program Automation Provided by Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/08/24/nice-article-on-buy-local-program-automation-provided-by-chamber-nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/08/24/nice-article-on-buy-local-program-automation-provided-by-chamber-nation Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:23:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/08/24/nice-article-on-buy-local-program-automation-provided-by-chamber-nation http://www.nnbw.com/ArticleRead.aspx?storyID=15793
Booster of ‘buy local’ develops directory to locally owned firms

NNBW staff, 8/23/2010
Tired of seeing dozens of local businesses fail during two years of economic [...]]]>
Original Article Here: http://www.nnbw.com/ArticleRead.aspx?storyID=15793
Booster of ‘buy local’ develops directory to locally owned firms

NNBW staff, 8/23/2010
Tired of seeing dozens of local businesses fail during two years of economic turmoil, Dave Asher created an online directory of local businesses that Reno-Sparks consumers could frequent to help bolster the region’s flagging economy.

Asher says he’s compiled close to 2,800 locally owned businesses in the Reno-Sparks region on the livelocalrenosparks.com Web site.

“I built this to help turn our economy around,” says Asher. “I am one of first in the whole country to create a list of every independently owned business for free — I am like the Google of locally owned.”

Asher estimates he’s put in about 60 hours a week the past few months establishing the database of local businesses. The idea is part of a national movement, he says, called the 10-percent shift.

“If we shift 10 percent of what we spend to locally owned businesses, we can create $350 million in revenue that’s staying in Reno-Sparks,” Asher says.

Asher says each listing took at least five minutes of research, and compiling the lists took many weeks behind the computer. He also struggled initially to find the computer software program that would allow him to link to businesses’ Web sites and provide Google maps of the establishments.

“It took months to get the right software — this is about the fourth time I’ve started this project.”

The new software package also allows Asher to build Web sites for clients and teach them how to update them. He plans to cash in on the project by selling memberships to the site for businesses that need Web sites and Internet marketing services. Memberships start at $200 annually.

“If you are going to get your car worked on, go to Greg’s Garage. If you are going to go to a casino, go to the Eldorado. It’s one thing to preach to buy local, but I’m providing a directory that supports that theme,” he says.

]]> I Joined the Chamber Because? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/08/03/i-joined-the-chamber-because http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/08/03/i-joined-the-chamber-because Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:09:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/08/03/i-joined-the-chamber-because

We just launched a new website so we can gather as many answers to this question as possible. We will be using these results to help improve the Chamber Nation network by providing the answers back to as many Chamber of Commerce executives as possible, and then hearing what they have to say.

PLEASE CLICK HERE

]]> Signup for the Chamber Tech Blog. http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/07/30/signup-for-the-chamber-tech-blog http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/07/30/signup-for-the-chamber-tech-blog Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:02:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/07/30/signup-for-the-chamber-tech-blog
Sure there will be some information on Chamber Nation at times, but really designed to be a good resource for great online solutions for anyone who might like to [...]]]>
Sure there will be some information on Chamber Nation at times, but really designed to be a good resource for great online solutions for anyone who might like to learn.

Signup for email delivery of these tips at:

www.ChamberTechBlog.com

]]> New Chamber Technology Center Coming to Plumas County California http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/07/13/new-chamber-technology-center-coming-to-plumas-county-california http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/07/13/new-chamber-technology-center-coming-to-plumas-county-california Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:08:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/07/13/new-chamber-technology-center-coming-to-plumas-county-california
We are adding more computer terminals and cameras for members to use for the BuyLocalProgram.Com system.

Currently Free Enterprise (SIFE) students are using the facility to optimize Lake Almanor area through a chamber going green community grant. Once this project is finished the center will open for about 800 members.

A large electronic monitor showing all "live" Chamber Search Engine© traffic so non-members can quickly see the value in Chamber of Commerce membership.

Begin to spread the word that a lot of very exciting things are underway in Plumas County for "Chamber Members" !

The sign to the left will be used in the lobby and will be 7' tall and much easier to read says Russ Flint!

More to come about this new center which will be used as a proto-type for other Chamber Nation
customers throughout the country.

