www.sdchamber.org

Membership Update

By Doug Holman, Vice President of Membership

December is always an interesting month. Productivity for many businesses typically falls off because of the holidays, especially in the last two weeks of the year. Don’t let lethargic prospects slow you down. Make the most of the remaining days in 2008 with a plan that sets aside time for various projects. That way, your business can hit the ground running in 2009.

Marketing Messages – does the New Year mean that your products or services change? Are marketing materials and your website up-to-date for 2009? Will there be any special offers in January or the first quarter?

Identifying Future Prospects – have you determined your sales strategy for 2009? Where do your customers hide? How can you get their attention? Is it appropriate or cost effective to take action in December or will January work best?

Strategic Partners – have you kept in touch with your key alliances? Could you be planning in conjunction with them to save time and money? Are they part of your marketing plan and marketing messages? If yes, are you certain that their information is accurate for 2009?

Hiring – are you bringing on new employees for 2009? Are training materials up to speed? Are workstations prepared? Are job descriptions completed? Have you started to advertise?

Natural lulls such as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve create great opportunities to concentrate on projects. Plan in advance so that lulls become extremely productive days on the calendar. Your business may have other lulls that can be capitalized upon so take a moment to identify all such opportunities.

Remember that the Chamber is open for business and here to assist you. We have a full slate of events in December to help you make key contacts for 2009. I highly recommend that you place Chamber activities on your calendar –visit www.sdchamber.org and click “Chamber Datebook" for dates, times and locations.

I look forward to seeing you and wish you the very best this holiday season.