Regardless of the business you own or your role in that business, you are all in sales.
Your business depends on gaining more clients and keeping the ones that you already have. The formula for a growing and successful business has never changed; it is all a matter of “Get, Keep, Grow.” Whether you have a sales force, business development professionals, or are a “one man band”, you have a responsibility to take an active role in your business’s sales and marketing and it really does not matter exactly what your business does.
If your mission in 2013 is to dramatically grow your business, I encourage you to increase your networking events and learn more effective networking skills. Most people come to networking events hoping to find more clients by sharing their story (that of their business, product, or service) with as many people as possible at that event. Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it?
Let’s start out with “Networking Rule #1”:
You are not attending the event to tell your story. You are attending to meet people; yes and to ask what they do and suggest some way that you and your business could be of assistance to them. Once you make that connection, you will find that they will reciprocate. That is, they will ask you what you do and ask you how they could be of assistance to you.
This month, we shine the spotlight on another of our favorite organizations that provide excellent opportunities to network and expand your business. SMALL BUSINESS TODAY is very proud to be a member of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce and to be a finalist for one of their “Star Awards” that will be announced later this month. It is amazing how many of our past and future cover honorees, our photographer, several of our columnists, and board members are members of the HWCOC.
Houston West Chamber of Commerce (HWCOC) has been serving West Houston businesses for more than 30 years, with Jeannie Bollinger, CEO and President overseeing it for the last 10 years. When Jeannie came on board, The Chamber’s funds were in the red. Within two years, Jeannie had completely rebuilt The Chamber, increased its revenue stream, paid off all debts, and doubled membership. Within the last decade, HWCOC has seen extensive growth, business success, new digs, new events, new committees, and has a fierce desire to serve its members with every action resonating its mission statement: “In Business. For BusinessTM.”
The Chamber’s main objective is to create a climate of growth and success in its business community. They currently boast 650 paid, active members and 12 different committees – making it one of the most active Chambers in Houston. “All of our committees are quite active, meet once a month, and run themselves. They all decide what events to host and how best to further the interests of the businesses we serve. It’s their Chamber,” explained Jeannie. We at SMALL BUSINESS TODAY Magazine encourage you to make it your Chamber, too!
Special thanks to Diana Tatum, owner of TX Longhorn for Hire and Gateway, the “class clown” of the three longhorns Diana has available for parties and events. Gateway, named after the Gateway Computer box because of his splashy color, is seven years old, 1,900lbs., and has big, soft expressive eyes. He really loves being photographed, too! Diana is based in Hempstead, TX and was kind enough to help us with our unique cover and locale. Diana can arrange a unique, memorable event for you too and can be reached at (832) 492-2014 or (979) 826-9185. You can also find out more about Diana and her company at www.TxLonghornForHire.com. We promise you that she won’t “steer” you wrong!
I hope that you enjoy Lisa’s story as much as Barbara, Eric, Vanessa, and I enjoyed bringing it to you!
Success to You!
Steve Levine
Executive Publisher
