Membership Corner

By Greg Evans, Business Development Coordinator greg@brcc.ca

“The best marketing in the world is word of mouth.”

We’ve all heard this one – in every marketing book, in every list of marketing tips online, and in every advertising seminar we’ve ever attended.

Having a wife who works in marketing makes for an interesting household – while I tend to obsess over the short-term dollars and cents when it comes to how the Chamber promotes its members and how our marketing campaigns can benefit our membership, my wife obsesses over the more abstract and long-term concepts.

It pains me to say it, but I’ve seen the light – she’s thinking about things the right way.

Retaining and growing your customer base is, of course, extremely important – but growing this into something more is how you can make your business thrive, not just stay alive. Turn them into your partners, fans, and friends.

Customers buy from you, but fans won’t hesitate to recommend you and advocate for your business – and that doesn’t cost you a dime.

This concept works regardless of the industry – whether you’re a manufacturer, a chocolate shop, a restaurant, a financial advisor – fans are customers and partners that have evolved to the next level and help to do your marketing for you.

Consider taking a moment to think of ways you can provide something a little extra to your regular customers to encourage them to become fans and advocates of your brand .