Do You Want a Raise? - Laurie Kahn

Laurie Kahn of  Media Staffing Network emailed to ask one question (and give the answer).

"Do you want a raise?"

Coming off a down economy when employers are slow to offer raises, it is the little things that count if you want to be rewarded. In 2013, the average worker can expect a raise of 3%. For those of you not on 100% commission, here are some tips to help you shine to win that bump in pay!

• Always come in early and prepared for work
• Keep your negative comments to yourself, project a positive attitude
• Come up with creative ideas to bring in business 
• Set your own goals and milestones
• Ask your boss how you are doing and what else you can do, ask for constructive criticism which shows you want to improve
• Volunteer for special projects - go over and above the call of duty
• Hit your goals 

Contact Laurie for your media staffing needs at: 480-306-8930, or laurie@mediastaffingnetwork.com. Ask to be put on her email list for excellent job related information.

The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry Multi-Media Publication Program is now Online and Mobile

(Joliet, IL) - The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is excited to announce the launch of its new publication website at http://www.villageprofile.com/illinois/joliet/. This interactive site features the editorial, pictures and design elements of the Chamber's recently published, full-color community profile and membership directory. Included on the publication website is a link to a free downloadable eBook - an exact replica of the print publication in digital form, complete
with links to member and advertiser websites. In addition, users will find links to the Chamber website, the publication's advertiser directory and the Chamber's searchable membership directory, available at www.vpmobile.us, where users search member businesses by name or category, access contact information and easily connect directly to business websites.
The eBook is downloadable to computer desktops and on-the-go via most wireless, web-enabled devices - generating added Chamber, business and community
exposure to a worldwide audience, anytime, anywhere.
In addition, the Chamber's Village Profile iPhone and Android App by our exclusive app developer, MC Solutions, is active. The app provides the Chamber, its members and advertisers access to their community in one touch, anytime, anywhere, from their handheld Smartphone devices. Downloadable from the iTunes store and Android marketplace, the Village Profile App is comparable to navigating through www.villageprofile.com , with features including the community publication cover graphic; links to editorial chapters; access to the advertiser directory complete with reciprocal links; one-click, GPS-driven directions to all Chamber advertisers' business locations; including direct dial and direct email capabilities.
This leading-edge, technologically advanced, royalty-generating publishing program is produced at NO COST to the Chamber and is made possible through a partnership between the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Village Profile - an innovative Chamber publisher.
For publication information, please call 800-600-0134 x239, e-mail jdussman.vp@villageprofilemail.com.  

#LoveMyChamber --- Weekly Reasons Why I Get A Great Return on Investment (ROI) from my Annual Chamber of Commerce Dues - Reason #5 Chamber Member-to-Member Discounts

Chamber Member-to-Member Discounts / Hot Deals

Chamber members can create their own member-to-member discount program either by buying timely products or offering products or services for sale. Why are they offering better prices? Because people like to do business with people they know. Independent studies have shown that the general public are 69% more likely to buy something from someone who is a local chamber of commerce member. Take advantage of premiums and discounts on goods and services ranging from arts and entertainment to restaurants to insurance.

Hot Deals is an online marketplace for promoting your sales, overstocks, and special promotional timely opportunities. Member-To-Member discounts alone could save you more than the cost of your annual membership.

A capital city University offers a 25 percent tuition discount to full-time employees of member businesses of The Chamber of Commerce.  The discount is available to Chamber members and their immediate family (spouse and dependent children only).  The tuition discount applies to most undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Some chambers offer a Free Prescription Drug Savings Card. Chamber member businesses and their employees are eligible to receive a free prescription drug discount card, many times with no forms or waiting periods. 

The Value Proposition - Chamber annual dues: Around $250. Value of benefit #5 with no other participation in the chamber; $500 - Return On Investment Features #1-5 - $2850; Total Return On Investment for Chamber Membership - 1120%.

Chamber of Commerce Executive Weekly New Idea: The Language of Trust: Selling Ideas in a World Full of Skeptics - By Michael MasLansky

The Language of Trust: Selling Ideas in a World of Skeptics

by Michael Maslansky, Scott West, Gary DeMoss, David Saylor

The Language of Trust: Selling Ideas in a World of Skeptics is a book about how to use language to undo the skepticism that a world of too much spin has created.

The book is based on more than a decade’s worth of research into how consumers and the public respond emotionally to often complex, difficult and controversial topics. Whether your goals are corporate positioning, introducing a new product, or re-framing the policy debate, language carries more influence than you might fully realize.

Your Truth vs. Their Truth

Most communicators believe they can “set the record straight” if only they can get people to understand their point of view—the “truth.” Except that “your truth” is not what matters to people. Only one view of the truth matters, namely that of your audience. By shifting your perspective into the worldview of your audience, you can dramatically increase the acceptance factor of your message.

Unfortunately, the truth will not always set you free. We live in a world of competing facts and story lines. The secret is learning to talk and mirror how your audience sees the world.

Source: Language of Trust Website

John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.

