Summer Dining Deals, and deals in general

We've been having fun at the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce with a recent program designed to support local restaurants, which we mentioned on the blog back in April (http://rogerslowellchamber.blogspot.com/2009/04/support-our-restaurants-so-we-can-keep.html).

The program has been running smoothly for the past few months, and it seemed like a good time to remind the public to get out and take advantage of these NWA Dining Deals! Just visit www.BuyNWA.biz (or the Chamber's website, www.RogersLowell.com) and check out the posted dining deals. The coupons are available to member businesses as well as the general public, and member restaurants can participate at no charge (for details, contact Dana Mather at 479-619-3182 or dana@rogerslowell.com).

We plug it regularly, but one of the other neat features available to members as well as the public is our e-coupons. Visit www.RogersLowell.com and click on "Business Directory" - it is extremely helpful! You can click on categories to find access to lists of literally hundreds of businesses by type (looking for a dentist? accountant? salon?), and you'll also have access to all our e-coupons across dozens of categories.

While you're there, check out the BusinessConnect tool - it can save you dozens of phone calls and time searching websites. Just put in the specifics on a need you might have either personally or for your business (brochure printing, granite countertops, catering, a banquet or meeting space) and we will advise any of our 2,053 member businesses who can assist. They respond directly to you, usually within 24 - 36 hours! You have to check it out to see how helpful it can be. Again, it's available at www.RogersLowell.com in the Business Directory section.

These tools are out there to serve businesses and connect our members with customers - be sure to take advantage of them, and let us know what you think!

Grow Your Business Without Spending Money and Time!

Sound too good to be true? Wait until you see what we have up our sleeves for our member businesses to help you survive and thrive in this economy. We understand that as much as you’d like to attend seminars and attend networking events, it’s hard to justify leaving your business to grow your business. We get it!

In 2008, we launched BuyNWA, an initiative to support local businesses and stimulate the economy (visit www.BuyNWA.biz for more information). We promised phase two of BuyNWA in early 2009… here it is! We’ve launched half a dozen FREE new for our member businesses:

1. $$ BusinessConnect Tool
We receive dozens of requests from individuals seeking catering, printing, meeting space, you name it. Now those bids and requests will be online so YOU can respond! Members and the public may fill out the BusinessConnect Request on www.RogersLowell.com, and requests are posted on our website and e-mailed to appropriate member businesses! For more information: http://tinyurl.com/dxvfuc.

2. Member AID Videos
No matter how much you’d love to attend our seminars to help your business, you can’t leave your business to attend, right? Soon you’ll be able to view online videos on advertising seminars, workshops and technology to benefit your business - stay tuned!

3. Member News
You’ve got exciting news, and you want to tell our other 2,010 member businesses! Let everyone know about a new office, an open house or a prestigious award! Member News updates are posted online, and links are sent to our 2,750 weekly e-mail recipients. For more information on submitting news or to read current news: http://tinyurl.com/cwp9ym.

4. LinkedIn
Use the fastest-growing online professional network in the world to build your business and show your credibility – link to the Rogers-Lowell Chamber profile! People are more likely to do business with chamber members, and you can benefit from our connections! Members, join our group here: http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1823711.

5. Twitter
It’s a little cutting edge, but the possibilities are endless. Follow the Chamber’s “tweets” on Twitter, and stumble on new connections and ideas in the process! Trust us, you have to try it to understand it! http://twitter.com/RLACC

6. Chamber Blog
Wait, you're already onto this! Follow informal, conversational posts on our newest efforts and ideas through the Rogers-Lowell Chamber blog. What’s in it for you? Up-to-the-minute information and a chance to give us feedback on what works, and what else you need to succeed! http://rogerslowellchamber.blogspot.com/

That was a lot to process, wasn’t it? Don’t worry if you’re confused or overwhelmed – we promise, it’s all easier than it sounds! Just call us and we will (slowly!) walk you through all of these new membership tools. We’re also offering free workshops to explore these topics. For more information, contact Beth Stephens (479.619.3192 or beth@rogerslowell.com).

Completing your to-do list without lifting a finger...

Please excuse us as we try (in vain) to control our enthusiasm about our new BusinessConnect Tool! Seriously, it is a fantastic resource for our member businesses and the general public!

Here's the gist of it: businesses and individuals can save time by posting requests online, and member businesses will respond directly to you to give you bids, estimates or provide the services requested! This delivers excellent opportunities for member businesses to drive sales, and Chamber staff monitor requests and responses from member businesses to ensure timeliness.

It's truly painless. Just visit the Business Directory on www.RogersLowell.com. (While you're there, be sure to check out the category listing of all our member businesses as well as the e-coupons!) Click on "Submit BusinessConnect Request" and put in all your wishes, and as soon as we receive it we will e-mail it to our members to respond. Trust us, you'll want to bookmark the page: http://tinyurl.com/d5bdbg.

One of our staff members used the BusinessConnect tool for a printing quote on business cards for her husband's new venture. Within a couple of hours, they had detailed responses and quotes from five businesses, saving them dozens of phone calls. They commented on how impressed they were by the timely follow up on such a seemingly small request.

Examples of requests using BusinessConnect might include printing bids, catering for an event or open house, home services and repairs or a banquet or meeting facility.

Pretty cool, huh? We have always been proud of our ability to generate so many inquiries and potential business connections for our members, but this takes the "potential" part right out and leads to direct business opportunities. Love it!