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.”
This needn’t be difficult, said LeBlanc, a small business coach who teaches these skills and shares strategies to thousands of small business owners and professional service providers across the United States and Canada in his keynote speeches and seminars including his new “24 Hour Growing Your Business Event.”
“In times of change, small business owners must create two marketing tracks: execute new contact strategies and leverage their database of existing customers and prospects,” he says.
Small business owners and independent professionals must identify a mix of primary marketing strategies that can be implemented every 30 days. Possible strategies include direct mail, networking, advertising, publicity, telemarketing and social media. One key to success is to identify a number or a benchmark for measuring activities and tracking results. The lack of metrics will lead to lackluster results, low morale and kill a marketing program.
“Small business owners need to set themselves up to succeed. Most small business owners set their sights too high and miss their expectations. Success is fueled by momentum and momentum is fueled by how a business owner feels on a daily basis,” he says.
“The secret to success lies in the phrase, ‘Every thirty days!’ If small business owners market their programs, products and services in good times and bad, they will create a foundation for their success,” he said.
“Too many companies stopped marketing when the economy was running stronger but are suffering today because they weren’t consistent in their marketing activities,” he said. “As the economy recovers, these companies are a step behind while those who were consistent are beginning to thrive again.”
The second marketing track is to leverage your database of existing customers and prospects.
“Small businesses must market, educate and motivate their database of customers and prospects. Sending a monthly print or electronic newsletter is a good start. But, if you segment your database by profit center and create categories within each profit center you can send pinpointed messages to specific segments of your database. Look for creative ways to serve the best of what different segments need and want,” he said. “Your database of customers and prospects can be your greatest asset. Too often people take their customers for granted. Taking people for granted in today’s competitive marketplace is simply entrepreneurial malpractice.”
LeBlanc is the architect of a unique business development philosophy that has been embraced by small business and major corporations. His strategies and tools are also distributed to hundreds of Chambers of Commerce across the United States and Canada by Chamber Nation.
About Mark LeBlanc
Mark LeBlanc, president of Small Business Success, has special expertise on the core issues that business owners and professionals face on a daily basis. His flagship presentation and book, “Growing Your Business!” are ideal on addressing how to sell more products and services. Attendees walk away feeling more focused, able to attract more prospects, stimulate more referrals, and ultimately, craft a plan for generating more business.
LeBlanc has been on his own virtually his entire adult life, owned several businesses, and now speaks and writes on the street-smart strategies for achieving in times of challenge and change. He is uniquely qualified to address audiences of 50 to 500, and more. He can deliver an inspirational can-do keynote, a content-rich general session, hands-on workshop, and/or a multi-day program.
Depending on your meeting objectives, he’ll personalize a presentation on issues ranging from the money side of business, successful positioning strategies, developing a comprehensive marketing plan, setting up a system for staying focused, and performing at your best on a daily basis.
His comprehensive, one-of-a kind, business development philosophy contains the right blend of wisdom, strategies, insights, and ideas that can be implemented immediately. His new book, “Never Be the Same,” was inspired by walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Northern Spain.
LeBlanc is a seasoned veteran with the National Speakers Association, and served as the national president in 2007-2008. He was inducted into the Minnesota Speakers Association Hall of Fame in 2006. For information, go to http://www.SmallBusinessSuccess.com
Contact:
Mark LeBlanc
(612) 339-4890 or (612) 834-2113 cell
Mark@SmallBusinessSuccess.com
News Room
Small Businesses Can Survive and Thrive in 2011, Says Business Development Expert Mark LeBlanc
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."
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."
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.
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.
Original Article Link: " TARGET="_blank">http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/coconut_creek/sfl-flmcfchamber0305mcfmar05,0,5575406.story
Margate goes virtual with Chamber Nation
Forum Publishing Group
March 5, 2009
Over the next 10 years, the downtown area of Margate is going to be redesigned, and the Margate Chamber of Commerce wants to be part of the changes. The city of Margate and the Chamber of Commerce decided to make the chamber almost a completely online experience. They approached a Quincy, California-based company that had developed a software program called Chamber Nation, which is designed to transition the brick and mortar chambers of commerce to the online world. The Margate Chamber of Commerce now feels that they are going to be the new kind of chamber, an electronic chamber.