How to Hire Top B2B salespeople

The number one factor that separates business-to-business sales winners from their challengers is that they educate buyers with new ideas and perspectives, according to a recent report by RAIN Group.

The study, which asked buyers to reveal what tactics differentiate first-place sellers from second-place finishers, found that bringing something new and valuable to the table is the most important thing that top salespeople do differently.

The newness of the ideas seems to be essential to buyers. If a seller brings valuable but not new ideas, it isn't a relatively important factor in winning sales.

The concept of educating buyers with new ideas might seem obvious, but most sellers - winners and second-place finishers - actually do it quite infrequently, according to the report. Buyers reported that only 21.5% of sales winners educate with new ideas and only 7.4% of second-place finishers do it.

The second most important factor was "the seller collaborated with me," followed by "persuaded me we would achieve results," "listened to me" and "understood my needs."

Source: Marketingprofs.com, Aug. 15, 2013    

#LoveMyChamber --- Weekly Reasons Why I Get A Great Return on Investment (ROI) from my Annual Chamber of Commerce Dues - Reason #4 Chamber Website Business Directory Listing

Chamber Website Directory Listing  - All Chamber members are listed in the business directory with a map to their location and a hyperlink to their website. A high percentage of the 10,000+ visitors per month visit the business directory for products and services and click onto member websites.

Who's shopping your products or services ? Your city, Your county, Your state, the USA? They're all available via your Chamber Website Directory Listing, along with a link to your website for further information. Worldwide exposure

Chamber of Commerce Return on Investment Reason #4 - Chamber Website Directory Listing - The Value Proposition - Chamber annual dues: Around $250. Value of benefit #4 with no other participation in the chamber; $500 - Return On Investment Features #1-4 - $2350; Total ROI for Chamber Membership - 940%.

Talk to your local chamber of commerce about all the benefits of membership.

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John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publication

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - Mastery by Robert Greene - Controlling Your Own Destiny

Mastery

by Robert Greene

What did Charles Darwin, middling schoolboy and underachieving second son, do to become one of the earliest and greatest naturalists the world has known? What were the similar choices made by Mozart and by Caesar Rodriguez, the U.S. Air Force’s last ace fighter pilot? In Mastery, Robert Greene’s fifth book, he mines the biographies of great historical figures for clues about gaining control over our own lives and destinies. Picking up where The 48 Laws of Power left off, Greene culls years of research and original interviews to blend historical anecdote and psychological insight, distilling the universal ingredients of the world’s masters.

Temple Grandin, Martha Graham, Henry Ford, Buckminster Fuller—all have lessons to offer about how the love for doing one thing exceptionally well can lead to mastery. Yet the secret, Greene maintains, is already in our heads. Debunking long-held cultural myths, he demonstrates just how we, as humans, are hardwired for achievement and supremacy. 

Source: Amazon website

Statewide Chamber Of Commerce Executives Donates To Moore Chamber of Commerce

Oklahoma City (June 12, 2013) – This week the chair of the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives (OCCE) presented a check for $5,000 to the Moore Chamber of Commerce.

On May 20, 2013, an EF5 tornado struck the community of Moore and many businesses were devastated by the storm. This check, approved by the OCCE Board of Directors on June 5, 2013, will go directly into the Moore Chamber’s account to help offset any potential loss of membership investment.

“On behalf of OCCE, we are proud that we can be a part of helping to rebuild Moore and show our support for the efforts of the Moore Chamber of Commerce,” said Tracy Mosley, IOM, OCCE chair and president of the Choctaw Chamber of Commerce.

The check was presented to Brenda Roberts, executive director of the Moore Chamber, at their board meeting on June 11.

Early estimates indicate 60 businesses were affected by the tornado with 30 businesses being completely destroyed.

OCCE encourages you to assist the Moore Chamber of Commerce by becoming a member of their organization in their efforts to rebuild their business community. For membership options, visit:http://www.moorechamber.com/.

OCCE is organized to encourage the highest professional standards for the men and women in chamber of commerce management and to advance close unity among its members. For more information visit www.occe.com.

Sopurce: OCCE website

Homeowners, Renters and Businesses of All Sizes Can Now Apply for Federal Disaster Loans Online.

What is the SBA Disaster Loan Program?

In the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes and other disasters, the SBA is the primary source of money from the Federal government for long-term recovery assistance. For disaster damage to private property owned by individuals, families and businesses not fully covered by insurance, the basic form of the Federal assistance is low-interest, long-term disaster loans from the SBA.

Property owners usually have some insurance coverage, but often it does not cover all losses or even the type of hazard, which caused the damage. This leaves individuals and businesses with significant uninsured costs.

System Requirements

•	The recommended browser for this site is Internet Explorer 8.0 or later.
•	If you have dial-up Internet service, you may experience delays.
•	You must have cookies and JavaScript enabled.
•	You should allow pop-up messages.
•	You must have Adobe Reader installed.

