Text Box:           Something is always happening at the Chamber

Text Box: By Gina Burgess Executive Director     Doing an internet search for marketing tips to give the membership turned up some really good advice… given right here a couple of months ago. The experts are all in agreement. Using your assets wisely is of the utmost importance. Scattergun tactics should remain in the last century, right? Here are the most common tactics recommended by three experts…     Target your marketing dollars to where your customer base is most likely to see it. In other words, as my momma used to say, “Fish where the fish are. If you want bass, don’t fish with crickets because all you’ll get is bream.” Wise woman. More and more consumers are turning to the internet to find the things they need because ordering shoes off the internet saves $5 in gasoline for shoe shopping. But, the internet is a vast sea of information. We’ll be starting some classes soon to tap into that vast sea to learn how to snag the bass instead of the garfish.     “Right size” your marketing plan. You should already know what really works and what does not bring the customers into your business. Scale back any questionable marketing ideas, especially those which you cannot measure. Start asking your customers where they heard about you and/or the product they are buying. Getting an excellent handle on where  the buying-customer is getting their information is one way of finding out where to put your marketing dollars to best use.     Maintain frequency and consistency. If your customers do not see your ad where they’ve always seen it, that raises red flags in their mind. Out of sight, out of mind is so true in this volatile economy. Email newsletters and website maintenance is crucial for fresh consumer-flow into your business.     Focus on quality, not quantity. So much of the things we buy are made to fall apart. <<<Would you agree or disagree with that statement? If you give good quality service and products, then you will have loyal customers. Assembly-line tactics are not working these days because every consumer wants value for their precious dollar. Too many are having to make the choice between medicine and gasoline and food. Anyone can watch nightly news to gather that fact. Quality used to be the norm in America, now it not as prevalent. Since Americans are so cost conscious these days, quality products and service will be a huge draw for repeat business and for the much coveted Word of Mouth advertising. Although WoM travels at the pace of a snail oblivious to the race, it is extremely valuable because people buy from people they know.     Cluster with your neighbors. Networking is the number one avenue that will help your business to stabilize, if not grow, during and after an economic downturn. The value of multiple companies feeding each other customers is priceless.     If an automotive repair shop like A-1 Automotive were to become bosom buddies with a reputable body shop repair place, and an upholsterer, and a glass/windshield repair place, and they all were bosom buddies with a car dealership like Mossy Motors then the customer feed could be endless. When the cars run out of warranty work, then Mossy could refer to A-1, when Gary at A-1 notice that the windshield needed replacing he could refer to the glass place and when the glass place noticed the seats were in a sad state then… See? Priceless.

Text Box: Swinging through the jungle in a downturn economy

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Text Box: Newsletter Spotlight Text Box:     For many years the sport of rodeo has been very active in Pearl River County.  Pearl River County has many competitors that compete in the Professional Cowboy Association Rodeos.  It has been several years since the County has hosted a rodeo of this caliber.  A PCA Rodeo consist of the following events:  Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Breakaway Roping and Barrel Racing.  The Board of Supervisor’s are planning to host the first annual “Thunder in the Pearl”  PCA Rodeo on July 25th and 26th at the fairgrounds arena in Poplarville.  All proceeds from this event will go to improving the facilities.      We are seeking sponsorships for this event.  Checks should be made payable to the Pearl River County Fair Fund.  Our TIN  is 64-6000952.  Thanks for your consideration and help.     We look forward to working with you on this event.  We plan to make this an annual event in the future.  If you need any further information please call.   (601) 403-2300 (601) 403-2309 Fax  

Text Box: Investing in the Future

Text Box: Vol. 1  Issue 16   ◊   6/27/08

Text Box: E-ZINE

Text Box: Community happenings and more information are posted on the Community Calendar © Copyright 2008, all rights reserved.

Text Box: Ribbon Cutting …   July 11 at 11 am Dr. Patrick Eck General Dentistry 1127 Hwy 43 N. 601-798-5443

Text Box: Note from the Supervisors...

Text Box: July 19 at Jack Read Park CASA fund raiser 10 am—2 pm Don’t miss this event! Text Box:   Text Box: Morning Call July 15 RSVP 601-798-3122 Call today Senior Center 45 El Patch Pkwy We must have an Accurate head count