When I meet with members, I am often asked how a Member business can increase their profile – hopefully to build a wider network and attract new business. There is no quick answer and it’s often a tailored activity. I always suggest it’s about good networking, communication with consistent high-quality messages and being relevant to other businesses.
I spoke with Judith Ford and Rachel Tucker at Night Stop & Mediation in Kidderminster, the emergency young peoples’ refuge and mediation services, and we came up with some new ideas which they will soon try out.
Visiting a company’s canteen and setting up a drop-in session could work – if it is done on a regular basis and the consistency of message and possible support is maintained.
For all Members, the Chamber offers the following, and my personal message is to make sure you make use of these:
- Free listings in the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce Website Directory, complete with live hyperlinks to the Member’s own website and email account
- Opportunities to have free editorial published in the Chamber’s bi-monthly business magazine Business Direction
- Opportunities to take part in case studies and testimonials
- Promoting your Member to Member Offers on the Chamber website and access to other Member offers
- Access to a range of courses specialising in PR and Marketing, discounted for Chamber Members
- Two free places on an introductory course to Digital Marketing and PR opportunities
- Discounted advertising rates in Business Direction magazine (prices start from £300+VAT) and the Chamber’s website. Members receive a 20% discount off the media pack rates
- Your good news stories featured in Business Direction Online and via monthly newsletters to business people in the two counties
Plus of course the Business Expo, on Thursday 9 March, and the annual Business Awards: here finalists and winners receive high quality profiling not only local but nationally through to the British Chambers of Commerce.
My message also strongly advises that raising your profile requires your own work to attend networking, forums and other Chamber activities. If you want to tango it takes two of you!
Mike