"It is different because instead of just being listed in the directory, you can create a traffic catcher page for free that helps to increase your web presence and optimize your status online. In other words when you do a Google search, the program makes it so much easier for you to be found. This site also allows a member to easily post their merchandise with links to their existing site and they have the option to post special coupons for anyone to print and use. The best thing is that there is no additional charge to your membership for all these features," Executive Director Jaime Milner said.
Richard Scully, owner of Chamber Nation, said that building a chamber online has many advantages, not the least of which is the ability to reach an untapped audience. "Most chambers are all feel-good. It's 'join the chamber, we'll put you on the directory and you're supporting the community,'" Scully said. "The younger generation is not there. If chambers of commerce are interested in continuing to be the go-to stop for local businesses, they have to at least consider adding a rigorous online component to their physical model."
The best part of the new Web site is that it will allow chamber members to reach more customers at no additional cost.
Chamber President Jack Tobin said, "Our goal is to get our members in touch with potential customers, and the new Web site will do that."
The Margate Chamber hopes that once their members get on board, they can not only keep the chamber local, but become a prominent chamber on the Web.
"The way things are going today more people are finding business through e-mails and online technology than they are getting in their cars and seeing people face to face," Milner said.
The site can be accessed by visiting www.margatechamber.org. Milner is available by calling 954-582-0399.
Margate goes virtual with Chamber Nation
Forum Publishing Group
March 5, 2009
Over the next 10 years, the downtown area of Margate is going to be redesigned, and the Margate Chamber of Commerce wants to be part of the changes. The city of Margate and the Chamber of Commerce decided to make the chamber almost a completely online experience. They approached a Quincy, California-based company that had developed a software program called Chamber Nation, which is designed to transition the brick and mortar chambers of commerce to the online world. The Margate Chamber of Commerce now feels that they are going to be the new kind of chamber, an electronic chamber.
"It is different because instead of just being listed in the directory, you can create a traffic catcher page for free that helps to increase your web presence and optimize your status online. In other words when you do a Google search, the program makes it so much easier for you to be found. This site also allows a member to easily post their merchandise with links to their existing site and they have the option to post special coupons for anyone to print and use. The best thing is that there is no additional charge to your membership for all these features," Executive Director Jaime Milner said.
Richard Scully, owner of Chamber Nation, said that building a chamber online has many advantages, not the least of which is the ability to reach an untapped audience. "Most chambers are all feel-good. It's 'join the chamber, we'll put you on the directory and you're supporting the community,'" Scully said. "The younger generation is not there. If chambers of commerce are interested in continuing to be the go-to stop for local businesses, they have to at least consider adding a rigorous online component to their physical model."
The best part of the new Web site is that it will allow chamber members to reach more customers at no additional cost.
Chamber President Jack Tobin said, "Our goal is to get our members in touch with potential customers, and the new Web site will do that."
The Margate Chamber hopes that once their members get on board, they can not only keep the chamber local, but become a prominent chamber on the Web.
"The way things are going today more people are finding business through e-mails and online technology than they are getting in their cars and seeing people face to face," Milner said.
The site can be accessed by visiting www.margatechamber.org. Milner is available by calling 954-582-0399.
South Fairfax, Occoquan businesses network in a new wayBy KIPP HANLEY
Published: January 21, 2009
For many years, South Fairfax County — especially Lorton and Fort Belvoir — conjured up images of industry, military security gates and prison fences.
But a more diverse commercial base sprouting up among these relatively new neighborhoods has created a need to represent those businesses. To address that need, a trio of businessmen recently created the South Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.
The SFCC was born last September, representing Lorton, Laurel Hill, Newington, Fort Belvoir, South Springfield, Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Occoquan and Woodbridge.The emphasis of the SFCC is utilizing the Internet to create and maintain relationships with other businesses instead of paying a hefty fee at a larger chamber where meetings are many and sometimes difficult to attend.