]]> Report: Mobile Searches Estimated To Grow To 20 Percent Of Total By 2012 - From TechCrunch http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/06/24/report-mobile-searches-estimated-to-grow-to-20-percent-of-total-by-2012-from-techcrunch http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/06/24/report-mobile-searches-estimated-to-grow-to-20-percent-of-total-by-2012-from-techcrunch Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:52:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/06/24/report-mobile-searches-estimated-to-grow-to-20-percent-of-total-by-2012-from-techcrunch
CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE ARTICLE

Chamber Nation was the first company to launch Mobile Applications specifically for Chamber of Commerce executives and their members in 2007. Our customers are already on their way to terrific mobile success via .Mobi and our Area Search Engine technologies.

]]> TheLedger.Com Article - Haines City Florida http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/06/18/theledger-com-article-haines-city-florida http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/06/18/theledger-com-article-haines-city-florida Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:14:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/06/18/theledger-com-article-haines-city-florida READ ORIGINAL STORY AT THIS LOCATION:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20100618/NEWS/100619792?p=all&tc=pgall [...]]]>
READ ORIGINAL STORY AT THIS LOCATION:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20100618/NEWS/100619792?p=all&tc=pgall

By MICHAEL W. FREEMAN
THE REPORTER EDITOR


Published: Friday, June 18, 2010 at 3:33 p.m.
Last Modified: Friday, June 18, 2010 at 3:33 p.m.


HAINES CITY – It’s been estimated that one of the greatest sources of business advertising these days is something that didn’t exist not so long ago: the search engine.


“The Chambers of Commerce are trusted sources of information, and rank very high on the search engines,” said Richard Scully, founder of Chamber Nation/EcTownUsa. “Typically when you’re looking to the Internet, you’re looking for national exposure. There’s a lot of online traffic for people looking for information in your community.”

The Internet has definitely changed the way Chambers of Commerce and local businesses try to reach out and find new customers, giving them a potentially worldwide audience.

“Advertising today is a two way road,” Scully said. “ ‘Find me’ is one model. ‘Follow me’ is another.”

Chamber Nation, based in Quincy, Calif., is a network of Chambers of Commerce around the county that provides its members with an online system to promote their businesses. The idea is for a national network and collaboration that helps promote Chamber membership.

The Haines City/Northeast Polk County Chamber of Commerce recently joined Chamber Nation, and used its June monthly meeting – held June 17 at the United Methodist Church – to introduce members to the site. Scully participated by phone from California, explaining to the local Chamber members how his web site works and can potentially help them.

“I think it will really, really benefit you and your business,” Linda Franz, chairwoman of the Chamber’s board of directors, told the Chamber members during the luncheon meeting. “It’s going to be very, very good.”

Jane Patton, the president of the Chamber, added, “We all want you to use this.”

Scully noted that the service aims to build on the reputation that Chambers of Commerce have around the nation as a good source for information about what’s available in the community: restaurants, lodging, job opportunities, real estate and more.

“We work with Chambers all over the country,” he said. “The Chamber is trusted. It’s positioned perfectly to bring traffic to your business. We have a Traffic Catcher system with a display page designed to move more traffic to an existing website.”

The site gives Chamber members plenty of options, including setting up pages on social networking sites like Facebook and allowing people to get information about them by using a cell phones.

“It’s expected that 20 percent of searches will come through mobile devices,” Scully said.

“There is also a Buy Local program that I know the Chamber is looking at doing.”

Best of all, he said, is that the web site is designed to be simple and user friendly.

“This is easy,” he said. “A lot of people have trouble with the Internet. Most people will admit that the problem today isn’t finding what you want on the Internet. You can find anything you want by going on Google and searching for something. The problem is going deep into Haines City.”

To help visitors to his site do that, Chamber Nation has listings for community news and events, and Chamber updates.

“We make it very easy to use, and the traffic counts are out of this world,” he said.

“These pages are really designed for search engines.”

To learn more about the site, log on to www.ChamberNation.com.

“The Chamber has paid for all these services for its members,” Scully said, “so you should take advantage of this.”

What do you think? Contact Michael Freeman about this article at Reportermailbox@gmail.com.

READ ORIGINAL STORY AT THIS LOCATION:
http://www.theledger.com/article/20100618/NEWS/100619792?p=all&tc=pgall

]]> Chamber Advertising - A Self Service Model http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/chamber-advertising-a-self-service-model http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/chamber-advertising-a-self-service-model Mon, 24 May 2010 10:11:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/chamber-advertising-a-self-service-model Amazing 150 year old institution still delivering the most reliable results over the telephone and online. Why not add your business to a robust Chamber of Commerce network for a fraction of the cost of most one day ads... plus your membership will run for an entire YEAR! [...]]]>
Amazing 150 year old institution still delivering the most reliable results over the telephone and online. Why not add your business to a robust Chamber of Commerce network for a fraction of the cost of most one day ads... plus your membership will run for an entire YEAR!





