Examples to help illustrate how you could approach a conversation about joining the Board of Trade:
Benefits of joining a chamber of commerce:
Have you considered joining the local chamber of commerce?
"They offer a lot of great benefits for businesses, such as networking events, educational resources, and business support services. Being a member could help you grow your business and make valuable connections within the community."
Share your own positive experiences:
"I've been a member of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade for a few years now, and I've found it to be incredibly helpful for my business. The networking events have allowed me to make valuable connections within the community, and the educational resources have helped me stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.
Emphasize the value of the investment:
"I know that there is a small membership fee for joining the Board of Trade, but I truly believe that it's worth the investment. The benefits you receive in return are priceless, and it can be a great way to increase your visibility and credibility within the community."
Offer to introduce them to other members or attend events together:
"If you decide to join, I'd be happy to introduce you to some other members or attend events together. It can be a great way to get started and feel more connected within the chamber community.
Make it clear that you're not trying to sell them on anything:
"I just want to be clear that I'm not trying to sell you on anything. As a fellow business owner, I believe that joining the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade could be a valuable step for your business. However, I understand that it's ultimately up to you to decide what's best for your business, and I respect whatever decision you make."
Email Templates or Elevator Pitches:
1. Large Business
"Hi there! As a key decision-maker in a large organization like yours, you understand the importance of staying ahead of the competition and maintaining a strong presence in the community. I'm part of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, which has proven invaluable for large businesses like yours. Our chamber offers tailored resources and strategic opportunities that cater specifically to the needs of large organizations.
By joining our chamber, your business gains access to exclusive networking events where you can connect with other high-level executives, government officials, and industry leaders. These connections can lead to valuable partnerships, business opportunities, and a broader understanding of the regional landscape. You'll also benefit from our advocacy efforts as we work with local and regional governments to shape policies that promote a business-friendly environment, directly impacting large corporations like yours.
Moreover, our Board of Trade hosts expert-led seminars and roundtables on topics such as talent attraction and retention, corporate social responsibility, employee compensation and digital transformation – all tailored to address the unique challenges faced by large organizations. Your company will also have the opportunity to raise its profile by sponsoring events, contributing to community initiatives, and showcasing your achievements in our publications and on our new digital platforms.
By joining our the Board of Trade, your large business will not only strengthen its presence in the local community, but also gain a competitive edge through strategic connections, exclusive insights, and opportunities for increased visibility. I'd like to invite you and your team to our next CEO Luncheon, where you can network with like-minded leaders and experience the tangible benefits of membership.
2. Small Business
"Hey there! I couldn't help but notice that you're a small business owner, just like me. I know how rewarding it can be, but also how challenging it is to wear so many hats and juggle various responsibilities. That's why I joined the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, and it's been a fantastic support system. We're a close-knit community of small business owners who collaborate, share experiences, and help each other navigate the unique challenges we face. Imagine being part of a network where you can access tailored resources, attend workshops designed specifically for small businesses, and enjoy fun social events – all while building meaningful relationships and contributing to the local economy. I'd like to personally invite you to our upcoming Small Business Breakfast Club called “Where’s Kevin?”, where you can meet other passionate entrepreneurs and experience the supportive atmosphere for yourself.
3. Small Business #2
"Hey there! You seem like someone who's passionate about growing their business and making meaningful connections. I'm part of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, and it's been a game-changer for me. We're a dynamic group of professionals who love to have fun, support each other, and work together to strengthen our community. Imagine being part of a network where you can make lifelong friends, get exclusive insights into market trends, and access resources tailored to your business needs – all while enjoying lively events and making a positive impact on the local economy. I'd love to invite you to our next mixer, where you can meet some of our amazing members and experience the vibrant energy for yourself. Are you in?”
4. Manufacturing Business
"Hey there! I can see that you're passionate about your industry and always looking for ways to innovate and grow. I'm part of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, and it's been a catalyst for success in my manufacturing business. We have a vibrant community of manufacturing professionals who collaborate, share insights, and support each other to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving sector. Picture yourself in a network where you can forge strategic partnerships, gain access to cutting-edge industry research, and enjoy or, even host exclusive manufacturing-focused events – all while contributing to the local economy and making lasting connections. I'd love to invite you to our next manufacturing roundtable, where you can meet some of our inspiring members and see the tangible benefits of being a part of this community. Are you ready to join us on this exciting journey?"