The SFCC was a perfect fit for Patrick Barney, co-owner of 4 More Travel and Tastefully Yours in Occoquan.
Barney used to belong to the Prince William Regional, Fairfax City and Springfield chambers before moving from his Springfield location to Occoquan in 2006. But the lower membership costs with SFCC and his desire to both keep his former contacts and establish new ones in South Fairfax led him to drop his two county chamber memberships.
“It’s one more way of reaching out,” said Barney, who estimates his customer base is an even split between Fairfax and Prince William residents. “It also gets you involved in not only the social but the community activities where you do your most networking. Anything that saves you the time of going over and knocking on every door. Somebody puts all the doors together, hey, that’s makes it a lot easier.”
For approximately $125, each company can join for two years and will be provided a Web site maintained by a chamber contractor. Various advertising opportunities are also available on the chamber’s home page as well as services like calendar item placements.
The first chamber meeting will be held at Pane e Vino in Lorton on Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. According to chamber vice-president Peter Weyland, there will only be a handful of meetings each year.
Weyland said one of the biggest expenses for chambers outside of rent and staffing is the printing of a membership directory. With everything online and a plan to only have one part-time administrative assistant working in the new chamber office, Weyland said the overhead will be greatly reduced.
“We can take that money and put it into programs for local civic groups,” said Weyland, who cited a recent donation of $800 to go toward the formation of a community farmers market.
NetStrategies president Rodney Loges wanted to have a greater voice in the southern Fairfax area when he moved his office from Alexandria to his current northern Woodbridge location next to the Prince William Marina on the Occoquan River.
A resident of Mason Neck, Loges was growing tired of commuting north to Alexandria. Eventually he found the marina site and now kayaks to work some days.
“South County is changing very fast and I wanted to step up and have a voice,” Loges said.“Not having a bunch of cocktail hours is absolutely fine with me as long as we are doing what is good for South County and building that common agenda.”
A SFCC member, Woodbridge-based Jewelry By Design owner Jennifer Caro moved her business from Lorton 10 years ago and managed to hold onto about 20 percent of her clientele from Fairfax County.
But more important than tapping more traffic from South Fairfax was re-establishing contacts with a community that has grown by leaps and bounds since departing her original location at Gunston Plaza.
Staff writer Kipp Hanley can be reached at 703-878-8062.
http://www.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/article/south_fairfax_occoquan_businesses_network_in_a_new_way/28376/
New Chamber a boon for southern Fairfax CountyFairfax County
By Gregg MacDonald
Source: Fairfax County Times
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 2009
There's a new Chamber of Commerce in town, and it just might be the wave of the future.
The South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (SFCC) has announced its launch as a new voice for the southern part of Fairfax County and southeastern Prince William County.
The SFCC is already comprised of nearly 100 members from Lorton, Laurel Hill, Newington, Ft. Belvoir, South Springfield, Burke, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Occoquan and Woodbridge.
According to Vice Chairman Peter Weyland, local business and community leaders have worked together for several months to create a Chamber of Commerce exclusively for businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals who find it cumbersome and time-consuming to attend meetings that are often held in the northern parts of Fairfax County.
In addition, the SFCC is introducing a new low-cost, time -saving technological concept in Chamber membership.
“SFCC is striking a new and different course as a Chamber by utilizing Internet based mediums and tools to keep membership costs low, minimize meetings, and maximize membership benefits via Internet based communication, networking, and advertising.” said SFCC Board Chairman Tim Rizer.
Each Chamber member is provided a free member Internet page that enables flexibility for that member to advertise and interact with the general public. The Chamber’s Internet service also provides members with access to an Internet search engine tool to attract interest to themselves.
SFCC’s charter members represent a broad spectrum of business and community leaders who reside both in and outside SFCC’s service area but all of whom have an interest in the local community, according to Weyland. "We're the model for the future," he said.
