Connecting the Dots for Business Growth

The state of the economy has forced us to look at new ways to step above our competition. This is a dog-eat-dog world for obtaining and retaining customers. Your business can rise to the top by using your Chamber connections.

As the business development person at my firm, I meet with many business owners and potential clients. Although they ask about our professional services, a major question in today’s world is, “Can you help me find more business?” My response is to ask who are their ideal referral sources and customers. Then, I use this information and Chamber relationships to connect the dots. Here are a few recent examples:

A potential client said he markets his services through speaking engagements to companies that import and export. By putting him in touch with contacts through Chamber relationships, he was able to provide educational programs to businesses and obtained excellent opportunities for new business. He hired us by 8:00 a.m. the next morning.

Another Chamber Member told me they will hire the CPA firm who helps give them connections for growth. I have introduced them to ten Chamber Members who could utilize their services. This provided a resource for other Members and great value to the potential client.

While meeting with three existing clients in the past two weeks, I asked them to be my guest at Chamber functions where I will provide targeted introductions. What a wonderful way to deepen relationships and retain business.

The list goes on but I think you get the picture. Making connections through your membership grows your business and helps others. Use your Chamber membership and your business will end up in first place!

Today’s spotlight shines on the Women in Business Committee for their innovative and professional programs. The current WIB Chair is Joy Rosenberg, American Cancer Society. Joy understands making connections and says:

“I have been involved in the Chamber for over four years -- making friends, building relationships -- but it was not until last Thursday I actually saw the concrete evidence of value of our Chamber membership. The Pink Tea gathered 175 women for education and networking to launch breast cancer awareness month. When I looked over that sea of women, I realized: our event chair, Annmarie, was someone I first met at the Chamber. Her connections brought on board My Chef Catering and Edward Hospital – both key Chamber players. My WIB committee played prominent roles in securing NIU as a location, Desert Rose Design for the marketing campaign, DuPage Woman Newspaper for promotion, as well as others. The attendees were many of the women we knew from Chamber events. It matters that you work your membership: be there more than once, reach out for relationships, and ask for support. Our goal was 100 women to attend this first year event; we nearly doubled the participation, in large part due to the network of women I have met through the Naperville Chamber.”

WIB breakfasts are held the 1st Wednesday of the month. This forum provides great speakers and a way to make those connections mentioned above.

Keep connecting,

Annmarie Siwik, Chair of the Board
DiGiovine Hnilo Jordan + Johnson