Quick Program Summary:

Chambers of Commerce is EXISTING COMMUNITIES of people, knowledge and businesses that offer an exceptional array of information for their local area.

While many “dot com” companies are building communities of people that they "hope" are successful to sell advertising through, a Chamber community is ALREADY SUCCESSFUL and can offer an exceptional advertising opportunity.

A perfect situation for the advertiser that wants to promote their business to a very specific local market.

Learn More: www.ChamberAdvertising.com

]]> Chamber Texting - Revenue Generation for Chambers of Commerce http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/chamber-texting-revenue-generation-for-chambers-of-commerce http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/chamber-texting-revenue-generation-for-chambers-of-commerce Mon, 24 May 2010 10:10:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/chamber-texting-revenue-generation-for-chambers-of-commerce Adding text messaging to your Chamber of Commerce communications gives you a huge competitive advantage.

Instant, direct communication between your organization and the mobile phone of your member, volunteer or staff, wherever they are, means that you can distribute important event, community, operational or marketing information [...]]]>
Adding text messaging to your Chamber of Commerce communications gives you a huge competitive advantage.

Instant, direct communication between your organization and the mobile phone of your member, volunteer or staff, wherever they are, means that you can distribute important event, community, operational or marketing information 'Right Now'.

Read More: www.ChamberTexting.com



]]> Calendar for Today http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/calendar-for-today http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/calendar-for-today Mon, 24 May 2010 10:05:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/24/calendar-for-today Problem:

Nearly 90 Million American adults use the internet every day, but finding local information is a real problem.

Most of us depend on the Internet for looking up area information, finding fun things to do, research and shopping.

For communities to compete successfully online for local and regional event [...]]]> Problem:

Nearly 90 Million American adults use the internet every day, but finding local information is a real problem.

Most of us depend on the Internet for looking up area information, finding fun things to do, research and shopping.

For communities to compete successfully online for local and regional event promotion, they must provide a robust online calendar that people will want to bookmark because everything is published to one location.

Learn More: www.CalendarforToday.com

]]> Members are Happy Too! http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/14/members-are-happy-too http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/14/members-are-happy-too Fri, 14 May 2010 11:01:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/05/14/members-are-happy-too
I just wanted to send you a quick note to share with you how impressed our members are with all that is going on at the DACC right now. The website and tcs feedback has been phenomenal. Our lunch and learn sessions have been very well attended and has created a great spirit amongst our membership.

Basically what I [...]]]>
I just wanted to send you a quick note to share with you how impressed our members are with all that is going on at the DACC right now. The website and tcs feedback has been phenomenal. Our lunch and learn sessions have been very well attended and has created a great spirit amongst our membership.

Basically what I am trying to say is thank you!

Kristina

Kristina S. Falck, IOM
Director of Operations
Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce

]]> Need to Automate Your Buy Local Program? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/04/26/need-to-automate-your-buy-local-program http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/04/26/need-to-automate-your-buy-local-program Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:11:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/04/26/need-to-automate-your-buy-local-program What is the Buy Local Program?

It is a communications platform for the Chambers of Commerce to use in educating the community on the value of buying locally and doing business online.

The Buy Local Program© was formalized for Chambers of Commerce by EcTownUSA. Originally implemented under the name of Community, [...]]]> What is the Buy Local Program?

It is a communications platform for the Chambers of Commerce to use in educating the community on the value of buying locally and doing business online.

The Buy Local Program© was formalized for Chambers of Commerce by EcTownUSA. Originally implemented under the name of Community, it is now on Display in 31 states as of this update.

It allows Chamber members to display information on their various businesses and is indexed for local search results.

It makes it easy for the public to find local businesses and services.


]]> Self-Service Going Green Program for Members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/25/self-service-going-green-program-for-members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/25/self-service-going-green-program-for-members Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:53:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/25/self-service-going-green-program-for-members
Chamber Nation formally released an entirely new way for active members to promote their going green commitments at ZERO COST.