SFCC concentrates on both members’ interests and the general interests of the community at large, involving itself in relevant business, community and political issues. All interested parties are invited to consider membership.
SFCC will hold a kick-off meeting Thursday, Feb. 19, at Pane e` Vino restaurant, 9020 Lorton Station Blvd, Suite E, in Lorton.
To learn more about the SFCC, go to www.SouthFairfaxChamber.org
http://fairfaxtimes.com/news/2009/jan/28/new-chamber-boon-southern-fairfax-county/
EcTownUSA (to) Chamber Nation News Update New Branding, New System and Dealing with Member Retention
July 2008
I hope all of you are having a good summer and still managing to keep membership up during this economic bump.
Recently we've seen a major upswing in membership usage of the system. We feel that the economy is triggering members to use all of the tools they can find to help them succeed.
We know that keeping members is tough right now, so we're hopefully doing our part to help by providing a longer list of tangible member benefits and outstanding support. We're working with a record number of members who are seeking help in promoting their businesses online. The measurable results are impressive and getting much stronger every month.
On that note... I am pleased to announce some soon to be released enhancements to help your members promote their businesses like never before. But unlike our normal release of additional technology (yes that is coming too), we're now launching an educational system that will help your members define their business messaging and manage the process of growing their businesses. (see below)
Announcing the Mark LeBlanc Edition
"Growing Your Business"
I was a guest speaker of the SmallBusinessChamber.Com in Memphis Tennessee several months back. After I spoke to an audience at the small business expo, Mr. LeBlanc suggested that he and I should talk.
Over dinner I learned about Mark and his commitment to Chambers over the years to assist them in growing their members businesses.
Fortunately this relationship has blossomed into a rather exciting program that will be launched in August. This new program will be called Chamber Nation - Mark LeBlanc edition.
The entire program will absolutely help your members grow their businesses.
Mark is the President of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and author of the book "Growing Your Business" that we've transformed into a digital system soon to be available to thousands of members nationwide.
We invite you to read all about Mark LeBlanc and his long list of accomplishments by CLICKING HERE.
This new edition will provide a MAJOR upgrade to the member area, incorporates a FULL WEBSITE that replaces the current TCS pages (but no data is lost and automatically converted into the new system). Members will be able to do a whole lot more and includes a new SEO model that we believe will dramatically improve search results for members.
Although the TCS wizard will remain in tact, the system will offer a new area that includes an interactive business coach, developed using the proven Mark LeBlanc principals, downloadable eBook "growing your business" and a resource area that promotes some of your existing member businesses that can provide tools to help other members grow in your area (pretty unique in our opinion).
Once the member completes the interactive business coach, it produces a fantastic website that communicates their business better than ever online. With the new SUPER search engine optimization features, they will be promoted extensively online with the results to prove it.
A small license fee must be charged for this new service, but it will be quickly justified when you see what's included and able to demonstrate to prospective and current members. We believe that this new edition will truly help retain members during this rough economic period.
I invite you to contact me (Richard Scully) directly to discuss this program. Please feel free to call me at any time on my cell phone at: (925) 699-9997 as I look forward to showing this to you.
EcTownUSA is the Support Company, but Chamber Nation is our NEW BRAND New Brand, Website and Services
EcTownUSA stood for "E-Chamber Town" and the "USA" was added to be patriotic just like Chambers of Commerce. Over time we've discovered that this name to most Chamber Executives meant we sold "E Commerce" services. Nothing is wrong with that, but it was limiting our ability to present what we're really up to... helping develop state-of-the-art programs designed to help Chambers grow and manage membership.
So this month, we voted as a company to change our branding to "Chamber Nation" which implies what we do much better... educate the entire country that Chamber of Commerce membership is one of the most important investments you can make to help grow your business.
With the edition of Mark LeBlanc we believe participating customers will have just what they need to improve membership sales, retention and most importantly a program that will positively help grow commerce in your area. After all you are a "Chamber of Commerce" !
