Chamber announces Business Expo; hosts discuss personal branding
After you file that tax return on April 15, you can join the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce for two events – the monthly Business Leaders Luncheon and then a Mini Business Expo that evening.
The events were announced at the March 18 Business Leaders Luncheon held at Arizona Pizza Company, a new chamber member.
On tax day, the April monthly luncheon will be held at Beef O’Brady’s in the Publix plaza at the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard and Hancock Bridge Parkway. Chamber luncheons, now formally known as the Business Leaders Luncheon Series, are held the third Wednesday of the month.
Then later that day, a Mini Business Expo will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the chamber offices in the Shell Factory & Nature Park, and you don’t have to be a chamber member to participate.
Chamber members are encouraged to provide coupons for the events.
“That’s our own stimulus package,” said Chamber President John Gardner.
The Expo is open to non-members at $30 per table. Food and beverages will be available.
Gardner is with Lee County Insurance, and his business sponsored the March luncheon.
“We also have sponsorships available for future luncheons and our Deputy of the Month Award program,” he said. The chamber is also looking for businesses to hold Business After Hours networking events.
The next After Hours event will be held Thursday, April 9, from 5:30-7 p.m., at Spacebox Storage, 14251 N. Cleveland Ave. The cost is $5 for members and non-members. RSVP to 997-9111.
Besides Arizona Pizza Company, other businesses that have joined the chamber recently include Spacebox Storage, Aaron’s Sales & Lease, Anderson Funeral Home, State Farm Insurance and Access Lock & Key.
Gardner reminded local business owners about the chamber membership drive ending soon. Any business that joins the chamber through the end of this month is entered into a drawing. The prize is a trip for two from JetBlue Airways to anywhere it flies. Renewals are also entered in the drawing.
Personal Branding
Chris Spiro was the guest speaker for the luncheon. Spiro lectures on personal branding throughout the U.S. and is the founder of Spiro & Associates, an advertising, marketing and public relations firm based in Bonita Springs.
He talked to members about personal branding. Like the branding of a product, personal branding is just as important to a business, he said. “Personal branding can be something as simple as the clothes you wear, the car you drive or how your phone is answered,” he said.
With many businesses having some down time right now, it is an opportunity to take a look at your image and that of your business, he continued.
“”If you haven’t Mystery Shopped your company, do it,” he said.
Have a neighbor or a friend walk in as a customer or neighbor go in to see how your business represents you. “Shop your own company. Hear how your phone is answered, how you look, the way you and employees handle yourself with your customer base.”
He also talked about doing business in the digital age, and suggested checking your Web site often, and any Internet information.
“Go out there and Google yourself,” he suggested, so you know what’s out there on line on you.
For more information on any chamber event, call 997-9111.