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| Making the Most of Your Membership
Why members join?
Members join the BABCNE for a variety of reasons. The primary reason, in most cases, is for business development.
Things to consider to help you network:
1. Prepare for networking/developing business
- Become familiar with the companies in the Chamber membership
- Set realistic targets (companies)
- Plan marketing/sales strategy
- Become familiar with the services of the BABCNE & its affiliate BABC network
2. Participate in Chamber activities
- Be visible
- Inform the BABCNE Directors on your business and objectives
- Attend events frequently to meet fellow members
- Market your company to the BABCNE audience through the web-site, sponsorship of events or putting on an event for members
- Involve others in your company in BABCNE activities
- Give and you shall receive
- Network with fellow members and assist with referrals when appropriate (you help a member and a member will help you)
- Bring clients to events when appropriate to add to the networking pool
- Recruit new members
- Gain access to prospects
- Meet new companies first
- Build recognition within the Chamber
3. Promote your company through the BABCNE
- Direct mail
- Purchase mailing labels
- Insert marketing literature in a Council mailing
- Offer special discounts on your product/services to fellow members which you can be listed in the "Member's Marketplace"
- Send to the BABC office your company news for inclusion on the Web site under "Member News"
- Advertising on the Web site and on BABCNE collaterals
- "UK/USA" Magazine
- Website (Banner ads)
- Sponsorship of BABCNE events or services
4. Helpful hints:
- Call the office to check out roster of attendees the day before the event - Board Members and the Executive Director will be glad to introduce you to your targets at events
- Check out the BABCNE and BABC online membership directory
- Take advantage of free listing in the membership online directory
- Donate prizes to annual events for promotion
- Introduce yourself to new members at events or give them a call to welcome them to the BABCNE
- If appropriate, offer your services "pro bono" to the BABCNE or to fellow members
- When traveling, attend events in the other cities where a Chamber is based
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