Our Podcasting strategy is working well as we now have hundreds of Podcast subscribers and fantastic results thus far on iTunes. We thank all of the Chamber Executives who have participated thus far with many more soon to be recorded. If you are still waiting for your Podcast production we did fall a bit behind, but were now back on schedule and will be caught up soon.
You will notice from the new website that our focus is moving towards member education. The website now serves both the Chambers of Commerce and the members who are thinking about joining a Chamber to grow their business. We had to make this change as so many people were coming in from the Podcast and we're sure many of them are prospective members.
I hope you will take a minute to view the new website that can be found at www.ChamberNation.com. We invite any comments and suggestions.
We really appreciate so many of you that have been with us since we started and hope we're delivering outstanding services to each of you.
Sincerely,
Richard Scully, FounderEcTownUSA.Com, LLC.
ChamberNation.Com
Cell: 925-699-9997
Office: 530-283-5553 (Option 2)
Toll Free: 888-EzWay4U
Last Updated on Thursday, 07 August 2008 15:07
Scripps Newspaper Group — Online© 2008 The E.W. Scripps Co.
CommercialAppeal.Com
Chamber offers 'traffic catcher'
Small-biz members can build free Web pages
By David Flaum (Contact)
Friday, January 11, 2008
The Small Business Chamber has rolled out a new online initiative that gives members their own Web sites and direct links to members' Web addresses.
And members won't have to pay extra for the "traffic catcher Web site" service, said Robert Staub, founder and executive director of the chamber.
"Our organization focuses on the success of our small business members through information, education and business networking," he said.
To that, the Web site adds marketing, Staub said.
"It gives us the opportunity to be a business community within a business community," said Dennis Beatty, chairman of the chamber. "If somebody comes to us looking for goods or services, they're going to be able to find it that much easier."
Each member will be able to set up his or her own Web site. The general format and types of information on it will be the same for each business. If the member has his or her own Web site, the traffic catcher page will provide a link to it.
The Memphis Regional Chamber provides links to members' Web sites, if they have them, but does not have a section on its site for members to set up sites like the Small Business Chamber has.
Regional chamber officials haven't seen the Small Business Chamber pages, so they can't assess the possible value, said Amy Daniels, director of communications.
More than 80 percent of chamber members are small businesses -- ventures with 50 or fewer employees -- she said.
"Anything that helps small business grow is a good thing," Daniels said.
The traffic catcher setup is the creation of Richard Scully, managing partner and founder of EcTownUSA LLC. The Quincy, Calif.-based firm handles 40 systems in 10 states, about 75 percent of them for small business chambers, Scully said.
"About four years ago, we realized there were no programs designed to help chambers grow and retain members," he said. "Members didn't see tangible benefits from their membership."
So he created the Web site plan, which includes ways of tracking visitors down to "actual views" -- what information they look for, such as maps to businesses -- so business owners can judge how effective the Web sites are, Scully said.
The system will also simplify what Beatty called the "maze" facing visitors to the chamber's old Web site.
"We're giving them steps to follow to find what they want," he said.
"It's smart for the small business council to offer a way for members to have an online presence," said Trace Hallowell, managing partner of Tactical Magic, a Memphis brand consulting agency.
He uses his own business as an example. When Tactical Magic went on line, the perceptions of the firm, especially in terms of legitimacy, increased greatly.
"The caveats would be how man people would be going to the Small Business Chamber Web site to search for services and the impact it will have on national search engine traffic," Hallowell said.
Among the services in the new setup, said Staub, will be one to help members get better positions on Internet search engines.
Access to the site is available at smallbusinesschamber,com.
-- David Flaum: 529-2330
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jan/11/chamber-offers-traffic-catcher/
Small Business Chamber Launches New Website
Featured Projects Add comments Website: http://www.SmallBusinessChamber.com
As a small business owner and Small Business Chamber member, this new website held special interest for me in that the new members areas boast greatly enhanced functionality and marketing opportunities for Chamber members.
The chamber partnered with ECTownUSA for the member features, marketing and support. I provided the design for the site.
