Since writing this post I’ve been to 2 more local Nanaimo networking events – one with the local Real Estate Board and another with the Chamber of Commerce.

In each case, it is INCREDIBLE to see the level of “curiosity” from local businesses about social media and how/if it can be leveraged for their business.

In other words, there’s a terrific opportunity to introduce the power of social media marketing to a large demographic, who also happen to be real people you can connect with in the real world!

I think that is a ‘perfect storm’ of opportunity and an answer to the millio ndollar question of “how can you make money blogging?”. The answer being, “Show your local business community how to do it too!”

Thanks for your comment Dave. I’ve been to your blog several times – I like your style – very Frank Kerns-ish!

Thanks to Extreme John for the link!

- Don
Don Power´s last blog ..Blogging for Business? Top 3 Questions to ask BEFORE you begin

This post was mentioned on Twitter by donpower: Nanaimo Does ‘Business BEFORE Business’ http://bit.ly/aHzNnz…

On the other hand, I am wondering what effect on business these kinds of meetings have. I’ve belonged to chambers, and can’t say that I’ve recognized one customer ever resulting from my association with them.

Perhaps it would be good to talk about this.

The reason is that when businesses are new, every penny is precious. And, Chambers do ask for money from the businessperson.

So, we need to be concerned that at a time when government is asking for so much in the way of overhead, and leased properties are asking for so much in the way of overhead, how can we distinguish a Chamber of this kind as not just another hand out.

Perhaps the Chambers I have been involved with were lame. But, the meetings seem very similar to these.

They asked for membership money, had nice friendly meetings and had no impact on whether a business stayed open or not.

Or do you look at Chambers as a way to give back to the community.

I know, we would have loved to give back to the community. However, after three years in business, and a lot of debt, we had no funds to do that.

Ann
ToysPeriod is a leading online shop specializing in lego sets and model railroad equipment.

I saw your comment in my other post about you getting the Developer version of Thesis. I’m excited for you as well – it sounds like you are doing right (hahah!). I hear that you can buy “skins” for Thesis as well, so that you can use thesis theme but give it a colour and graphics scheme using the “skin”.

Anyway, good fortune with your new venture too. Feel free to commiserate anytime

- Don

Thanks Don! You’ve really helped me get my head round ideas. I look forward to sharing some of my success stories before the year is up

Eleanor
Eleanor Edwards @ UK Charity GiveABrick´s last blog ..1 Minute Motivator: Think of Abraham Lincoln

Local Nanaimo Businesses have a unique opportunity to network with other local business owners via the ‘Business Before Business’ networking series sponsored by the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce….