Perception. So much of the way each of our lives are arranged is based upon perception – our perception of the world around us, our perception of ourselves, the perception of the people around us. Perception, though, is not always reality. That’s why you rarely see the ‘real life’ of anyone through the photos on Facebook and Instagram. Take a moment… how often do you see a photo of someone not looking his or her best? Recently, I was in a hotel and took the photo above depicting a beautiful, tranquil view of a stunning sunset. The actual photo is below – see all the bird poop out there? Did I utilize the balcony? No. But I easily could have edited this photo to make it seem like the photo I described above. When my social media contacts saw the photos, they would have seen what I wanted them to see. Their perception of the photo would have created a new reality of the scene. Your business members are no different from my social media contacts. They have perceptions of your Chamber and the value your Chamber provides to their businesses. When you think of your sponsorships, think of the […]
We are always thinking about ways that our clients can make a difference for their members and their communities. We love it when we have ideas that allow chambers to do both at once. Earth Day on April 22 allows chambers so many opportunities to think creatively about ways to bring members and communities together for the betterment of the planet. It’s really a win-win for everyone. One of the easiest ways for chambers to get involved with Earth Day is to sponsor a Shred Day. So many businesses – especially small businesses – only have access to small, personal-type shredders. If your chamber office doesn’t already have or lease a large, industrial shredder, rent one for the day or the week and advertise the event. Have all of your members bring in their shredding and allow them to have it done for free. Take photos and promote your member businesses on your social media platforms with Earth Day hashtags. This is also a good opportunity to work with local ‘big box’ businesses in town. Consider partnering with a shredding company by having them bring their industrial shredder to your location for use during your shred day. Or work with […]
One of my greatest joys in working with YGM clients is the sheer joy and “aha” moments from chamber executives when I’m able to share new, innovative programs and events with them. The brainstorming sessions of sponsorship inventory are some of my most enjoyable moments with Chambers. Some new sponsorship opportunities are discovered in the Chamber’s current program of work. Looking at the same inventory in a different way allows Chambers to increase sponsorships on events they’ve been conducting for years. But, some chambers want more. They desire to know what’s working for other communities and how they can see a similar program or initiative enacted in their community. A couple of years ago, Senior Vice President of ACCE Chris Mead asked me to share national sponsorship trends at the annual conference. One of the trends was that education programs, initiatives, and events was on the rise. The same is true today. As we prepare for Teacher Appreciation Week (May 7-11) next week, I am sharing three innovative programs YGM has found across the nation. We’ll review them in order of the least amount of planning and preparation to the most. Teacher Appreciation Cookies Who doesn’t love a little something […]