The Power of People

December 4, 2011

It’s official. The Holiday season has arrived. Now that we’re past Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, my mailbox is overflowing with offers from retailers. And, for me, there is a definite theme to these offers. They are mostly from companies selling products and services related to technology. Technology has allowed these companies to track my internet search and buying habits which reveal my interest in products related to technology.

As a card-carrying techno geek I own a smartphone, iPod, iPad, HD TV, feature-rich universal remote controls and most of the latest technology. Since I bought most of it online, savvy retailers utilized analytics to profile me as a buyer of all things technical. And they would be right.

However, all of this got me thinking. As critical as technology is to building a successful business, it cannot replace the need for the human element. Technology does not purchase products and services; people do. Although Apple may argue with me, we do not have relationships with technology; our relationships are with people. Our strategic partnerships are with people rather than technology. For centuries, business has succeeded without a lot of technology. Yet, in the history of the world, I cannot recall a single business that has succeeded with out people.

For any business to grow and succeed, it needs people to buy products and services that are produced, sold, distributed and delivered by people. In addition, it needs brand ambassadors, strategic partners and relationship with people. And this is one place where MainStreetChamber™ really excels in helping our members. No one connects business owners more effectively than MainStreetChamber™. Our active members will testify to this at every turn.

It all begins by joining the Chamber. The good news is that there is no cost to join. If you haven’t joined MainStreetChamber™, you can do so by clicking here.

MainStreetChamber™ provides several online platforms where you can connect with other business owners, establish credibility and build relationships. You can also position yourself as an expert in your field and begin building relationships by commenting on (or publishing) articles here on our blog. You can join our LinkedIn group and become involved with our community there. You can like us on Facebook and participate in our Facebook community. You can even follow us on Twitter. Being active online can build your fame and credibility so that people important to your success want to meet you in person.

Of course, MainStreetChamber™ is most known for hosting off line events where business owners meet new contacts, identify prospective customers, strategic partners and suppliers as well as build relationships. Hundreds of small business owners gather regularly to network with one another to determine how each can help the other’s business grow and succeed. You might want to bookmark our Upcoming Events page.  We also email an events update to our members every week. If you are not receiving it, chances are you are not a member. To start receiving our emails, all you need to do is join – it’s free. Why not check out our last large networking event of the year; Tropical Holiday Business Networking Event. This may be the event where you meet the important contacts that will make 2012 much improved over this past year. As with all of our events, it’s free.

If your target market includes small businesses, you may want to showcase your products/services with an exhibit table at the event. This event is especially great if you are looking to build your pipeline for 2012 because hundreds of small business owners have already registered for their free ticket!

MainStreetChamber™ also provides continuing business education through webinars, workshops and seminars. In addition, we also promote important workshops and seminars hosted by other great organizations like SCORE Association.

In summary, as important as technology is, you cannot succeed without people. And, there is no better place to leverage the power of people than through MainStreetChamber™. I hope to meet you at one of our events real soon.

Filed under: Chamber Activity,Event Marketing,Marketing,Networking,Social Media

Tags: Event Marketing, MainStreetChamber Minnesota, People Power, People vs. Technology, Small Business Networking, social media marketing