Shari Pash joins us for a fun conversation in this episode about testimonial strategies. In the very digital age that we live in today, we all rely on reviews to help us decide what products to purchase, services to hire, or even what to watch on Netflix. Testimonials and reviews are critical to the success of a business and for a Chamber. In our discussion, Shari helps us to learn why testimonials are so important, how to gather them, how to share these testimonials as a win-win strategy, as well as ideas on how to re-purpose these testimonials to further our reach.
You can feel the excitement and enthusiasm that pours out from Shari as the ideas keep rolling. As she explains, there are some “ninja” ways to gather testimonials that can also help to put your members in the spotlight.
After recording this episode with Shari, I implemented some of her techniques to spotlight a few great testimonials. The examples below were compiled by re-purposing one testimonial from a review of Chamber Chat Podcast on Apple Podcast (feel free to leave a review of your own), extracting a great remark from an upcoming episode that I recorded and applied Shari’s strategy to it, and finally, Shari was also kind enough to share a testimonial as well that is included below. These and others will continue to be repurposed through social media as well as other outlets.
If you would like to connect with Shari about anything that she discussed in this episode, you can see her contact information below.
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Gabrielle shares her insights about how our economy has largely shifted to becoming a purpose economy. She says “Chambers will be well served to understand how to discover and communicate their purpose, how to help their members discover and communicate their purpose, and why your purpose doesn’t change, but who you serve does”.
Gabrielle has a sharp focus on the Next-Gen and Millennial workforce. She shares why the next generation will be interested in modern chambers, why they care about finding their purpose inside of their work, and how chambers can utilize some of the practical skills that are shared in their new book (The Purpose Factor) to reach the next generation
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 13th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Mike Neal and Justin McLaughlin from the Tulsa Regional Chamber in Oklahoma. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Tulsa Regional Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber. The Tulsa Regional Chamber was the ACCE Chamber of the Year Winner in 2005, 2008, 2010, and a Finalist in 2018.
Mike and Justin worked as a tag team to cover the highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first program they addressed was their Tribal Partnerships. In 2006 they started a 20 county regional economic development initiative that involved the 3 tribal nations in their region (Cherokee, Osage, and Muskogee nations). This initiative has resulted in 70,000 new jobs including a Macy’s distribution center. This program is also putting Tulsa on the map as they were being considered as a potential new site for a Tesla manufacturing facility.
The second program that they highlighted is their Mosaic Program to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in their community. This came as a result from old Chamber minutes being donated from the time of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Right now, this is a sensitive subject around the country, but Tulsa is doing their best to mend the wounds of the past and to create a brighter future for everyone in the Tulsa region. If you are not familiar with the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, you can learn more on the American History Tellers Podcast.
When they talked about what makes the Tulsa Regional Chamber stand out, Mike said that they have processes in place for excellence. He mentioned that they really stand out by being the only Chamber with 4 accreditations. They have a 5 Star US Chamber accreditation, they are an accredited Economic Development Organization through IEDC, they are an accredited Destination Marketing Organization though Destinations International, and they have the only accredited City Film Commission by the Association of Film Commissioners International in the state of Oklahoma. In addition to these accreditations, they have a focus on becoming a collaboration machine.
The Tulsa Regional Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by empowering businesses, advocating for relief, visibly lead, convene & connect, and they will work to secure funding. They acknowledge that things will be different for a while, but they will continue to lead.
As Mike and Justin shared advice for the Chamber Champions listening, Mike encourages everyone to engage with ACCE, your state/regional associations and to continue to invest in yourself and your organization through books, classes, and trainings. Justin added to this by mentioning the value of utilizing outside consultants for retreats and to focus on your strategy and your business.
If you would like to connect with Mike or Justin, they can be reached below:
Mike Neal:
Email: mikeneal@tulsachamber.com
Mobile: 918-409-1732
Justin McLaughlin:
Email: justinmclaughlin@tulsachamber.com
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 12th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Beth Bowman from the Irving Las-Colinas Chamber of Commerce in Texas. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Irving Las-Colinas Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber. The Irving Las-Colinas Chamber was also a 2019 Chamber of the Year Finalist and you can hear Beth’s interview last year in episode 35.
Beth covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first program she addressed is their Small Business Blitz that focuses on member retention. The goal is to visit 1,000 businesses in 1 day with 55 member investors. As they visit these members, the are thanking them, they are getting feedback on what the members needs are, and they work to find solutions to challenges. The other program that Beth highlighted is their Share Tank Initiative. This is a 4-day educational seminar for non-profits where they are given the opportunity to “pitch” their organization to receive private funding from the corporate businesses who participate.
When Beth talked about what makes the Irving Las-Colinas Chamber stand out, she talked about the Chambers commitment to obtaining professional certifications, benchmarking & competitive collaboration, and advocacy for favorable public policies.
View of Las-Colinas that Beth mentioned in the interview.
The Irving Las-Colinas Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by being a trusted advisor. They are also working with local banks for PPP funds for businesses. They are posting restaurant updates, and educational webinars. They are helping to provide and distribute PPE gear for area hospitals, nursing homes, and small businesses. They will continue to survey the needs of their members through the recovery.
As Beth shared her piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, she invites Chambers to be more than a membership organization and to be catalytic leaders.
If you would like to connect with Beth, she can be reached below:
Email: bbowman@irvingchamber.com
Phone: 214-217-8484
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 11th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Eric Godet Sr. from the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce in Florida. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Greater Gainesville Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber.
Eric covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first program he addressed is called Transforming Greater Gainesville. The Chamber looks to the greater community to make Gainesville greater. They have over 55,000 people each day that commute into the city to work. They are focusing on creating key jobs in their 5 targeted sectors (logistics, materials, agricultural/life sciences, humanities, and IT/software). They set out with a goal to create 3,500 new jobs and exceeded that number while seeing an increase of over 5,000 new jobs. The second program is Putting Children First Infrastructure Investment Initiative (i3) focusing on the utilities in the community and the i3-Infrastructure, Investment, and Initiative.
When Eric talked about what makes the Greater Gainesville Chamber stand out, he talked about synergy and the ability their Chamber has for collaborative impact.
The Greater Gainesville Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by staying safe, helping to define essential businesses, assist to obain government funding, sharing of information on phases for recovery, and they will share best practices as businesses get back to business.
As Eric shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he encourages others to really listen to their community. Listening shows you really care. Then always follow up.
If you would like to connect with Eric, he can be reached below:
Email: egodet@gainesvillechamber.com
Phone: 352-334-7100
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 10th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Michael Jacobson from the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce in Texas. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Greater Arlington Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber.
Michael covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first is their Partners in Education program that is a 3-tiered approach with business partnerships to reach out to the 62,000 students in their school district (74% of which are at risk). The 3 tiers include businesses 1) going to a school to interact with the students, 2) career exploration & mentoring students, and 3) internships/practicums. The second program that Michael covered has an entrepreneurial focus called “What’s Your Big Idea?”. This program encourages students to submit entries for their big idea. When this program was implemented in 2010, there were 272 entries. In 2020, there were 5,000 entries. The winners of this program are selected to attend a summer camp.
When Michael talked about what makes the Greater Arlington Chamber stand out, he said that their members are their primary focus. Revenue comes second to their members. They follow their Chamber’s mission without distractions.
The Greater Arlington Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by becoming more virtual. They will be a role model of how to reopen. They have created a business recovery task force and they will continue to share information as it becomes available.
As Michael shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he suggested that Chambers should focus on impact and to not let revenue drive where you go.
If you would like to connect with Michael, he can be reached below:
Email: mjacobson@arlingtontx.com
Phone: 817-543-4280
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 9th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Kevin Sheilley from the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership in Florida. 2020 marks the 3rd time in 4 years that the CEP has been selected as an ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Ocala/Marion County CEP stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber. You can also listen to last year’s interview with Kevin in episode 29.
Kevin covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first program that he spoke about is called NEXTworks. This program works with the school systems, starting in 7th grade to help students find their “E” which could be enroll, enlist, or employment. The second program that Kevin highlighted was centered around how they communicate in their community. They have what is called Weekly Buzz, a 5-minute weekly video that has increased their Facebook engagement 800%. They also produce a quarterly magazine.