For more infromation go to www.SBA.gov 

Demand-Driven Training - Hallmark of Grants for Community Colleges - $2 Billion Initiative to Develop Targeted Training Programs for Unemployed Workers

Demand-Driven Training — Hallmark of Grants for Community Colleges

Speaking from Front Range Community College in Westminster, Colo., on Sept. 18, Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez announced the latest grants awarded under the Trade Adjustment Assistance and Community College Career Training program. This multiyear, nearly $2 billion initiative is helping to further develop targeted training programs for unemployed workers, especially those impacted by foreign trade, in growing industries such as advanced manufacturing, transportation and health care. The third installment of grants announced this week provided $474.5 million to fund projects at nearly 200 community colleges and universities in every state plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Front Range Community College will lead a nearly $25 million grant to a consortium of nine colleges across Colorado focused on expanding training curriculum for advanced manufacturing careers. During the announcement, Perez said: "This is an unprecedented investment in our community college system... and by extension in our people's ability to find solid work that can raise a family. This is about education, labor, business and community leaders coming together to meet the real-world challenges of a complex global economy." Perez was joined by Lt. Gov. Joseph Garcia, FRCC President Andy Dorsey, Colorado Community College System President Dr. Nancy McCallin, Executive Vice President of Mountainside Medical Peter Neidecker (one of the employer partners involved in the grant program), and FRCC precision machining student Sheri Dron. Following the announcement, Perez met with students from the school's automotive and machining programs to hear about the impact these funds will have on current and future students.

Source: DOL email 9/20/13

Chamber of Commerce news, events, jobs, ongoing education from http://www.villageprofile.com National Publisher of quality chamber directories, maps, smart phone apps for non-dues revenues. Midwest United States. John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.

#LoveMyChamber - Weekly Reasons Why I Get A Great Return on Investment (ROI) from my Annual Chamber of Commerce Dues - Reason #3 Research and Data Lists

Weekly Chamber of Commerce Return on Investment #3 - Research/Data Lists

Business-to-Business 
Looking for a targeted source of business leads? Chamber members have access to statistical data from multiple sources on the local area, from the Economic development office, local library district, or federal, state and municipal sources.

Many chambers have access to business Reference USA - This database of 24 million U.S. Businesses  and 260 million consumers contains verified, accurate data and is updated monthly. Plus this is the only business database enhanced with more than 20 million phone calls per year. Looking for Canadian Businesses? There are 1.5 million more.

Business Selection Criteria include:
Company name, Executive title, Business type, Sales volume, Employee size, Year established, And more...,

Residential Customers

Looking for potential residential customers?  - over 80 million consumers are listed. 

Customer Segmentation

If you would like to segment your audience to set a more targeted approach,  over 260 million consumers are listed by lifestyle interests listed below.

Apparel Fashion Beauty

Arts History Science

Books Magazines

Charitable Donor

Cooking Wine

Collectibles

Hobbies Crafts Sewing

Health Diet Fitness

Home Improvement - Decor

Motor Vehicles

Motor Sports

Outdoor Recreation

Travel 

And more categories.

Chamber of Commerce Return on Investment Reason #3 - Research/Data Lists  - The Value Proposition - Chamber annual dues: Around $250. Value of benefit #3 with no other participation in the chamber; $350 - Return On Investment #1-3 - $1850; Total ROI for Chamber Membership - 740%.

Talk to your local chamber of commerce about all the benefits of membership.



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John Dussman is Midwest Manager for VillageProfile.com, working with chambers in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Missouri. More than 1500 Chamber of Commerce all over the United States have trusted Village Profile to produce their Membership Directories, Community Profiles, Visitor Maps and Publications, Economic Development magazines and Chamber of Commerce Maps. Contact John at (800)-600-0134 x239.

Chamber Executive Ongoing Education Weekly New Idea - That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum

That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum 

America is in trouble. We face four major challenges on which our future depends, and we are failing to meet them—and if we delay any longer, soon it will be too late for us to pass along the American dream to future generations.

       In That Used to Be Us, Thomas L. Friedman, one of our most influential columnists, and Michael Mandelbaum, one of our leading foreign policy thinkers, offer both a wake-up call and a call to collective action. They analyze the four challenges we face—globalization, the revolution in information technology, the nation’s chronic deficits, and our pattern of excessive energy consumption—and spell out what we need to do now to sustain the American dream and preserve American power in the world. They explain how the end of the Cold War blinded the nation to the need to address these issues seriously, and how China’s educational successes, industrial might, and technological prowess remind us of the ways in which “that used to be us.” They explain how the paralysis of our political system and the erosion of key American values have made it impossible for us to carry out the policies the country urgently needs.

       And yet Friedman and Mandelbaum believe that the recovery of American greatness is within reach. They show how America’s history, when properly understood, offers a five-part formula for prosperity that will enable us to cope successfully with the challenges we face. They offer vivid profiles of individuals who have not lost sight of the American habits of bold thought and dramatic action. They propose a clear way out of the trap into which the country has fallen, a way that includes the rediscovery of some of our most vital traditions and the creation of a new third party movement to galvanize the country.

       That Used to Be Us is both a searching exploration of the American condition today and a rousing manifesto for American renewal.