photocredit: region5.shpe.org

BY: RACHEL WUMKES

Introverts are often thought of as a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful individuals.  They don’t usually seek out special attention or social engagements, as these events can leave introverts feeling exhausted and drained.

Now, imagine that person being a business owner!

In a society and economic atmosphere of tooting your own horn, talking up your business to whoever will listen, and networking in the community, being an introvert and a business owner is a tough mix. I get it.  I totally do.  I sit at a computer, alone, all day, with very limited personal interaction.  It’s a writer thing, I think, to be socially awkward.

Awesome on paper.  Weird in real life.

Let the Chamber of Commerce help!  We can fly in like a flashy superhero, shooting laser beams from our wrist-lets as we zap away all your fears about having to converse with strangers.

You can call me Word Wizard. 

Networking is the hardest struggle for introverts.  Having to be “on” at all times.  The chatting, small talk, awkward pauses and wandering eyes as they search for the nearest exit to escape.  However, networking is just one of the many benefits provided by the Chamber.  Here are a few perks while you work!

  1. Marketing Referrals
    1. People call our office all day long, asking for referrals. We love to send them to our Chamber members!
  2. Directory Listing
    1. Our business directory was searched 199,000 last year alone. Get your business listed and keep the information up to date.
  3. Our Website
    1. If you build it, they will come! Our website is the lifeline to this community, the many activities and events.  Last year, curious internet users landed on clearlakeiowa.com 370,000 times.  You can purchase a banner ad to display, or give the Word Wizard a shout and schedule a fun blog post! ß see what I did there?
  4. Sponsorships
    1. Yes, these cost money. However, if you’re deathly afraid of social interaction, this is a great way to get your name and logo splashed all over social media and seen by thousands who attend our many events throughout the year.
    2. We also do a thing called email blast and social media blast. These are exactly how they sound.  We literally blast your sale, promo, or event out to thousands of recipients for a small fee!
    3. Incidentally, if either of these sound like something of interest to your business, give Trish a shout at trish@clearlakeiowa.com and she can hook you up!
  5. Events Calendar
    1. If you have an upcoming event – get it listed on the community calendar! Last year, it was searched 290,000 times.  Plus, your event will get the added bonus of being on our weekly Events Email which is sent out to approximately 4000 subscribers each week.
  6. Legislative Advocacy
    1. Our office stays connected with legislators to advocate for pro-business policies.
  7. Quality of Life Bonus
    1. Our many events throughout the year are what makes Clear Lake so unique. Yes, people come for the lake, but they stay because of the community.  People want to live where there are things to do, and Clear Lake is hopping.  In turn… your business will benefit!

As you can see, our networking events aren’t the only awesome perk of being a Clear Lake Chamber member.  Use our tools and reach to better your business.  Don’t let the fear of being around people cripple your sales.

The business climate is rising like the tide, so jump on into our boat and let us lift you.  Sail along with the Clear Lake Chamber, we promise not to make small talk along the way!