It may not be December 31, but today is the last day of the fiscal year for the Chamber. It has been a good, but challenging year for us. Even with all the distractions of the economy and the many layoff's we have been faced with, we have accomplished a great deal of things - you can read about them here. We finished off the year with 721 members; a far cry from 490 five years ago.
I would like to thank our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Kurt Harden with MedBen, for his leadership and direction this past year, as well as the entire Board. In addition, the staff at the Chamber have worked diligently to support you, our members, and I want to thank them for their dedication to the Chamber.
And finally, I would like to welcome our new Chairman, Kim Lust with State Farm Insurance. We are looking forward to working with Kim and I'm sure she will bring some new ideas to share with us.
So here's a toast to a successful 2009-2010!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
10 Tips On Social Media
I subscribe to updates from a group called Women In Business Networking. The message below was part of their Monday Morning Moments. Yes, I realize it is Friday, but. . .
10 Tips on Social Media Etiquette/Marketing
Since social media is, well, a social medium, it's important that users understand the proper ways to behave online. No, just because you're behind a computer monitor in your mom's basement doesn't mean all social etiquette goes out the window. It's quite the opposite-following proper social media etiquette is a key to being successful online.
1. Give More than You Receive- If you want to receive attention from others online, you have to be willing to give it first. It's the old "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" routine. You can't bust onto a social media site with a sense of entitlement thinking you should be a top user immediately. You have to earn respect from others. How do you do this? By giving more than you receive.
2. Don't be a Keyboard Gangsta- Probably the worst thing about the Internet is the keyboard gangstas. You've surely run across at least one of these in your lifetime. They sit at their keyboard talking trash to everyone they encounter. They say things online that they would never have the nerve to say to a real person's face. Don't try to ruin everyone else's online experience because you don't have any friends in real life.
3. Add Value to the Site- At the end of the day, the thing that will earn you great connections with others is if you add value to the community. This means not submitting content that nobody cares about and not constantly promoting your brand. Before you ever submit anything to a social media site, ask yourself "Does this article really add value to the community?" If not, reconsider submitting it.
4. Build Quality Relationships- People are more willing to help those who they really know. By building quality relationships with other users, you'll always have someone in your corner to back you up. Remember, relationships require the participation of both parties; so, always be a good participant in your social media relationship.
5. Respect the Community- This might be the most important rule of social media etiquette. Show respect to the community. It's not that hard to do. Just make sure you don't step out of line, and always treat everyone the way you want to be treated. These are simple social skills you should already be following in real life; now, you just have to follow them online too.
6. Listen to Others- Your first reaction whenever someone disagrees with you online is probably to tell them how wrong they are. Instead of constantly fighting back, take the time to listen to what they're really saying. Listen to the people commenting on your blog or Tweeting at you. Understand where they're coming from. You don't know everything, and you can learn from others if you take the time to listen.
7. Be Accountable for Your Actions-Because of the anonymity the Internet allows, there is little to no accountability online. People say and do whatever they please without facing any repercussions. Don't be that individual. Instead, try to be honorable by taking responsibility your actions online. By being accountable, people will respect you, whether they agree with you or not.
8. Be Nice- All of these points add up to one thing-just be nice. Is it really too much to ask for people to be kind to one another? Call me old-fashioned if you like, but there's nothing wrong with being nice to others online.
9. Put in the time. If you don't, you will not get what you want from social media. This is the hardest point for many to deal with. They just don't have the time. My advice is to pick two social media sites that resonate with you and use them. You don't need to be everywhere. You can cross-pollinate your friends between the two services easily.
10. Take breaks. You can wear your followers and friends out if you over-use a service. They'll get sick of you, even if you're providing value. It's like the social media version of that person at the party who just won't shut up and you want to wring his neck.
My personal favorite is #1. I have found it to be so true that if you read and comment on other people's posts, and realize that it isn't all about YOU, you will start to build relationships and gain your own audience with time. So take the time to comment on social media post that you liked today. Then make that a habit. You won't regret it.
