Mankato Chapter (507) 720-0551 Office (866) 606-2926 Fax Shannon Ballman, President Shannon@MainStreetChamber.org
Next Event WOW! Zone June 16, 2011 5:30 pm This booklet printed and produced courtesy of:
Mankato Chapter Grand Opening Business Mixer
The Loose Moose Mankato, Minnesota May 9, 2011 5:30 pm
“Save Money, Make Money & Get Involved�
Evening Program 5:30 Registration, Network and Food 6:00 MainStreetChamber Overview 6:00 Message from The President 6:30 Network, Network, Network 6:30 Visit Sponsors 8:00 Wrap up and Door Prizes Announced
Sponsors We wish to give a very special thanks to our sponsors who make it possible for our members to enjoy so many free benefits. Mike (Moose) Maes The Loose Moose (507) 345-1446 theloosemoose@hickorytech.net Tony Goodwin Good One Productions (507) 381-8747 tonywin@charter.com
Catherine Seven SEO What.com (877) 736-4386 hello@SEOWhat.com
Dar Vosburg Realty Executives River Valley (507) 3875545 Dar@MankatoHomes.com
Rebecca Rabenhorst Dave McCandless Balloon Art and Decorating Honor Bound Photography (507) 387-3326 (507) 317-9226 balloonartanddeco@yahoo.com Dave@honorboundphot.com Tim Ray Tiffany Meyer Computer Technology Solutions PrimeSource Funding (507) 388-3880 (507)931-8177 tray@yourcts.com tiffanym@primesoucefunding.com Matthew Sikich Worldwide Dream Builders (877) 700-4891 getavacation@aol.com
Rande Baker Carlson Craft (507)386-2407 rmbaker@carlsoncraft.com
Ambassadors Our Ambassadors graciously donate their time and talent to help create networking events and other benefits for our members. Dave McCandless Honor Bound Photography (507) 317-9226 dave@honorboundphoto.com
Dar Vosburg Realty Executives River Valleys (507) 387-5545 dar@mankatohomes.com
Tim Guetschow Fountain Street Design (507) 351-6665 tim@fountainstreetdesign.com
David Mallette Butler House Bed and Breakfast (507) 387-5055 dvdmallette@gmail.com
Matt Meixner Citizens Community Federal (507) 386-0200 mmeixner@ccf.us
Sara Sinnard Fusion Life and Leadership (507) 278-3553 sara@fusiononesource.com
Door Prizes
Matthew Sikich - a week’s vacation - $2500
Dar Vosburg – 4 Premium Moon Dogs Tickets - $40
Sara Sinnard – 2 Life & Leadership sessions - $160
VIP Discount Cards (4) - $25 each
Rebecca Rabenhorst - $25 Kwik Trip Gift Card
Get Involved As the fastest growing Chamber in America, MainStreetChamber™ encourages and appreciates the involvement of members. Members who wish to join us in our efforts to revitalize the small business community in Minnesota will find several ways to contribute. Members can donate door prizes at MainStreetChamber™ events. In return, they have the opportunity to give a 30 second commercial about their business at the event. Members who are willing to volunteer their time and talent as Ambassadors can play a vital role in supporting the small business community as well as the operation of a chapter. Their help is crucial to recruiting new members, representing the chapter in the community and hosting MainStreetChamber™ events. Members who wish to promote their business receive a 10% discount on the cost of sponsorship. Our sponsors are critical because all of our services are free to members. Therefore, the revenue they generate defrays the cost of providing those services. In return, sponsors receive publicity, advertising and qualified leads. Every successful chapter needs a President to manage operations, recruit new members, increase awareness of MainStreetChamber™ in the community and host events. As MainStreetChamber™ expands across Minnesota, there is a growing need for individuals with strong leadership skills. If you are interested in getting involved as an Ambassador, sponsor or chapter President, please contact:
Shannon Ballman (507) 720-0551 Shannon@MainStreetChamber.org
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Networking Mistakes To Avoid Attendees often make mistakes that prevent them from capitalizing on new opportunities. This list of networking mistakes could help you avoid becoming “that guy” or “that girl” this evening. 1. Showing up without a plan. If you don’t have a plan, you can’t measure whether or not the time you invested was worthwhile. Set specific goals for contacts, information and resources you want to find and you will know exactly how successful the event was. 2. Talking too much about your company and/or products and services. The best way to make a good first impression is to make others feel important. You can do this by asking questions about others and then demonstrating a genuine interest in their answers. 3. Selling instead of offering something of value. According to Jeffrey Gitomer, award winning author and expert on sales, “People don’t like to be sold but they love to buy”. And, they prefer buying from people they like and trust. We all like and trust people who consistently deliver something of value to us. 4. Self-serving. People who attend networking events with the mindset of “what’s in it for me” risk being perceived as “selfserving” and superficial. In contrast, people who attend networking events with a genuine interest in discovering the unique talents and experiences of others tend to be perceived as valuable contacts. 5. Not keeping the commitments you make. Make sure you follow through with what you tell people you are going to do. This is a matter of integrity. 6. Pestering contacts following an event. Nothing stunts the growth of a budding relationship faster than badgering people.
