Welcome to the MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter OďŹƒce: (507) 720-0551 Fax: (866) 606-2926
Shannon Ballman, President Shannon@MainStreetChamber.org
Stanley Legg III, Vice President slegg.briteidea@gmail.com
NEXT EVENT:
The Loose Moose July 18, 2011 5:30 p.m. Before the Event: Join us for an informative seminar given by Constant Contact from 4:00-5:00 p.m.
Mankato Chapter Business Mixer
The WOW! Zone HOSTED BY:
Thursday, June 16, 2011 5:30 p.m.
S A V E M O N E Y, M A K E M O N E Y & G E T I N V O L V E D . This booklet was printed courtesy of Carlson Craft.
Evening Program 5:30 6:00
6:10 6:15
8:00
REGISTRATION NETWORK FOOD MainStreetChamber OVERVIEW MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT DOOR PRIZES ANNOUNCED VISIT SPONSORS NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK WRAP UP
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.
Pam DeMarce The WOW! Zone (507) 625-2695 pam@wowzonefec.com
Rebecca Rabenhorst Balloon Art and Decorating (507) 387-3326 balloonartanddeco@yahoo.com Catherine Seven SEO What.com (877) 736-4386 hello@SEOWhat.com
Dave McCandless Honor Bound Photography (507) 317-9926 dave@honorboundphoto.com
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Rande Baker Carlson Craft (507) 386-2407 rmbaker@carlsoncraft.com
Dawn Schaefer Creative Ad Solutions (507) 344-8464 dawn@casiteam.com
Don Peterson Ultra Tan (507) 625-8048 Belle Mar Mall
MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors graciously donate their time and talent to help create networking events and other benefits for our members.
Tim Guetschow Fountain Street Design (507) 351-6665 tim@fountainstreetdesign.com
Dave McCandless Honor Bound Photography (507) 317-9226 dave@honorboundphoto.com
David Mallette Butler House Bed and Breakfast (507) 387-5055 dvdmallette@gmail.com
Sara Sinnard Fusion Life and Leadership (507) 278-3553 sara@fusiononesource.com
Kari Hennager Fingerprint Advertising & Design (507) 327-4355 kari@designedbyfingerprint.com
Matt Meixner Citizens Community Federal (507) 386-0200 mmeixner@ccf.us
Door Prizes
• 2 G&K Rental Gift Certificates for $40
• Sara Sinnard – 2 Life & Leadership Sessions $160 Value
• Dar Vosburg – 4 Premium Moon Dogs Tickets - $40 Value
• Ultra Tan – 3 Ultra Tans and Lotion - $60 Value
• Honor Bound Photography – Portrait Session - $60 Value
• Fountain Street Design – Business card design & 500 printed – $200 value • SEOWhat.com – 3 months of social media advertising with a current website or facebook page - $350 Value
• 4 VIP Membership Cards
MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
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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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MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
A national membership organization dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of small business.
Your Free Chamber Membership Includes...
• • • • • •
FREE Lifetime Membership FREE Membership Certificate FREE Member Logo for your website FREE Admission to networking events FREE Promotion of your business FREE Advertising on chapter website
No Requirement To Spend A Single Penny! Join MainStreetChamber™ www.Mankato.MainStreetChamber.net Subscribe To Our Blog http://MainStreetChamber-MN.org
Join Our LinkedIn Group http://linkedin.com/groups?gid=3360374 Like Our Facebook Page http://facebook.com/mscmn
Follow Us On Twitter http://twitter.com/msc_mn http://twitter.com/MSC_Mankato
MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
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Rules for a Killer Elevator Chat
Most people have heard the term “elevator chat”. If you haven’t, it is the kind of brief conversation you might have with a stranger in the time it takes an elevator to travel from one floor to another–about 30 seconds. The main challenge is determining what to say when you know little or nothing about the other person. The formula John Carlton uses is simple, yet powerful.
“I help small business owners and entrepreneurs create their first killer conversations that bring in the big bucks even if they flunked English.” For more information on John Carlton, go to: www.SimpleWritingSystem.com/blog/ elevator-chat-lesson/
To use Carlton’s formula: • Describe the group of people you help. • Describe how you do it better, faster, cheaper. • Describe the benefits of your help. • Describe the worst case scenario you help this group avoid. Example: “We help (this group of people) do (this benefit) (better, faster, cheaper) so that they (don’t have to experience this worse case scenario).”
Now that you have a killer elevator chat, here’s how to put it into action. Since you probably know little or nothing about the strangers at networking events, why not start by getting them to talk about their favorite subject–themselves. Asking, “What do you do?” virtually guarantees that you will get you off on the right foot!
Listening to the other person is bound to give you some clues as to what you might have in common personally or professionally. In most cases, this will prompt the other person to ask you what you do which is an invitation for you to share your elevator chat.