The chamber wanted a design that was fresh, fast and allowed for a large navigation area without sacrificing content area. We decided on drop down navigation menu to save space and to make integration with the programming seamless. Since the focus for the site is the members, much of the “fun” stuff lies behind the password protected sanctum of the members area. For details about the members area, how it works and how a similar program could benefit your organization, contact Richard Scully at ECTownUSA. Tell him I sent you!
The Chamber liked the website design so well, they have choosen to use it for their new member packets, name badges and stationery.
Visit the Small Business Chamber Website at: www.smallbusinesschamber.com
www.smallbusinesschamber.com
http://grafixunlimited.com/2008/01/10/small-business-chamber-launches-new-website/
Last Updated on Thursday, 07 August 2008 15:04
Featured Projects Add comments Website: http://www.SmallBusinessChamber.com
As a small business owner and Small Business Chamber member, this new website held special interest for me in that the new members areas boast greatly enhanced functionality and marketing opportunities for Chamber members.
The chamber partnered with ECTownUSA for the member features, marketing and support. I provided the design for the site.
The chamber wanted a design that was fresh, fast and allowed for a large navigation area without sacrificing content area. We decided on drop down navigation menu to save space and to make integration with the programming seamless. Since the focus for the site is the members, much of the “fun” stuff lies behind the password protected sanctum of the members area. For details about the members area, how it works and how a similar program could benefit your organization, contact Richard Scully at ECTownUSA. Tell him I sent you!
The Chamber liked the website design so well, they have choosen to use it for their new member packets, name badges and stationery.
Visit the Small Business Chamber Website at: www.smallbusinesschamber.com
www.smallbusinesschamber.com
http://grafixunlimited.com/2008/01/10/small-business-chamber-launches-new-website/
Last Updated on Thursday, 07 August 2008 15:04
February 7, 2007CHAMBER SEARCH ENGINE LAUNCHED
Richard Scully, one of the principals in EcTownUSA.Com, LLC, said his Quincy-based company has launched the first system ever created to broadcast a chamber of commerce and its members over WAP-enabled cell phones. The system, called the Chamber Search Engine, will allow people with a cell phone to choose a particular chamber of commerce and select from events, members and contacts. Unlike regular search engines, Richard says this system provides direct results from chambers in a particular town. "When we started in 2002, we noticed that chambers across the country seemed to be struggling to grow. What we've been developing are programs to make it easier for them to grow and operate."
Chamber by Phone . Mobi
Written by Chamber Nation
Thursday, 07 August 2008 14:48
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EcTownUSA is First to Launch Chamber System for Mobile Phones and Miniture Internet Devices
Press Release
EcTownUSA.Com, LLC. Announces First system ever created to broadcast a Chamber of Commerce over a Cell Phone
Quincy, California - Jan 23, 2007
EcTownUSA.Com, LLC. launches the first system ever to broadcast Chambers of Commerce and their members over WAP enabled cell phones. The newly launched system called the Chamber Search Engine will allow people with a cell phone to choose the Chamber of Commerce and select from events, members, and contacts.Unlike open search engines where anyone can post a search result, the Chamber Search Engine provides direct results from Chambers of Commerce in a particular city. Since results are from Chamber of Commerce members, the local search is now extremely dependable. Local business phone numbers are easily found FREE through the ChamberSearchEngine.Mobi system. Another Milestone in Creating the Chamber Broadcasting System. Prior to the Internet Chambers of Commerce have always been the local network and today the Chambers Continue to be the local Network. What we do is convert this valuable position into a tool to grow and retain members.The Chamber Broadcasting System was developed from the ground up by EcTownUSA to meet the demands of today's Chamber members. A web-based fully integrated system that makes it easy to promote Chamber members so successfully that non-members want to join and existing members want to renew.