Increase Your Business With Text Message Marketing Interesting Marketing Facts: Almost all US cell phones receive text messaging 95% of text messages are read within 5 seconds (How long does it take to get an email open if at all?)
Nearly 75% of all adults surveyed indicated that they would like text message coupons
Mobile Marketing is set to grow 2,700% in the next 3 years!
Text message marketing can be very effective for many types of businesses. Any business that books appointments can use it to send reminders. Text messaging can save these businesses tens of thousands of dollars compared to making telephone calls or post cards. For example, a retailer can send mobile coupons. A Realtor can send digital flyers. Any business that delivers services can use text messages to send appointment reminders. This list would include Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, Spas, Salons, Consultants, Coaches and Trainers, to name just a few. The best part is MainStreetChamber™ members can do all of this for under $40/month. Chamber Members Receive:
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For more information, simply check the appropriate box on the Application Form.
The First Software Program That Actually Helps Small Biz Owners Make Sales! Ace of Sales provides the tools and training you need to attract, engage, differentiate, thank and WOW customers. And, oh yeah, it helps you make sales! After using Ace of Sales, you will quickly notice that it has many of the same features of systems that cost a lot more money. Personalized Emails – Ace of Sales emails are a great way to build your personal brand and build relationships – includes photo and social media links. You can also schedule automatic followup emails. Ezines – Stay top of mind by sending customers weekly messages with valuable content. Postcards – Send 1 or 1000! Printed and mailed for you in about 24 hours. Greeting Cards – Send personalized greeting cards. Printed and mailed for you in about 24 hours. Perforated Greeting Cards – Send a printed Greeting Card with two tear-off business cards printed inside. Gift Cards – Add a gift card to any Greeting Card order! Custom Designs – Upload your own photos and create customized, unique designs. Special Member Offer Try Ace of Sales for FREE for 30 days -includes a free postcard and greeting card. After you’ve seen how well it helps you close sales, keep using it for just $20/month. To sign up, simply visit www.AceOfSales.com and use promo code Mankato.
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Give Our VIP Card Members A Discount and We Will Advertise and Promote Your Business For FREE! The VIP Membership Program exemplifies the MSC philosophy of giving first while expecting nothing in return. The program allows members to advertise and promote business free of charge. Just go to http://business.mscvip.com, list your business and make a special offer to VIP Membership Card holders.
The VIP Membership Card VIP Membership Card holders save money on everything from prescription drugs and medial benefits to office supplies and restaurants. The discounts are offered by over 100 national retailers and thousands of local businesses who are MSC members! VIP cards are sold to anyone for a low, one-time fee. VIP cards are perfect for non-profits, charities, schools, etc because they can be purchased at wholesale and sell at retail. As more VIP Membership Cards are sold, it will drive more traffic to the VIP Membership website where MSC members are listed, which, in turn, will drive more business to them. MSC members can purchase cards for themselves, family, friends, employees or clients at the special wholesale price of just $25 each or five for just $100. They can purchase cards at MSC events or order them online for $39.99 at the website below. If you have questions, ask one of our Ambassadors or check the box on the application form for more information.
http://mankato.mscvipcard.com/
Services: Full Wedding DĂŠcor Everyday Bouquets and Deliveries Graduations Theme Parties Holiday Parties Call today to set up an appointment YES!
Balloon Art and Decorating Services
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