From the Mailbag!

Reading can be an interesting source of news. Here’s some from the mailbag: The freshman class of the 111th Congress includes 24 small business owners and investors. In fact, more than one-third of the new members have small business backgrounds. Well-versed in small business issues themselves, these new members weill bring a hands-on perspective to such critical issuesas healthcare reform, access to capital, tax equity and energy reform. The experiences range from family-run businesses to hig-tech startups; farmers and restaurants; landschpe architects and real estate agents; veterinarians and craft store owners. A national survery revealed that an overwhelming majority of small business owners believe they are not being represented or protected in Congress.

I’m a Rotarian and we have our 4-Way Test: Is is the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it bring GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? From the national Rotarian magazine, in a story about being nice in business can increase your bottom line, the following was listed.
BE GENEROUS. Do more than your share, and volunteer in your community. BE EXPRESSIVE.Smile at other and show your appreciation for them. (Employees and customers.) BE RESPONSIVE. Promptly answer messages, and send thank-you notes, hand-written, of course. BE INCLUSIVE. Invite that newcomer to lunch, and draw in the shy person. BE CONSIDERATE. Arrive on time, and let people talk without interrupting them.

And, my spin. Invite customers to chamber events. We have a great Donuts and Dialogue coming up on how to use your blackberry. I know you know which customers got new gadgets in their stockings. So, invite them to learn the short-cuts. For $10, your treat, you’ll be loved forever!
And, what a great networking venue! Get a good jump-start on prospecting for new clients and customers!