All that's required is membership in a participating Chamber of Commerce. [...]]]>
Chamber Nation formally released an entirely new way for active members to promote their going green commitments at ZERO COST.

All that's required is membership in a participating Chamber of Commerce. Your membership includes a FREE membership in the Green Business Chamber, which is being developed as a national co-operative of Chambers of Commerce in 31 states.


]]> Facebook Support Added for Members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/23/facebook-support-added-for-members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/23/facebook-support-added-for-members Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:32:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/23/facebook-support-added-for-members
Chambers of Commerce will see the new update in the bottom of the member’s area (left side) where members can now broadcast advertising via Facebook.
[...]]]>
Chambers of Commerce will see the new update in the bottom of the member’s area (left side) where members can now broadcast advertising via Facebook.


]]> Updated Free Members Support Area http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/08/updated-free-members-support-area http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/08/updated-free-members-support-area Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:30:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/03/08/updated-free-members-support-area
We have updated our systems so that members can post and search solutions around the clock.

RSS Feeds are provided so that customers may follow the details on their members support center. [...]]]>
We have updated our systems so that members can post and search solutions around the clock.

RSS Feeds are provided so that customers may follow the details on their members support center.

]]> Members Map by Zip Code http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/members-map-by-zip-code http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/members-map-by-zip-code Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:17:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/members-map-by-zip-code CLICK HERE FOR LIVE MAP). [...]]]>
Here is a photo of a LIVE ZIP CODE MAP of members who are registered users of the member advertising program (CLICK HERE FOR LIVE MAP).

]]> Location Carousel http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/location-carousel http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/location-carousel Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:09:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/location-carousel Location Carousel - A Patent Pending System



Simplified Processes for Data Collection

This is a full end-to-end content centric system designed to gather data from numerous sources.

It is a unique system with several "pulls" to create value, so that significant amounts of data may be collected on a [...]]]>
Location Carousel - A Patent Pending System



Simplified Processes for Data Collection

This is a full end-to-end content centric system designed to gather data from numerous sources.

It is a unique system with several "pulls" to create value, so that significant amounts of data may be collected on a variety of subjects or on individual businesses.

Partnerships may create specific changes to the data gathering process to assure that data gathering includes valuable information that may be transmitted through various data venues.

Chamber of Commerce

The most trusted source for local information
We start with the most "Trusted" source for local information in almost any community, which is the Chamber of Commerce. We are currently supporting content centric systems in 31 states serving tens-of-thousands of users.

School

Providing the Teacher and Class Real Work Experience
This system when implemented allows the Chamber of Commerce to convert the entire community into a real work experience program. This allows the program to expand its ability to gather vast amounts of data through a carefully planned model of technology and cooperation.

Students

Participants in Real-Work-Experience Program
Participating students are assigned to local businesses that need to be optimized for search engines and commerce. Students enjoy working with the system and the educational benefits gained from their interviews with business owners and others contribute to their growth.

]]> Advanced QuickBooks Integration Automation now in Beta and will be Mobile Enabled http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/advanced-quickbooks-integration-automation-now-in-beta-and-will-be-mobile-enabled http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/advanced-quickbooks-integration-automation-now-in-beta-and-will-be-mobile-enabled Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:57:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2010/02/24/advanced-quickbooks-integration-automation-now-in-beta-and-will-be-mobile-enabled Chamber Nation system does not require QuickBooks to operate and automate membership billing and accountability, there are a number of organizations that require full accounting "roll-up" and this connection make this all possible.

The Chamber Nation system supports integration with QuickBooks online edition. [...]]]>
Although the Chamber Nation system does not require QuickBooks to operate and automate membership billing and accountability, there are a number of organizations that require full accounting "roll-up" and this connection make this all possible.

The Chamber Nation system supports integration with QuickBooks online edition. The online edition is required to provided a direct connection between to the Chamber Nation© and QuickBooks® server arrays.

The benefits to the Chamber are significant too:

  • Everything is now 100% online
  • Everything is backed up automatically
  • Everything is upgraded automatically
  • Everything is immediately accessible via the Internet
  • Everything is now available through a Smart-Phone

Go Chamber Nation© and Quickbooks® Online and have the Chamber information always available in you pocket or home computer. Everything is here!