5. Retailer Business
"Hey there! As a retail business owner, you know how important it is to stay competitive, attract customers, and keep up with the latest trends. I'm a proud member of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, and I've seen firsthand how it has helped retailers thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.
By joining the Board of Trade, you'll gain access to a network of fellow retail business owners, as well as professionals from various industries, providing valuable opportunities for collaboration and cross-promotion. We host retail-focused workshops and seminars on topics like visual merchandising, social media marketing, and customer retention, equipping you with the tools and strategies to drive sales and enhance the in-store experience.
As a member, you'll also be invited to participate in our exclusive retail events, such as sidewalk sales, holiday promotions, and shopping festivals, which can help increase foot traffic and brand visibility. Our chamber is committed to advocating for the retail sector, working closely with local government and community organizations to create a vibrant and supportive environment for businesses like yours.
Plus, your membership will grant you access to our member-only discounts, providing savings on essential services like credit card processing, insurance, and shipping – all designed to help your retail business succeed.
I'd like to invite you to our upcoming Retailers Roundtable, where you can meet fellow retailers, exchange ideas, and discover the benefits of joining our vibrant Board of Trade community. Are you ready to elevate your retail business to new heights?"
Value Proposition
"Hi there! As a business owner in the Ajax-Pickering area, you know the importance of staying connected and engaged with the local community. That's why I highly recommend becoming a member of the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, a dynamic organization that's dedicated to helping businesses like yours prosper and grow.
By joining the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade, you'll gain access to a wide range of benefits that cater to businesses of all sizes, including:
Networking events: Attend exclusive events like Business After 5, Where’s Kevin? (a Business Breakfast Club), the Annual Golf Tournament, and the Business Excellence Awards, where you can build relationships with fellow business owners, industry professionals, and community leaders.
Business education: Participate in workshops, seminars, and webinars on essential topics like marketing, sales, and human resources, helping you stay informed and competitive in today's ever-changing business landscape.
Advocacy: The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade represents your interests and concerns at the municipal, regional, and provincial levels, ensuring your voice is heard and that a business-friendly environment is promoted.
Promotional opportunities: Enhance your brand visibility by sponsoring events, advertising in the Board's publications, or featuring your business on the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade's website and social media channels.
Member-to-Member discounts: Save money on products and services offered by fellow members, ranging from insurance and banking to marketing and legal assistance, through the exclusive Member-to-Member Discount Program.
Access to resources: Utilize valuable tools, resources, and business support services, including the Membership Directory, and e-newsletters.
I'd like to personally invite you to our next networking event, where you can meet some of our passionate members and experience the supportive atmosphere that the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade provides. Are you ready to unlock your business's full potential in the Ajax-Pickering community?"
Handling Objections from business professionals who are hesitant to join a chamber of commerce:
Cost: Address the potential member's concerns about cost by emphasizing the ROI of membership. Share success stories of other members who have seen tangible benefits from their membership, such as increased business or cost savings. Additionally, explain how the cost of membership is often offset by the discounts and other perks available exclusively to chamber members.
Time Commitment: Acknowledge that time is valuable but explain that the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade offers a variety of events and activities designed to fit into busy schedules. Highlight the events that are most relevant to the potential member's industry and schedule, and emphasize that attending even just a few events can lead to valuable connections and new business opportunities.
Lack of Value: Address this objection by highlighting specific ways that membership can benefit the potential member's business. For example, emphasize the access to resources, advocacy support, and other benefits that come with membership. Share testimonials from current members who have seen measurable results from their membership.
Limited Networking Opportunities: Address this objection by providing examples of how the Board of Trade networking opportunities are diverse and can be tailored to a variety of industries and interests. Share success stories of other members who have made valuable connections through Board of Trade events, and provide examples of the types of events that are most relevant to the potential member's industry. Ask them what they would find valuable?
Perception of APBOT: Address this objection by highlighting the Board of Trade’s positive impact on the community, such as its advocacy work (412/418 Tolls), support of local businesses, and role in attracting new businesses to the area. Share testimonials from other members who have had positive experiences with APBOT, and emphasize that the chamber is always working to improve and provide value to its members.
Important Links:
Member Application: https://apboardoftrade.com/application
Event Calendar: https://apboardoftrade.com/our_events
Partnership Page: https://apboardoftrade.com/partnerships