Cheryl O'Brien, Membership Director for the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce spoke to us this month about Networking and its benefits on your business.

Cheryl started her talk with some real useful suggestions about networking in general--

* Make it fun
* Think of yourself as the hostess of the event; make others feel welcome and important
* Do a lot of listening
* Don't look for a quick sale, look for synergies where you can help each other.
* Once you've made a connection, follow up, send a note or email to further your relationship
* Get out of your comfort zone; sit with people you don't know in order to expand your network
* Be a resource for people- let others know that you know lots of people so you can refer out.
* Volunteer, get involved, meet new people in a context where you have shared goals and an opportunity for in-depth contact.

Cheryl then told us about the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce which currently has 1300 members. The majority of the chamber's members represent small and medium sized businesses and a large part of the membership is made up of the 1 person business. The Chamber has regularly scheduled meetings-- Networks where 65-95 members come and Morning Edition where the count is generally between 165 and 195. There are speakers at these meetings that talk about various aspects of business.

The Chamber website also lists and links to the member's websites plus information is published in the Ann Arbor Business Review. The Chamber is now offering a Sole Proprietor membership for the one-person business at $195 plus $30 application fee. Contact Cheryl and see if you can visit as a guest to see if the Chamber is a good fit for you.

Check out the Ann Arbor Chamber website for their Business Event Calendar.

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Speaker, Rita Long, Bob Proctor's Life Success Publishing
Time: 6:00-8:00
Sponsor, Sandra Xenakis, Xenakis Gemstone Jewelry

WBO Annual Dinner and Expo, Nov 13, 2007
Time: 5:30-9:00
The Keynote Speaker will be Sabrina Adams of Zoe Life Publishing speaking on "The Enemy Called Average".

No meeting in December

Monthly Meeting, Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Speaker, Joyce Anderson, Author of "Help, I'm Knee Deep in Clutter"
Time: 6:00-8:00
Sponsor, Carolyn Anderson-Fermann, Simply Organized Life

ANNUAL DINNER AND EXPO OPPORTUNITIES:
Nancy Ray Award to be given at November's WBO Annual Dinner. Selected from applicants that have been in business for two years or less and provided a business plan to the WBO Board for consideration, the winner will be given one year's free membership to WBO, $100 reimbursement towards a business related workshop or seminar, and an attractive prize package of women owned products and services. The deadline for applications for the Nancy Ray award is October 5, 2007. More information can be found on the WBO website.

WBO is still looking for volunteers to assist with the planning and activities for this year's Annual Dinner. If you are willing get involved and help with Publicity, Awards, Sponsors & Door Prizes, or Vendor booths, contact Carolyn Anderson-Fermann at info@simplyorganizedlife.com.

WBO is looking for Sponsorships and Door Prizes for its Annual Meeting. Sponsorships are in the $1000, $500, $250, and $100 categories. More information on the WBO website. Contact Angela Riehn (angela.riehn@edwardjones.com) to provide Sponsorships or Door Prizes.

Vendor Booths are at a premium for the Annual Meeting. A 4'x4' booth gives you the chance to educate and market to the members and guests at the WBO Annual Meeting. There is a limited availability for vendor spaces. Deadline for signup is November 8, 2007, but don't wait. Register online or contact Andrea Blome, ablome@abi-consulting.com.

Carolyn Anderson-Fermann, Simply Organized Life, will be conducting a seminar on kitchen organization and meal planning for Saline Newcomers on Thursday, September 27th from 7-9 p.m. It's free and open to the public. If you want to attend, contact Carolyn via e-mail (info@simplyorganizedlife.com) for more information or to register.

Your Wedding Team is putting on two Wedding Shows called "Your Wedding Team & Friends"-- November 11 at the 4 Points Sheraton and January 13 at Travis Point. Please spread the word about these shows to any perspective couples you know. Also, we are looking for other vendors that have services that can be of benefit to the Bride and Groom. Tables are $100 for each show, $150 for both. Contact Mary Stevens at life_cycles@comcast.net for more information.

Your brand - your company name and/or logo - symbolizes your reputation, yet as business-owners, too often we spend little time thinking about our brand identity. I've worked for KeyBank and Caterpillar and can tell you first-hand that companies spend millions of dollars promoting their brand. They see this not as an expense, but as an investment with a payoff.

Often at our WBO meetings, you'll hear me say Instant Imprints can help you promote your business by putting your name, logo or message on pretty much anything. Very simply, we offer screen printing, embroidery, promotional products and signs/banners to consumers and businesses. Most of our business customers are just like we are - the "little guy/girl" with a dream and a small, but growing business. Getting the most out of our promotional dollar is important. From this understanding grew our consultative approach to customer service. We take the time to try to understand your promotional objectives and offer solutions, often using multiple methods. Our customers use us not just for apparel, but as a one-stop-shop for their yard signs, business cards and vehicle lettering. In addition, we do our embroidery and screen printing on-site, giving us the ability to closely monitor quality and turnaround. As a franchise, our buying power allows us to buy small quantities at low prices, allowing us to develop even one shirt for you, if it makes sense.

I'm a new business owner, female and I'm in a business with many established competitors. It's imperative that I set myself apart from my competition. I say stand out, be different! If you're currently using apparel to promote your business or for company uniforms, there are many exciting new materials on the market like organic cottons, hemp and even bamboo. Have you considered special treatments like sewing with metallic thread or printing your shirts with gold or neon inks? What about rhinestones or garment-dyed shirts? We're even doing a lot with tie dyed materials right now!

There are a growing number of manufacturers who produce dress shirts, sweaters and even t-shirts specifically for women. You work hard every day to develop your company image - be sure your clothes do the same.

Here's a money-making idea -- sell your own products with YOUR logo on them. Two of our customers recently set up stores in their businesses to do just that. Jackets, window clings, tote bags, travel mugs, pet products and aprons are just a few ways businesses are using our products to make a little extra money and get their name out in the marketplace.

Are you frequently asked for donations? Have some pens, napkins, cups or plastic bags printed with your company name on them and give them to that picnic, school function or run. It's a win-win!

To talk more about how we can help you promote your business, call or stop by. Our showroom has a selection of the products we sell and we'll be glad to research the options that best suit your needs.

Be aware of the benefit of seeking out opportunities from other organizations. Find an event that sounds appealing to you and follow up on it. Let Jeanne know what the organization is and if it was worthwhile.

Michael Ann Rose, Sort It Out
Sandra O'Brien, SKO Enterprises
Tina Topalian, Integrated Wellness

TLCI, Website Design, Development, Consulting, SEO, Marketing, 10% off, 662-0154
Healing in Motion, $20 discount for Myofascial Release and Exercise (Wellness Program), 913- 4816
Contours Express, Women's Fitness, 1 month free, 761-8663
Cafe Marie of Ann Arbor, Breakfast/Lunch Cafe, 20% off, 662-2272
Strickfaden Photography, Complimentary Professional business portrait session $150 value. 734-996-4030
Instant Imprints, 10% discount, 734-929-0577.
J'spaa at Eastover, 10% discount, 734-827-9775
Genesis Service Associates, LLC, 10% discount off first graphic design project. Call Sue Stoker, 734-994-3900
Juice Plus, Free canister of plant-based Complete Shake with order of capsules or gummies.
Rubenfeld Synergy, Complimentary Introductory Session
I Sold It, 5% off on first $500.
Julie Battjes/Arbonne, 15% off any purchase
SKO Enterprise, Complimentary Website Critique, valued at $100.