10 Tips on Social Media Etiquette/Marketing
Since social media is, well, a social medium, it's important that users understand the proper ways to behave online. No, just because you're behind a computer monitor in your mom's basement doesn't mean all social etiquette goes out the window. It's quite the opposite-following proper social media etiquette is a key to being successful online.
1. Give More than You Receive- If you want to receive attention from others online, you have to be willing to give it first. It's the old "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" routine. You can't bust onto a social media site with a sense of entitlement thinking you should be a top user immediately. You have to earn respect from others. How do you do this? By giving more than you receive.
2. Don't be a Keyboard Gangsta- Probably the worst thing about the Internet is the keyboard gangstas. You've surely run across at least one of these in your lifetime. They sit at their keyboard talking trash to everyone they encounter. They say things online that they would never have the nerve to say to a real person's face. Don't try to ruin everyone else's online experience because you don't have any friends in real life.
3. Add Value to the Site- At the end of the day, the thing that will earn you great connections with others is if you add value to the community. This means not submitting content that nobody cares about and not constantly promoting your brand. Before you ever submit anything to a social media site, ask yourself "Does this article really add value to the community?" If not, reconsider submitting it.
4. Build Quality Relationships- People are more willing to help those who they really know. By building quality relationships with other users, you'll always have someone in your corner to back you up. Remember, relationships require the participation of both parties; so, always be a good participant in your social media relationship.
5. Respect the Community- This might be the most important rule of social media etiquette. Show respect to the community. It's not that hard to do. Just make sure you don't step out of line, and always treat everyone the way you want to be treated. These are simple social skills you should already be following in real life; now, you just have to follow them online too.
6. Listen to Others- Your first reaction whenever someone disagrees with you online is probably to tell them how wrong they are. Instead of constantly fighting back, take the time to listen to what they're really saying. Listen to the people commenting on your blog or Tweeting at you. Understand where they're coming from. You don't know everything, and you can learn from others if you take the time to listen.
7. Be Accountable for Your Actions-Because of the anonymity the Internet allows, there is little to no accountability online. People say and do whatever they please without facing any repercussions. Don't be that individual. Instead, try to be honorable by taking responsibility your actions online. By being accountable, people will respect you, whether they agree with you or not.
8. Be Nice- All of these points add up to one thing-just be nice. Is it really too much to ask for people to be kind to one another? Call me old-fashioned if you like, but there's nothing wrong with being nice to others online.
9. Put in the time. If you don't, you will not get what you want from social media. This is the hardest point for many to deal with. They just don't have the time. My advice is to pick two social media sites that resonate with you and use them. You don't need to be everywhere. You can cross-pollinate your friends between the two services easily.
10. Take breaks. You can wear your followers and friends out if you over-use a service. They'll get sick of you, even if you're providing value. It's like the social media version of that person at the party who just won't shut up and you want to wring his neck.
My personal favorite is #1. I have found it to be so true that if you read and comment on other people's posts, and realize that it isn't all about YOU, you will start to build relationships and gain your own audience with time. So take the time to comment on social media post that you liked today. Then make that a habit. You won't regret it.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Screen Machine Industries Recognized for Export Excellence
We would like to congratulate Screen Machine Industries on their recent recognition by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. They were awarded the 2009 Governor's Excellence in Exporting Award (e-Awards).
Since 1986, companies and organizations of all sizes have been recognized for having shown superior performance in exporting or heightened awareness of exporting as a vital component of Ohio's economy.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Lunch & Learn with Kordell Norton
Yesterday was our last of the summer Lunch & Learn series. Our speaker, Kordell Norton, did a great job and gave all who attended some good items to work into their marketing plans.
Check out the pictures from the event on our Facebook page. You won't want to miss seeing the ladies with the chicken hats on!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Traffic Detour
Beginning next Monday, August 31 the exit ramp off of St. Rt. 16 to 4th Street (downtown Newark exit) will be closed. It is planned to re-open October 14, 2009.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, traffic will be detoured to St. Rt. 79 to Main Street.