]]> Members Multi-Post Now Live http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/12/31/members-multi-post-now-live http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/12/31/members-multi-post-now-live Thu, 31 Dec 2009 09:06:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/12/31/members-multi-post-now-live
This makes it easy for members to broadcast their business updates through the local network and their own social networks from a single platform. [...]]]>
This makes it easy for members to broadcast their business updates through the local network and their own social networks from a single platform.

]]> Multi-Post Released http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/10/01/multi-post-released http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/10/01/multi-post-released Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:37:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/10/01/multi-post-released
Read more about the Chamber Social Network at:
Read more about the Chamber Social Network at: http://www.ChamberSocialNetwork.com or at http://www.MemberBusinessNetwork.com

]]> Quincy Chamber live with the BETA EDITION Chamber Social Network http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/24/quincy-chamber-live-with-the-beta-edition-chamber-social-network http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/24/quincy-chamber-live-with-the-beta-edition-chamber-social-network Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:39:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/24/quincy-chamber-live-with-the-beta-edition-chamber-social-network
]]> Chamber Social Network coming in Elko with out new BETA EDITION http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/22/chamber-social-network-coming-in-elko-with-out-new-beta-edition http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/22/chamber-social-network-coming-in-elko-with-out-new-beta-edition Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:49:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/22/chamber-social-network-coming-in-elko-with-out-new-beta-edition
]]> Boulder City Chamber of Commerce now Live with the BETA EDITION Chamber Social Network http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/12/boulder-city-chamber-of-commerce-now-live-with-the-beta-edition-chamber-social-network http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/12/boulder-city-chamber-of-commerce-now-live-with-the-beta-edition-chamber-social-network Sat, 12 Sep 2009 11:51:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/09/12/boulder-city-chamber-of-commerce-now-live-with-the-beta-edition-chamber-social-network
Although the network will support social aspects as most expect, the real focus here it to create a powerful network of member-to-member lead distribution. Also public visitors will be able to submit intelligent requests for commere [...]]]>
Although the network will support social aspects as most expect, the real focus here it to create a powerful network of member-to-member lead distribution. Also public visitors will be able to submit intelligent requests for commere through the same network.

Read about the Chamber:
www.BoulderCityChamber.com

]]> Major Announcements Planned at ACCE Conference and Convention in Raleigh North Carolina http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/07/28/major-announcements-planned-at-acce-conference-and-convention-in-raleigh-north-carolina http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/07/28/major-announcements-planned-at-acce-conference-and-convention-in-raleigh-north-carolina Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:38:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/07/28/major-announcements-planned-at-acce-conference-and-convention-in-raleigh-north-carolina






Chamber Nation will be making three major announcements at the ACCE convention with our new marketing partner Community Link.With the technical integration of our two companies we'll be able to deliver cost effective new media to Chambers all across [...]]]>






Chamber Nation will be making three major announcements at the ACCE convention with our new marketing partner Community Link.With the technical integration of our two companies we'll be able to deliver cost effective new media to Chambers all across the country.

Sample Slides from Convention Material

We hope to see you there, but if you did not make it please contact us and we'll be happy to bring you up-to-date.

Convention Link

]]> Broadcast Member Coupons through Facebook http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/07/23/broadcast-member-coupons-through-facebook http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/07/23/broadcast-member-coupons-through-facebook Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:39:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/07/23/broadcast-member-coupons-through-facebook broadcast all MEMBER COUPONS through facebook as shown below: [...]]]>
Now you can easily broadcast all MEMBER COUPONS through facebook as shown below:



]]> Chamber Social Network http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/06/29/chamber-social-network http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/06/29/chamber-social-network Mon, 29 Jun 2009 21:43:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/06/29/chamber-social-network Chambers of Commerce are realizing the value in social networking, but most Chambers have not seen the success they had wished for after they launced a group or even a complete platform. Chamber members want business and anything they lend their time too that will help them grow they're interested in. We are pleased to announce the first of [...]]]> Chambers of Commerce are realizing the value in social networking, but most Chambers have not seen the success they had wished for after they launced a group or even a complete platform. Chamber members want business and anything they lend their time too that will help them grow they're interested in. We are pleased to announce the first of its kind Chamber Social Network designed from the ground up for business development at Chambers of Commerce.

We have created an incentive based networking engine to help create hghly effective network of members. The more members use the network the higher they rank, additional ways to pomote their businesses in exchange for their work with other members through the network!