When Kevin talked about what makes the CEP stand out, he talked about their relationship with their members. In fact, they do not have members, they have investors which makes their organization focus on how to provide value and a return to their investors.
The Ocala/Marion County CEP plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by creating a campaign called Get-Gather-Go. This campaign is meant to assist businesses to receive paycheck protection funds. Businesses are encouraged to get informed, gather information, and to go apply for the PPP.
As Kevin shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he proclaimed “Why not your Chamber?”. Stop waiting for permission!
If you would like to connect with Kevin, he can be reached below:
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 8th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with John Urbahns from Greater Fort Wayne Inc. in Indiana. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes Greater Fort Wayne Inc. stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber.
John covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis that both center around inclusion. The first program that he spoke about was the GFW Inc. Bridge Program that pairs entrepreneurs in their community with established businesses to speed up the success for the entrepreneurs. The second program he discusses is called Employing People with Disabilities which so far has encouraged 32 businesses to hire 51 people with disabilities in their community.
When John talked about what makes Greater Fort Wayne Inc. stand out, he said that they are not just a chamber, but they are also an EDC and Employment Development organization with a goal to build a nationally recognized economy. As mentioned before they focus on inclusion including race issues.
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by pivoting to more of a virtual environment. They have called all 1,400 members to assess their needs to know how to lead as they move forward.
As John shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he encouraged others to take the lead to set the vision for your community. Be present for the uncomfortable conversations and be a part of the solution.
If you would like to connect with John, he can be reached below:
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
Our 7th interview in our 2020 ACCE Chamber of the Year Finalist Series is with Jim Parsons from the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota. In the interview the main areas that we covered were the highlights of their synopsis that were submitted with their Chamber of the Year application, what makes the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber stand out, their plans on how to lead through the recovery from COVID-19, and words of advice for other Chamber Champions to improve their own Chamber.
Jim covered two highlights from their Chamber of the Year synopsis. The first program he addressed is their Fueling Our Future economic development program which focuses on people, prosperity, and place. This economic development program covers closing the skills gap in the workforce, collaboration with the 5 area higher education facilities, flood protection, and shovel ready programs. The second program that Jim covered was Women Connect which is a group to support women in business. Women Connect has smaller groups within it call “PUSH” which stands for Preserve Dreams, Unite Women, Shatter Barriers, and Have Heart. They have an annual event for Women Connect that normally draws around 900 attendees, last year it attracted over 4,000 women with their guest speaker, Rachel Hollis. There is also a charity element in Women Connect that supports local non-profit organizations.
When Jim talked about what makes the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber stand out, he talked about their ability to recognize the needs and politics in both Minnesota and North Dakota since their Chamber straddles the boarders of these states.
The Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber plans to lead through the recovery from the economic impact of COVID-19 by convening with over 20 other organizations to establish a COVID task force. They will continue to assess the financial impact, build consumer confidence, and educate their business community about available resources.
As Jim shared his piece of advice for the Chamber Champions listening, he encouraged others to develop excellent communications, to think outside the box, and to take risks.
If you would like to connect with Jim, he can be reached below:
FREE resources to help you better serve your Chamber members and your community.
Have you considered the many benefits of hosting a podcast for your Chamber? The options, leverage, and possibilities that a podcast offers are virtually endless. Download my FREE Chamber Podcasting Guide to learn how to start your own Chamber podcast!
Swypit can help you increase your non-dues revenue while also helping your members become more profitable by lowering their credit card processing fees. Click here to learn more about Swypit’s credit card affinity program.
As you focus on your Chamber’s mission and purpose, you will find that your publications say a lot about your organization. Community Matters, Inc. is an award-winning Chamber publisher that would like to help your Chamber with your next Chamber Directory, Guide, or Map. Community Matters has a turn-key program that is very simple. In the end, your Chamber has a great looking printed & digital publication that will represent your Chamber very well while providing a smooth source of non-dues revenue. Click here to learn more.