Keep this in mind if you are traveling to the Chamber or to downtown Newark.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, traffic will be detoured to St. Rt. 79 to Main Street.
Keep this in mind if you are traveling to the Chamber or to downtown Newark.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Lie of the Day
Quote from an Independent Senator from Vermont, Bernie Sanders, said:
"We spend twice as much per capita on health care as any other nation on Earth."
According to the Truth-O-Meter at PolitiFact, he must have forgotten about Canada, Norway, Switzerland. . .
"We spend twice as much per capita on health care as any other nation on Earth."
According to the Truth-O-Meter at PolitiFact, he must have forgotten about Canada, Norway, Switzerland. . .
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Women Entrepreneurs Are Growing
In the August 14 issue of Business First, there was an article regarding the increase in women-owned start-ups - in the range of 32% between 2002 and 2008 nationwide. It goes on to say:
"The center (Center for Women's Business Research) has found that women own at least half of the 10.4 million privately held companies in the U.S., employee more than 12.8 million people, and generate $1.9 trillion in sales."
Read the entire article here.
"The center (Center for Women's Business Research) has found that women own at least half of the 10.4 million privately held companies in the U.S., employee more than 12.8 million people, and generate $1.9 trillion in sales."
Read the entire article here.
Loyalty
Chris Brogan has a great post today on 9 Simple Touchpoints of Loyalty that you can use in the online world we are now living in.
All of us like to feel appreciated and valued, so try using one of the 9 suggested tips and make someone smile.
All of us like to feel appreciated and valued, so try using one of the 9 suggested tips and make someone smile.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Zack Space and Healthcare
Interesting story at wclt.com today regarding Congressman Zack Space and his position on Illegal Immigrants and whether or not they should be provided healthcare benefits under the new proposed plan.
UPDATE: Read and hear Zack's response here.
UPDATE: Read and hear Zack's response here.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
"Roundtable" Vs. Town Hall Meetings
Cultural Offering hit a home run this morning with the story on Senator Sherrod Brown's "Roundtable" meeting.
You MUST watch the videos. Here is just one of them:
Thanks CO.
You MUST watch the videos. Here is just one of them:
Thanks CO.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Friends of the Shelter
Yes, this may seem like self-promotion by asking you to read my article regarding the New Beginnings Domestic Violence Shelter and Center, but I feel strongly about promoting what they do and who they help that I wanted to get it out there to as many people as possible.
So please take time to read this. The Woodlands is a member of the Chamber.
So please take time to read this. The Woodlands is a member of the Chamber.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
A Beautiful View
What a unique view of the Licking County Courthouse. This shot was taken by one of our newest members, Jace Delgado, owner of JRD Photography. He used a Canon 600mm f4L lens from approximately 7 miles away.
A beautiful shot Jace. Nice work.
Update: To view more shots of the Courthouse, check out the Chamber page on Facebook.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
And The Winners Are. . .
Tonight at our 6th Annual Dinner & Awards Celebration the following companies were recognized:
Employee of the Year
Margy Klein, The Energy Cooperative - Winner
Becky Miller, Cherry Valley Lodge - Finalist
Non-Profit of the Year
Heartbeats of Licking County - Winner
The Works - Finalist
Small Business of the Year
Christy's Pizza - Winner
Creative Catering - Finalist
Mid-Size Business of the Year
Gummer Wholesale - Winner
The Dow Chemical Company - Finalist
Large Business of the Year
Bayer MaterialScience - Winner
Autumn Health Care - Finalist
Congratulations to the above individuals and companies. We appreciate your dedication and contributions you have made to the Licking County community.
Update: For a complete story on the winners, go here.
Employee of the Year
Margy Klein, The Energy Cooperative - Winner
Becky Miller, Cherry Valley Lodge - Finalist
Non-Profit of the Year
Heartbeats of Licking County - Winner
The Works - Finalist
Small Business of the Year
Christy's Pizza - Winner
Creative Catering - Finalist
Mid-Size Business of the Year
Gummer Wholesale - Winner
The Dow Chemical Company - Finalist
Large Business of the Year
Bayer MaterialScience - Winner
Autumn Health Care - Finalist
Congratulations to the above individuals and companies. We appreciate your dedication and contributions you have made to the Licking County community.