Member-to-member lead distribution, public-to-members requests for information, and calls to the organization (Chamber) for information on members... is distributed automatically through this network.

Members want to grow their businesses and see results... now they can when they join a participating organization or Chamber of Commerce.

Read More

]]> First to Launch a Twitter Application for Chambers of Commerce. http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/06/12/first-to-launch-a-twitter-application-for-chambers-of-commerce http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/06/12/first-to-launch-a-twitter-application-for-chambers-of-commerce Fri, 12 Jun 2009 08:57:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/06/12/first-to-launch-a-twitter-application-for-chambers-of-commerce
We realized quickly that there was extreme value in the concept of twitter, but to apply it in a practical, professional, managed fashion for advertising [...]]]>
Chamber Nation creates advertising communities around Chambers of Commerce throughout the country. These programs are designed to help our customer's members achieve success.

We realized quickly that there was extreme value in the concept of twitter, but to apply it in a practical, professional, managed fashion for advertising broadcasting required us to create an entirely new application.

On June 11, 2009 we formally launched under the brand My Ad Cloud. We believe that this is the first system of its kind and prove to be the most practical advertising program ever.

We invite you to read more about by CLICKING HERE.



On another note we have also launched the first TWITTER DIRECTORY FOR CHAMBERS that you may want to visit by going to: www.ChamberTwitterDirectory.com

]]> Going Green Certification Program http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/30/going-green-certification-program http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/30/going-green-certification-program Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:10:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/30/going-green-certification-program CLICKING HERE.

The purpose of this program is to provide our Chamber of Commerce customers with a simple tool and support material they need to verify that participating [...]]]>
Chamber Nation will soon release a new program for Chambers called "Going Green" and may be found by CLICKING HERE.

The purpose of this program is to provide our Chamber of Commerce customers with a simple tool and support material they need to verify that participating members are in fact committed to "Going Green".

With this program in place, interested members are able to get to "Step One" without a big expense so they can leverage the value in "Going Green" as both a marketing and practical tool for lowering costs.

Chambers are winners too because they can afford to help market their communities as "Going Green" and also helps their members get started with minimal investment.

Please request additional information by emailing: Info@GreenBusinessChamber.Com

]]> Why Buy Local? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/29/why-buy-local http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/29/why-buy-local Wed, 29 Apr 2009 09:25:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/29/why-buy-local
You don't need to increase your spending, but rather redirect it to the businesses close to where you live, work and play.

Chamber Nation makes it easy for people to do that in person or online through the Chamber of Commerce.

]]> Exciting New Economic Development Program http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/27/exciting-new-economic-development-program http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/27/exciting-new-economic-development-program Mon, 27 Apr 2009 20:27:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/27/exciting-new-economic-development-program
Our letest system now helps to combat this issue and we loof forward to sharing this new addition to the Chamber Nation program with [...]]]>
Our letest system now helps to combat this issue and we loof forward to sharing this new addition to the Chamber Nation program with you.

]]> Elko Nevada City-wide Chamber Nation Training http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/24/elko-nevada-city-wide-chamber-nation-training http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/24/elko-nevada-city-wide-chamber-nation-training Fri, 24 Apr 2009 13:06:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/24/elko-nevada-city-wide-chamber-nation-training
After the workshops for members, LaVon Thomson-CEO of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce received great reviews from her members.Members have never seen so many benefits providedthrough [...]]]>
After the workshops for members, LaVon Thomson-CEO of the Elko Area Chamber of Commerce received great reviews from her members.Members have never seen so many benefits providedthrough the Chamber.

The photos were taken throughout the day on April 24, 2009.



]]> New Free Members Support Center Automation Launched http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/22/new-free-members-support-center-automation-launched http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/22/new-free-members-support-center-automation-launched Wed, 22 Apr 2009 10:58:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/22/new-free-members-support-center-automation-launched
This new technology will assure that we can continue to provide your members with "QUICK" access to our support center and answer their questions almost immediately.

To view the [...]]]>
This new technology will assure that we can continue to provide your members with "QUICK" access to our support center and answer their questions almost immediately.

To view the new support center site please go to: http://www.FreeMembersSupport.com

]]> 430 Million Member Views Delivered! http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/16/430-million-member-views-delivered http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/16/430-million-member-views-delivered Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:52:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/16/430-million-member-views-delivered Chamber Nation as of April 1, 2009 delivered over 430,000,000 member views and search engine requests to our customers members.

