Happy New Year!

Weekly Chamber Update

Use Our Chamber Members For All Your Promotional Needs:
(In ABC Order)
          AllWear 10802 Waterville St.-Whitehouse 419-877-2522

Hi-Tek Sign Shop 10950 Waterville St. –Whitehouse 419-877-2700

Look At Me Signs 6632 Providence St.-Whitehouse 419-877-5700

Proforma Specialty Printing-Toledo 419-380-5000

BEFORE THE SHOW: PART 1

Person-to-person marketing is arguably the most effective way to reach new customers, and with more than one thousand people expected to attend, it is a perfect opportunity to grow your business. Another exciting benefit is the ability to network with other businesses who are participating and build relationships within the Chamber Social Network.

BEFORE THE SHOW:  Mail flyers or post cards to your prospects ahead of time to let them know you will be at the show. You might offer a special giveaway for those who bring in your mailer. Promote show specials and new products in your pre-show mailings.

*Insert flyers, postcards, or use stickers to let your current customers know you will be at the show. Often it's just as beneficial to have face time with current clients, as it is to meet new ones.

*Make sure the staff that will be in your booth is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and happy to be there. They should be dressed appropriately for the image you wish to convey. Corporate logo clothing, or similar outfits will let attendees know at a glance who is visiting and who is in charge in your booth.

*Bring plenty of business cards. Bring a holder/ container and display them where anyone walking by can take one.

*Get a business card from everyone you speak with and make notes on the back for follow up. You want to make sure you have something at your booth for collecting business cards. Putting all the cards in one location ensures you don.t miss anyone with whom you want to follow up.

*Bring an adequate supply of your basic product line information. Use a computer, brochures or catalogs to show additional lines or products. Materials should be professional looking, accurate, and look like they come from a successful company. Remember, too much material is often wasted printing. A basic representation of your product line is the best, with a promise to mail more specific information to those interested. Sometimes those .big bags of stuff. lay around untouched, until they are later rediscovered and thrown away. Giveaways should reflect your product line, or be useful to all who attend. They can be inexpensive, but should not be junk. You may wish to have more less expensive items for all to take, and fewer nicer items for those who take time to talk you, or who come as a result of your pre show mailings.

Friday, February 24, 2011

3rd ANNUAL ANTHONY WAYNE BUSINESS SHOWCASE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2012

5:00-7:30 PM  Anthony Wayne High School Auxiliary Gym

The Waterville and Whitehouse Chambers of Commerce will present 3rd Annual Anthony Wayne Business Showcase in conjunction with the Anthony Wayne Spirit of Giving's Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser during the AW vs. Napoleon boys basketball game. The event will take place on Friday, February 24 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Anthony Wayne High School Auxiliary Gym with full access for the public to attend this event. The Chambers are accepting registrations for the Business Showcase for its members, non-members, groups and organizations interested in promoting their products and or services at a booth.

The cost covers advertising and includes NEW THIS YEAR...a decorative backdrop and display in 10ft.x10ft. area with 1 8ft.banquet table and 2 chairs for booth setup. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Registration MUST be completed online or in person at a Chamber office.
Payment, door prize, and registration is due no later than Mon. Feb. 6, 2012 in order to participate.

The cost for Whitehouse Chamber members is just $30.  Along with your registration you are asked to donate a door prize valued at $20 to be used towards our raffle for our visitors.  The cost for NON-MEMBERS is $100.  You can register online at: www.chamberorganizer.com/members/evr/reg_event.php  You may also register by calling the Chamber office at 419-877-2747 or by stopping in the office.

DURING THE SHOW: PART 2

 DURING THE SHOW: Arrive in time to properly set up your booth and be ready when the doors open. Be sure your booth is staffed at all times until the show closes. Arriving late and leaving early signals disrespect for the attendees who come to see you. Remember to take a break to visit your competition and other prospects.

* "Smile" remain friendly and approachable. That means no eating, reading, talking on the phone, or doing anything else that your visitors will have to interrupt to get your attention. Make sure all staff wears a badge, whether it is your own or the one that will be supplied at registration.

*Eliminate physical barriers to your booth to make it open and inviting. Place the table in the back, or along the side. Get out from behind the table; invite people into your booth to sit/stand/talk.

*Make your booth attractive and inviting. A floral arrangement, balloons, interesting statue, or other eye-catching items will make your booth more interesting. Arrange materials and giveaways in an attractive manner. Place business cards and materials right out in front. Place inexpensive giveaways out where people can take them.we call those visitors the .Trick or Treaters.. Keep the nicer giveaways with in your reach to give to those who take the time to talk with you or who responded to your invitation to attend.

*Keep your booth neat and clean, rearrange or straighten items. Dispose of things left in your booth, including cups, cans and stray papers.

*Raffles, contests, and activities will make your booth inviting to visit. So, use your imagination!

 

AFTER THE SHOW: PART 3

AFTER THE SHOW: Follow up with those who visited within 2 weeks after the show. Don't forget to send the materials; make the calls; or get the answers you promised at the show. Sometimes just a note to say, Thanks for Visiting or Great to Meet You, with your business card enclosed will help them to remember you in the future. These can be made ahead of time and personalized and addressed, immediately after the show. Dropping the ball in the end can make all your hard work worthless. If you collect business cards you will have a great mailing list, and may want to send a mailer to them several weeks after the show.
Complete the show evaluation form and leave it at the Chamber booth, or mail it to us. That will help us plan for next year.