In many ways, this Chamber is just like many of its members: a small business with entrepreneurial leanings. We have been encouraging all of you to maximize the Internet and promote your business online. So are we walking the walk that we've been talking, talking, talking about since eBiz was conceived? You be the judge.
YouTube
This week it was the Chamber’s début on YouTube, with The Buzz About eBiz, produced by Geoff Birmingham of Reflection Films.
Two weeks ago it was event website building by Walden WebWorks to make eBiz stand out online. A visit to the site puts the buzz and all of the details at your fingertips. Did you know that at eBiz, you can hear Jim Spencer of JBS Partners help you figure out whether you should blow the fuse or thank the muse when it comes to your own website.
While the Chamber did not have a budget for a Google Ad Words campaign, it did have a small Google ad words credit it received when it moved the Chamber’s websites to WaldenWeb Hosting. At Patricia Carney’s suggestion the Chamber is using the credit to promote eBiz.
Social networking
The Chamber has added the Internet to its social networking arsenal. Did you know Angela Rutzick of A-Type Marketing + Design is going to help you figure out whether dipping your toes into the social networking pool is right for you? Speaking of dipping, the Chamber already has been.
LinkedIn
Now Chamber members and eBiz attendees can connect with each other. Sponsor Clearly Creative’s Dave Gowel has been on a roll, providing free 15-minute LinkedIn tutorials to registered attendees. If you have not scheduled yours yet, let Dave know. The Chamber has two LinkedIn groups: one for Arlington Chamber members and the other for eBiz attendees for continued networking long after the event is over. Did you know that Barbara Clarke of The Children’s Room—our other LinkedIn pro—will be leading the LinkedIn table session. Early bird registrants, have you sent me your table session choices? Don't forget to let me know!
Synchronicity in motion—As I typed Dave’s name, he called. The Chamber is investing a whopping $25 in LinkedIn ads as a result. For that $25, Dave has created a LinkedIn ad with two criteria: organization size (in our case, to self-employed to 1-10 employee) and location (for us, the Greater Boston area). The ad will run over a period of 8 days for a total of 1, 563 impressions, or views, by members of our target market who log in to LinkedIn.
Search engine optimization
Six weeks ago it was search engine optimization (SEO) taking us from ranking at lower than # 70 to the #'s 1 and 2 spots for our key words. Nick Stamoulis of Brick Marketing showed the Chamber how to maximize its website to move up in the rankings. Did you know he will be presenting The ABCs of SEO at eBiz? You’ll have access to the same savvy the Chamber has already benefited from.
Facebook
Two months ago it was Facebook where we have since been posting our photo albums from events, like this Saturday's Town Day. I must admit the Chamber has only taken advantage of its photo album capabilities so far. However, I cannot tell you how much time it has saved me since I started uploading photos there instead of here. And for the first time, photos are being posted within days of being taken!
Enewsletters
It’s been more than four years since the Chamber started sending out text-formatted electronic newsletters. My bible then was the first book written by one of our keynote speakers, Michael Katz. of Blue Penguin Development I would tell you that the book is dog-eared, except you'll have to rely on my memory. I loaned it to a Chamber member who has since moved out of state taking the book along for good measure.
Now the Chamber’s email newsletters are a snap to send out in living color and all at once instead of in batches of 35 at a time. Did you know that sponsor Constant Contact’s Zak Barron will be at eBiz and leading a table session on how you can foster the same kind of strong relationships with your clients as I do with members?
So what do you think, is the Chamber wired yet?
Nuts and bolts and books too
Good business strategies happen on and off the world wide web highway. Did you know that one of our keynote speakers, Beth Goldstein of Marketing Edge Consulting Group is expert at both and she will share her strategies with you?
Did you know that our other sponsors Brookline Bank, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Watertown Savings Bank, Comcast Business Class, The Computer Cafe and Mirak.com will be sharing their on and off the world wide web expertise with you on October 3 too?
The Internet is a powerful tool. So are books, the kind you hold in your hands and turn pages to continue. The Book Rack will be at eBiz showcasing the eBiz library, books written and/or recommended by our speakers. You'll be able to purchase them at a bigger discount than you'd get at those big box bookstores.
This event is brought to you by the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Together with the Town of Arlington and everyone involved as a speaker or a sponsor, we all share one overriding goal: to help you grow your business. Isn't it time you register?