www.chamberbroadcasting.com
About EcTownUSA.Com
EcTownUSA, LLC. started in 2002 when its founders noticed that Chambers across the country seemed to be struggling to grow. What we've developed is a program to make it easier for Chambers of Commerce to operate and grow. We deliver a high level of efficiency while helping Chambers grow a solid foundation of satisfied members.GUARANTEED to be affordable no matter what size the Chamber may be.Website: http://www.EcTownUSA.com
About Chamber Search Engine
We clearly understand that more people use their cell phones to get important information then ever before. For this reason, EcTownUSA has formally launched the Chamber Search Engine.The Chamber of Commerce is the nucleus of most communities around the USA and needed a formal method to transmit this data through mobile hand-held devices like cell phones.Each participating Chamber of Commerce in the EcTownUSA program who have the Chamber Broadcasting System activated, will now be transmitting through cell phones, and Internet enabled devices their 1. Membership Directory, 2. Member Websites, 3. Chamber Events, and 4. Chamber Contact Information.
A complete suite of MOBILE PHONE APPLICATIONS from the Chamber of Commerce is coming late January 2007.
Website: www.ChamberByPhone.com
EcTownUSA.Com, LLC. Richard Scully Founder
email: richard@ectownusa.com phone: 888-EzWay4U
Written by Chamber Nation
Thursday, 07 August 2008 14:48
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EcTownUSA is First to Launch Chamber System for Mobile Phones and Miniture Internet Devices
Press Release
EcTownUSA.Com, LLC. Announces First system ever created to broadcast a Chamber of Commerce over a Cell Phone
Quincy, California - Jan 23, 2007
EcTownUSA.Com, LLC. launches the first system ever to broadcast Chambers of Commerce and their members over WAP enabled cell phones. The newly launched system called the Chamber Search Engine will allow people with a cell phone to choose the Chamber of Commerce and select from events, members, and contacts.Unlike open search engines where anyone can post a search result, the Chamber Search Engine provides direct results from Chambers of Commerce in a particular city. Since results are from Chamber of Commerce members, the local search is now extremely dependable. Local business phone numbers are easily found FREE through the ChamberSearchEngine.Mobi system. Another Milestone in Creating the Chamber Broadcasting System. Prior to the Internet Chambers of Commerce have always been the local network and today the Chambers Continue to be the local Network. What we do is convert this valuable position into a tool to grow and retain members.The Chamber Broadcasting System was developed from the ground up by EcTownUSA to meet the demands of today's Chamber members. A web-based fully integrated system that makes it easy to promote Chamber members so successfully that non-members want to join and existing members want to renew.
www.chamberbroadcasting.com
About EcTownUSA.Com
EcTownUSA, LLC. started in 2002 when its founders noticed that Chambers across the country seemed to be struggling to grow. What we've developed is a program to make it easier for Chambers of Commerce to operate and grow. We deliver a high level of efficiency while helping Chambers grow a solid foundation of satisfied members.GUARANTEED to be affordable no matter what size the Chamber may be.Website: http://www.EcTownUSA.com
About Chamber Search Engine
We clearly understand that more people use their cell phones to get important information then ever before. For this reason, EcTownUSA has formally launched the Chamber Search Engine.The Chamber of Commerce is the nucleus of most communities around the USA and needed a formal method to transmit this data through mobile hand-held devices like cell phones.Each participating Chamber of Commerce in the EcTownUSA program who have the Chamber Broadcasting System activated, will now be transmitting through cell phones, and Internet enabled devices their 1. Membership Directory, 2. Member Websites, 3. Chamber Events, and 4. Chamber Contact Information.
A complete suite of MOBILE PHONE APPLICATIONS from the Chamber of Commerce is coming late January 2007.
Website: www.ChamberByPhone.com
EcTownUSA.Com, LLC. Richard Scully Founder
email: richard@ectownusa.com phone: 888-EzWay4U
Oroville Chamber Press Release
Written by Chamber Nation
Thursday, 07 August 2008 13:55
Chamber looks to bring membership powerful, free e-commerce system
By Michael L. Whiteley/Business Editor
Article Launched: 01/11/2007 12:00:00 AM PST
They say nothing is free, however, that is not the case with a powerful new e-commerce system Oroville Chamber of Commerce members will soon benefit from thanks to the insightfulness of Paul MacBeth, the new Chamber executive director.
