In this month of love, think about all the ways the Chambercommunicates with you. After all, we enjoy the privilege of being part of oneof the most dynamic Chambers in the country, so we can learn a lot about theart of communication by their excellent example.

First of all, we know the gals in the office on a first namebasis. They know us and greet us with heartwarming smiles. Personal interactionfosters our participation. Let their example be your business model. Get toknow your customers so well, each meeting is a joyful encounter. If you’re notnaturally an extrovert, and I’m in that number, learn the requisite behaviors.Offer an infectious smile. Be genuine. Say something nice. That’s not so hard.

Next, think about all the different types of communicationthe Chamber models. We get Monday morning chats outlining opportunities beforeus, with a handy option for registration. The Chamber has an easy-to-navigatewebsite. The Chamber offers a blog. Most of all, the Chamber makes sure you areinvited to all kinds of meetings to connect and grow your business. Yourbusiness can do the same thing. Not every experience needs to culminate in asale. Make one day special by offering cookies to everyone who stops in for achat. Invite a guest to demonstrate a business-relevant skill. That’s not sohard.

Last, offer a way to celebrate your customers. The Chamber hosts ribbon cutting ceremonies and luncheons at local businesses. Think that’s a boost? Absolutely. Each month we recognize new Chamber Businesses. In January we welcomed 1 Better, Clancy’s Café & Pub, KC Floorworx, Pro Roofers, The Emerald Event Space, Vanik Media Solutions, and Wild Souls Rescue Rehabilitation into our community. From fostering wild animals to hosting your next celebration to making your home smarter, Blue Springs Chamber businesses have you covered! They celebrate your business. That’s not so hard.

Since I am essentially a Luddite, I was interested in makingmy home smarter, and learned a lot in a five-minute conversation with NichlausStevens, from Vanik Media Solutions. Does your television and computer talk?They should! I hardly talk with my husband through the course of a day, so thatwas a revelation. Nichalus and his crew can put your home & businesssecurity, energy control, whole home audio and office/residential networkinginto the palm of your hand. I’m still wondering if I could operate the gizmo,but Nichlaus is a great teacher.  If yourhome isn’t easily adapted to the 2020’s, have no fear. They can make it happenseamlessly. Now this was a five-minute conversation, I remind you. Think aboutthe five-minute conversations you can generate at Chamber functions and makethe most of your membership!

I enjoyed another 5-minute conversation with Jack Taylor, who just celebrated a 20-year milestone with Lamar’s Doughnuts. Visit with him and learn how a lifetime can be leveraged into a business of yum! He stands out as someone approachable, always willing to chat over a cup of coffee and a doughnut! That’s not so hard. (What’s your favorite doughnut? Mine is the plain cake, but I also ate a chocolate on chocolate and almost groaned my way through it, it was that good.) No, it wasn’t hard at all.

These Chamber connections are more than social outings. Theyform a networking basis for a strong business platform, and they are availableto you, just because you’re one of the family. Make the most of your Chambermembership by learning from everyone who wants to celebrate your business.