The online promotion of our Chamber of Commerce customer websites and member TCS sites are surpassing new records almost every month. [...]]]> Chamber Nation as of April 1, 2009 delivered over 430,000,000 member views and search engine requests to our customers members.

The online promotion of our Chamber of Commerce customer websites and member TCS sites are surpassing new records almost every month.

]]> Chamber Nation Launches First Twitter Directory for Chambers http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/15/chamber-nation-launches-first-twitter-directory-for-chambers http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/15/chamber-nation-launches-first-twitter-directory-for-chambers Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:57:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/15/chamber-nation-launches-first-twitter-directory-for-chambers
You can learn how to use twitter to promote your Chamber of Commerce and view other chambers using twitter now to promote their community, events and much more.

Go to:
You can learn how to use twitter to promote your Chamber of Commerce and view other chambers using twitter now to promote their community, events and much more.

Go to: www.ChamberTwitterDirectory.com

]]> Mark LeBlanc & Your Members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/15/mark-leblanc-your-members http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/15/mark-leblanc-your-members Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:46:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/15/mark-leblanc-your-members Mark LeBlanc offers monthly business development seminars called Growing Your Business.These tele-seminars are FREE to members and member organization executives who participate in the Membership Management System and/or Chamber Nation.

To learn more we invite you to Mark LeBlanc offers monthly business development seminars called Growing Your Business.These tele-seminars are FREE to members and member organization executives who participate in the Membership Management System and/or Chamber Nation.

To learn more we invite you to CLICK HERE.

]]> Chamber Nation Wins Award http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/04/chamber-nation-wins-award http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/04/chamber-nation-wins-award Sat, 04 Apr 2009 22:52:00 +0000 Chamber Nation Admin http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/04/chamber-nation-wins-award several newspaper articles for our services.

If you need references we have many of those too. [...]]]> several newspaper articles for our services.

If you need references we have many of those too.

]]> Now in 20 States and Growing http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/01/now-in-20-states-and-growing http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/01/now-in-20-states-and-growing Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:26:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2009/04/01/now-in-20-states-and-growing
An amazing array of services website management tools that are easy to use.We incorporate the latest technologies like twitter and so so much more for your [...]]]>
An amazing array of services website management tools that are easy to use.We incorporate the latest technologies like twitter and so so much more for your members, that more non-members will want to join and current members will see additional value in membership.

]]> Small Business Chamber Expo in Memphis, TN. http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2008/07/29/small-business-chamber-expo-in-memphis-tn http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2008/07/29/small-business-chamber-expo-in-memphis-tn Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:29:00 +0000 Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/2008/07/29/small-business-chamber-expo-in-memphis-tn


]]> Got Milk to Sell? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/0000/00/00/got-milk-to-sell http://ChamberNation.com/blog/0000/00/00/got-milk-to-sell Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/0000/00/00/got-milk-to-sell
More coming soon on this exciting Chamber of Commerce program. [...]]]>
A brand new advertising system for members of Chambers of Commerce that are using the Chamber Nation system. Designed to make online advertising so easy (and mobile) that we'll be providing space for 1000.

More coming soon on this exciting Chamber of Commerce program.

]]> What Do You Need Right Now? http://ChamberNation.com/blog/0000/00/00/what-do-you-need-right-now http://ChamberNation.com/blog/0000/00/00/what-do-you-need-right-now Chamber Nation http://ChamberNation.com/blog/0000/00/00/what-do-you-need-right-now The Chamber Social Network incorporates unique technology to deliver leads from the public to your members.Just like in the past, but now with the sophisticated automation needed to track the lead to a close.

What We Do

We power networks and area search engines like this so Chambers of Commerce can become the [...]]]> The Chamber Social Network incorporates unique technology to deliver leads from the public to your members.Just like in the past, but now with the sophisticated automation needed to track the lead to a close.

What We Do

We power networks and area search engines like this so Chambers of Commerce can become the number one source of leads for business.

Since Chambers of Commerce are the "Most Trusted Source" for local information, home to highly respected Chamber members, this is a terrific way to connect with local resources who really want to help you.

There is NO MIDDLE MAN or commissions paid for this service by you or the business. It's a great way to connect without wondering if you could save money by going direct... because you are. This is what a Chamber of Commerce is all about... connecting people with their members.

]]>