The mission of the Oroville Area Chamber of Commerce is to "work cooperatively with community, civic and governmental organizations to enhance the image of Oroville and to foster a climate in which business can operate profitably." Soon, this mission will be accomplished through a brand new virtual marketplace (www.shopinoroville.com) that will extend to all Chamber members added benefits above and beyond what they already receive from association with the Chamber.
The e-commerce system, designed by EcTownUSA, which is projected to be available to members within the next couple weeks or so, will provide access to local businesses 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. It will work along side of websites businesses already have and will give businesses that don't have a web presence a chance to easily create one, too.
Probably the best part of the new system is that it comes to members free of charge. Added free features and benefits include: domain name, matching e-mail with domain name,
website, online appointment request system, online reservation request system, online point of sale (POS), easy checkout system, community marketplace online with catalog system enabling all members to be doing business perpetually, online map to business location, video commercials and audio "pod" casting distribution, Internet coupon delivery online, e-mail mailing list manager, online employment application and "help wanted" job postings, monthly advertising reports with stats, online support desk (USA-based), and telephone support by calling 1-888-EzWay4U.
All of the above can be created by members within a matter of minutes through the use of intelligent "wizards" that walk the member through the process.
MacBeth, who has seen first-hand how the system works, said the state of Arizona's Chambers have already implemented the system and found it has generated 22-plus million hits since last October alone. The system is also, he added, quickly taking hold in the California marketplace.
"It's quite impressive," said MacBeth, of the new system. "Soon our entire membership can have their own website and it's not just for retailers. If a business offers or performs services they can take appointments online and even reschedule them. Retailers can sell their goods through the e-commerce features, which includes an online catalog with images of products. Hotels and other hospitalities can also take advantage."
"Basically, 'shopinoroville.com' is going to be a huge marketplace for our entire membership. There is no reason why our members could not, should not, capitalize on this. The benefits are huge," he said.
The new system will ultimately address the aspect of leakage of commerce to other regions, such as nearby Chico. "If the membership can benefit from this new system by slowing the leakage then this will play an important role in, as I like to say, 'putting commerce back into the Chamber," MacBeth said.
Moreover, the system will act as a sort of Chamber-sponsored umbrella for commerce that can bring new jobs to area businesses and centralize their efforts to market the greater Oroville area and what it offers. "People can visit the site from out of the area and this can enhance tourism and even inspire people to relocate to Oroville. The five main aspects of the role that a Chamber involves itself with include, tourism, relocation, membership/business development, economic development, and historical and quality of life. All of these are covered through this system," he said.
Ads on the radio and other news media, such as the Oroville Mercury-Register, will feature the site closer to the time it is unleashed to members. And, additional Chamber-sponsored side projects, such as tourism packages to entice people to travel to Oroville and take advantage of local shopping will also bolster the goal of achieving the Chamber's mission.
"Battle for Business" seminars will be held to provide members an introduction to the system, how it works, and how to set their e-commerce sites in motion. "I urge every member to attend these workshops to make the most of this to enhance their sales and services," MacBeth said.
MacBeth comes to the Oroville Chamber with an extensive background in retail sales and has served with other Chambers in northern California. He is familiar with but new to the area. "I love Oroville," he said of his experience here thus far. "I cannot say enough good things about this community and look forward to forming great partnerships here. And, I am really excited to bring this new business opportunity to the membership at no cost."
"For years and years," he added, in closing, "Chambers have built a complete infrastructure based upon the brick and mortar businesses they represent. Now, we can facilitate these businesses in a virtual environment. This will put the local products and services into the arena of the virtual world, which will extend what they offer to people all over the world, not just to those who visit Oroville."
For more information on this new system as well as membership in the local Chamber of Commerce, look to the Internet at: www.orovillechamber.net. Or, call the Chamber of Commerce at: (530) 538-2542.