Depending on how much you have in common, an elevator chat can lead quite naturally into a meaningful conversation. If it doesn’t and you would like it to, ask how you might help them with whatever business challenges they are facing. In most cases, this will prompt the other person to ask how they can help you with whatever business challenges you are facing.
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MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form. DiscountsYourWay.com
Online Marketing Services
SEOwhat.com is your ticket into the dynamic world of internet marketing, Online Marketing and Website Development.
We integrate SEO (search engine marketing), SMO (social media optimization), website design, and marketing communications into one explosive force designed to deliver our clients greater web site sales, conversions, and ROI. Communication, branding, and positioning are the cornerstones to any successful business. Few organizations are able to effectively execute such a strategy in the continuously evolving online marketplace. At SEOwhat.com, we employ such strategies as SEO and SEM services, content enhancement, consultation and development to create powerful websites that win over potential customers as well as receive high rankings from search engines.
Member Offer:
Members of MainStreetChamber receive either:
FREE website review: we will let you know where you rank today, how to improve conversion / traffic / user experience / and even the aesthetics. OR
Two Months of FREE website hosting with CK innovations: transfer your domain/email/website over to us and we’ll give you two FREE Months of hosting.
The VIP Membership Card VIP Membership Benefits
VIP Membership Card holders save money on everything from prescription drugs and medcial 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, onetime fee.
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ADV A N D P RE R T I S E YOUR B OMOTE U F O R F RS I N E S S EE
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.
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.MSCVIPcard.com, list your business and make a special offer to VIP Membership Card holders.
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 this website http://Mankato.mscvipcard.com/
If you have questions, check the box on the application form for more information or ask one of our Ambassadors. MainStreetChamber VIP Membership Program
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form. SEOWhat.com Online Marketing Services
http://Business.mscvipcard.com/ MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
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Increase Your Business With Text Message Marketing
Your Brand and Beyond
Essential Factors for Successful Design by Fingerprint Advertising & Design, LLC
Creativity. Each day, people see a lot of advertisments. Business is everywhere and so is design. How is your business unique? How will your approach catch the consumer’s attention? Simply put–a creative design will attract and increase sales.
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Attention to Detail. Fonts, color, size, arrangement of space including balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, proportion, unity and white space are all important to create an aesthetically pleasing layout or logo. Careful attention should also be given to the choices you make when printing your design. A knowledgeable designer will know how to choose a printer, paper and also care for your project during the printing process. A bad reputation is easy to receive if your business looks sloppy.
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Skill. It may seem like a simple process, but visual communication is a complex field. Knowledge in how colors, shapes and fonts are organized on a page is essential to catch the attention of your customers. A skilled graphic designer will know how to utilize their creativity and resources to take an idea from concept to completion ensuring the end result is of high quality and most importantly–effective.
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: • Free Starter Account (up to 100 messages/month) • Special 20% Discounted Pricing • Free Consultation • Full Turnkey Solution • Free System Upgrades
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Your Success. When creativity, attention to detail and skill are combined to create an eye-catching and effective design, your knock-out message gets to your customers and your business will continue to succeed. And, that’s what it’s all about.
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MainStreetChamber Mankato Chapter Business Mixer Thursday, June 16, 2011
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form. FREE Text Message Marketing Account (Quittle)
The First Software Program That Actually Helps Small Biz Owners Make Sales!
EENY MEENY MINY? NO.
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 follow-up 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–offer 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.
See demo at www.aceofsales.com/demo/
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form. Learn How I can Try It Free for 30 Days
When presenting your business, be choosy. What your customers see leaves an impression about your business. From your brand and business cards to your newsletter and website, to every advertisement that hits the local publications. Everything designed by Fingerprint is designed to position yourself above your competition. Call us for your next project.
MainStreetChamber Members: Get 20% off A Standard Brand/Identity Package OR Business Identification System when you mention this ad.
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form. Fingerprint Advertising & Design
What’s Stopping You?
FIND YOUR POWER Transformational Equine-Assisted Learning Corporate Training
Services: Full Wedding DĂŠcor Everyday Bouquets and Deliveries Graduations Theme Parties Holiday Parties
Call today to set up an appointment
Balloon Art and Decorating Services
-Self-Mastery -Life Balance -Parenting -Leadership -Relationships -Life/Career Transitions
Life and Leadership, LLC
www.FusionOneSource.com Unique Experiential Learning Through the Power of the Horse
507-278-3553
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form.
Private Coaching
-Leadership -Team Building -Creativity -Motivation -Stress Reduction -Change Management
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319-329-7182
If you would like more info, check the appropriate box on the Chamber Application Form. Balloon Art and Decorating Services