Know-How Exchange : Advertising/PR

I'm not a big fan of chamber membership. Doubtless someone will disagree with me but I am yet to have someone tell me they've specifically grown because of their membership. The big co's you want to meet are members, not attenders. Why? They don't want to get hammered by people like you at every meeting.

Better off doing an e-mail campaign. Look for articles in local mags/newspapers that highlight what companies like yours do. Send links to prospects. Share tips...for free. Volunteer at some high profile charities. There's lots of low cost ways to gain business.

Michael

Why should a prospective client attend your virtual ribbon cutting? What will be the benefit to them? It's not newsworthy to say that you're starting a new business. Instead, do something newsworthy to get some free PR: Go to Senior homes and teach a class. Volunteer at your local women's shelter (do their newsletter for free, in exchange for having a small ad/mention of your business), etc.

Because you're a virtual assistant, your clientele are presumably from anywhere in the world, not your local town. Also, you want to target clients that can both pay for your services and not overwhelm you. If you don't have a long client list already, a large company many be wary to hire you - so work on getting clients any way you can to build up your resume.

Chamber membership is what you make of it. Its like a gym membership- just being a member won't get you to your goals. You have to attend the biz after hours, the lead groups, take advantage of speaking opportunities and I strongly suggest joining a committe-- chairing it possible. You can stand up and "claim" you are a credible make it happen gal-- but when you attend the monthly meetings and give your reports-- you've just walked your talk.

I know many who have grown their businesses (myself included) by making chamber membership one of their marketing tools. There are strong chambers and weak ones, make sure yours will fill your needs before you write the cheque. I currently do not belong to a chamber--but I belong to another similar org that is where my clients are-- my focus now is tighter but larger geography wize. It is simply not true that big companies don't attend chamber functions. They send those who want to network just like you. They are on committees. And do not step into the limiting core belief that you are hammering anyone. You have provide a valuable service to your community.

All aside, if you want a ribbon cutting a chamber can make it happen. They do it all the time, and will invite press. They will celebrate you as a new member and as a new business. However, you should realize its a one time event. 200 members will probably not attend. But the chamber will at least get your name in their emails. A chamber membership or even like this should be part of, but not all of your marketing program.

One way to get people to attend a virtual ribbon cutting ceremony might be to offer "door prizes". By offering various small packages of your services to folks who show up at the virtual open house, you could reinforce your specific offerings, add to your real-world experience, and maybe pick up a client or two. good luck.