Update: For a complete story on the winners, go here.
The Handshake
Fellow Chamber member Patrick Guanciale has a wonderful post today about the #1 way to network.
Thanks Patrick. We will miss you tonight at our Annual Dinner.
Thanks Patrick. We will miss you tonight at our Annual Dinner.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Is Anybody Out There?
From our guest blogger Mark Labutis:
Is anybody out there?
August 5, 2009
Over the course of this blog, I have looked at why you should use social media to promote yourself or your business. We know that people from various backgrounds are using it, but who, exactly, is out there?
I found this article today to be quite interesting. I think that, to a degree, the general consensus has been that younger people were using social media. This trend continues to be the case, however, take a close look at the numbers that were run between Q2 of 2008 and 2009 of those demographic groups that are using social networks:
The age group under age 35 was up 20%. Not a big surprise. However, take a look at the next two groups! Users age 35-54 has doubled and those users over age 55 has tripled!
Take this into consideration. Your potential audience through social media is becoming larger and more diverse. There are more connections to make. More strategies that you may have to use to connect with these various groups.
Thanks Mark. Check out his blog here.
Is anybody out there?
August 5, 2009
Over the course of this blog, I have looked at why you should use social media to promote yourself or your business. We know that people from various backgrounds are using it, but who, exactly, is out there?
I found this article today to be quite interesting. I think that, to a degree, the general consensus has been that younger people were using social media. This trend continues to be the case, however, take a close look at the numbers that were run between Q2 of 2008 and 2009 of those demographic groups that are using social networks:
The age group under age 35 was up 20%. Not a big surprise. However, take a look at the next two groups! Users age 35-54 has doubled and those users over age 55 has tripled!
Take this into consideration. Your potential audience through social media is becoming larger and more diverse. There are more connections to make. More strategies that you may have to use to connect with these various groups.
Thanks Mark. Check out his blog here.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Undercover Work
I am working from a different office this week. You know, just checking out the competition.Support For Newark City School Levies
The Education Community Support Group Community Capitalism recently compiled results of a survey the community was asked to participate in through the Newark Advocate. There were a total of 331 Licking County residents who responded to the survey.
The report entitled "Support of the Levies for Newark City Schools" contains the information provided by 134 Newark respondents. Although the number of respondents is not large enough to be considered a valid representation of the voting population in the Newark City School district, it does contain useful information that can be used in planning for future levies.
Here are some interesting facts listed in the report:
The report entitled "Support of the Levies for Newark City Schools" contains the information provided by 134 Newark respondents. Although the number of respondents is not large enough to be considered a valid representation of the voting population in the Newark City School district, it does contain useful information that can be used in planning for future levies.
Here are some interesting facts listed in the report:
- Of the 43 respondents who indicated that they currently have students in the Newark City School system, 81% said they typically vote YES on levies.
- 76% of the respondents who have children in private schools typically vote NO.
Top reasons given for voting NO:
- Money wasted or not spent responsibly
- My child is in private school or home schooled
- School administration is done poorly
- I cannot afford/fixed income
- The quality of schools is poor
Top reasons given for voting YES:
- To assure that kids get high quality education that they deserve
- To improve the community and/or attract citizens and businesses
- Education is important and critical to our kids and our future
- My responsibility as a citizen and a graduate of NCS
- State funding is not adequate
I want to thank the Community Capitalism Education Community Support Group for preparing this informative report. To view the complete report, go here.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
The Too Successful Program
In less than one week the $1 billion Cash for Clunkers program has run out of money, according to POLITICO. It was supposed to last through the end of October. Read the entire story here.
Now if you want to be scared, watch this from Glenn Beck:
Now if you want to be scared, watch this from Glenn Beck:
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