Since most businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers, the Chamber has created a Leads and Referrals Group for any size business to get hot leads from other Chamber members. Nobody can guarantee sales from any activity, but a warm lead or referral from a friend usually has a much higher closing rate than telemarketing or making cold calls. Our group currently has 18 active members with new members visiting every week. Many of the people in our Leads & Referrals group view attending this weekly 1 hour meeting as a major part of their overall marketing plan. And it is already generating tangible results. Of the 78 referrals passed so far this year, 19 have resulted in sales of over $3,400. And all but 2 of the remaining open leads still have the potential of closing. Statistically speaking, right now 1 of 4 leads results in a sale within about 90 days. The only cost to the business is 1 hour of marketing time per week and you get a free hot breakfast compliments of the Chandler House.

We have had 3 businesses join the Chamber of Commerce for the sole reason to be able to participate in the Leads & Referrals Group because it pays for itself (ROI). If you are a Chamber member all you have to do is show up and bring a pocket full of business cards. If you are not a Chamber member, you can visit our group for 1 month with no obligations. If you feel it is a good investment of your time, you will be expected to join the Chamber to continue beyond the 1 month trial period. If it doesn’t work for you, you haven’t lost anything except 4 hours of your time. Hopefully, everyone will have received at least one referral in their 1st month that can justify their Chamber dues. Then all of the other Chamber marketing opportunities will be pure profit. I will cover more of those next time.