You’ve made the investment, now get the most out of it
By Rebecca Ozols, Director of Business Engagement, Williamson, Inc.
Every year more than 100 companies join Williamson, Inc., and every year hundreds of new and long-time business representatives attend meetings, ribbon cuttings, professional development seminars, and networking mixers. As the Business Engagement Director, nothing makes me happier than seeing the connections our partners make that add value to their businesses.
However, sometimes our members tell me they don’t feel invested because it is difficult for them or their employees to attend any of our events. Listen, I get it. Things come up, businesses don’t run themselves, and life gets busy, but as the old adage goes, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it”, or in chamber speak, “if no one uses it, your boss won’t renew it.”
Perhaps you’re a long-time member and not aware of our new programming (Young Professionals has had a makeover for 2017). Or perhaps your company joined and you’ve never had the opportunity to attend an event. We see members identify new ways to maximize their membership every day and we want to share them with you. Below are 71 ways to get the most out of your business partnership.
Provide a business referral
Provide a testimonial
Rate or review us on online
Join a committee
Bring a friend/colleague/prospective client to a networking event
Be a table host and provide a gift to those sitting at your table
Host a table for Young Professionals at an event
Sponsor an event
Provide a Hot Deal
Use our business listing when looking for a product or service
Refer a speaker to present at an event
Advertise on our website or newsletter
Promote your event or news (for free) on our website
Attendee a free event
Give your 60-second pitch at Member Connect! Leads Exchange, offered three times monthly
Host a networking event for Young Professionals
Spruce up your business profile
Post a job opening
Invite all your employees to a Williamson, Inc. event or program
Volunteer as an Ambassador
Celebrate new business at our ribbon cutting ceremonies
Become an Affinity Partner to provide member discounts
Become a Corporate Member for exclusive benefits
Take advantage of member discounts
Sign up for Be Able, courtesy of Vanderbilt Affiliated Health Network
Like us on Facebook for up-to-minute updates
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Instagram
Takeover our Instagram account for a day
Follow us on LinkedIn
Join our LinkedIn Group
Subject matter expert? Write as a guest blogger for our Williamson, Inked Blog
Write a sponsored-content post for our Williamson, Inked Blog
Host a Member Connect! Leads Exchange at your facility or restaurant
Are you a nonprofit? Partner with us for a Philanthropy CONNECT
Join the Engagement Committee to connect with other businesses
Become a member of the Women in Business Steering Committee
Attend a Nolensville Business Council luncheon
Join us at Williamson 101 to become familiar with your membership benefits
Meet with a Williamson, Inc. team member to customize your membership
Enjoy a complimentary speaker and breakfast at First Friday
Cater the breakfast for First Friday
Use our conference room meeting space to host a meeting
Invite us to host a lunch-and-learn at your office for your employees
Connect with your local elected officials at Public Affairs Roundtable
Buy a table at a signature event, and treat 10 of your colleagues to a catered meal
Reserve an ad in our annual lifestyle magazine, Livability: Williamson County
Purchase a booth and/or attend the Business & Education Expo
Participate in an Industry Roundtable
Join the Women’s Leadership Council
Celebrate your new business, location, or re-grand opening with a ribbon cutting
Tour facilities with local high school kids on Manufacturing Day
Give a summer internship to a Williamson County Schools student
Host a WCS teacher as part of an externship
Showcase potential careers by participating in Job Shadow Day and Career Exploration Day
For our remote employees, use our kitchen and lounge space to relax. We have free snacks and free WiFi!
Partner with Franklin Special School District or WCS Career and College Services Department to bring your product to teachers and students in the classroom
Stop by and pick up a Williamson County Trends Report – an incredible asset for realtors, news reporters, homeowners and CEOs looking to relocate
Grab a customized Williamson County map available at our front desk
Utilize unique chamber-member-only deals
Get up to 28 percent off on shipping and other products at the Cool Springs UPS store
Subscribe to the Williamson Weekly to stay up to date with business happenings
Understand local business climate and data with our monthly Economic Dashboard
Attend Outlook Williamson to be in the know about the latest developments and growth trends
Take advantage of our media partnerships and be featured in Brentwood Lifestyle, Franklin Lifestyle, YOUR Williamson, and Williamson Living magazines
Use the business directory to select your next lunch spot, wedding vendor, lawyer, CPA, and more
Help reduce traffic congestion with resources at com
Join the MOVEment by registering your mobile-friendly business
Stay informed with local elections through our Election Central
Learn how to start a business
Apply for Leadership Brentwood or Youth Leadership Brentwood to develop strong leadership skills
I challenge you as a business partner to choose five options found on the list above and do each one of them this month. Use me as a resource to help guide you in discovering what makes the most sense for you and your business. You’ve made the investment already, and our Williamson, Inc. community is excited to get to know you!
Rebecca Ozols is the Director of Business Engagement for Williamson, Inc. She is an expert networker with a warm and welcoming attitude who knows a thing or two about connecting you with the right tools, resources, and information to help your business grow and thrive. Reach her at rebecca@williamsonchamber.com.
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