Business Roundtable « Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Blog

Entries categorized as ‘Business Roundtable’

Is your soc. media account safe? Better check twice!

February 19, 2010 · Leave a Comment

On Wednesday, the Chamber held their monthly Business Roundtable meeting which discussed different social media outlets and how to utilize them for business. The presentation started off with different techniques on how to poll people to see immediate results and also what types of applications are free and accessible. Everything was going smoothly and I was really liking what I was hearing…until we started talking about Facebook account safety. This is where my ears perked up a little and I sat a little straighter in my chair. Now, I’d like to say I’m pretty well acquainted with Facebook, but I had no idea about all the steps that are required just to keep your information safe! Jeff Sypersma, a self-proclaimed “geek” and the presenter showed us how easily it is to overlook a box or two and before you know it, anyone can see your photos, posts and even birthday. He mentioned that many businesses are doing simple searches before hiring, making it easy to eliminate some ccandidates because of obscenities. But don’t start freaking out and deleting your accounts, because it’s just a few clicks and you’re secure once again.

Luckily, in order to let our hearts take a few minutes to calm down, Jeff changed the subject back to tracking information from surveys using Google Docs. This is a useful tool for any business because it shows results and allows the audience to comment without repercussions. He has provided several links that you can visit to see how to set these up and utilize them. Just when I think my blood pressure is normal and I’m looking forward to trying out some of his techniques he drops a bomb and shows us a cute picture of his grandson in front of a house. He clicks a few buttons and suddenly we’re viewing a satellite image of the house and a few clicks later and we’re practically driving down the street! Technology has been a great tool but it makes one wonder what’s coming next!

Here is a link from the presentation highlighting the many social media tools outlined at our presentation.

http://jeffsstuffscchamber.blogspot.com/2010/01/helpful-links-about-facebook-twitter.html

Chelsey/ Social Media Intern

Categories: Business Roundtable · Chamber Members · General info
Tagged: data, facebook, geek, Jeff Sypersma, secure, security, social media, surveys

How to Avoid Getting Facebook Hacked and More Practical Online Advice

January 12, 2010 · Leave a Comment

At the chamber we are always working on ways to promote our members and their businesses. A part of doing that is to help local businesses get acquainted with social networking and comfortable using online tools. Although we do believe that these tools can be a huge asset to business there are also things that you need to be cautious of when participating in online engagement. For example, do you really want everyone knowing that your “leaving for Hawaii, can’t wait for the entire week off!”? When in reality, the message you are sending to any criminal is “My house will be empty for the entire week, feel free to take all my valuables!”.

There are many tips and tricks for protecting yourself online and we are excited present an expert on this topic to present at the January Business Roundtable. On January 20th, Jeff Sypersma Supervisor of Technology Support with the Northwest Area Education Agency (AEA), will speak to Chamber members and their guests on practical ways to protect yourself on social networks such as Twitter, Facebook, and others. He will also be talking about what NOT to do on theses applications as well as how to avoid getting your account hacked. Decided not to use Twitter or Facebook? Not a problem, he will also be informing the group on business uses for Google Docs, Polleverywhere, and Skype. You never know when you may be able to learn a little, save a little and enjoy yourself.

This presentation will be held at the Siouxland Chamber on Jan, 20th from 11:30-1:30 and is free to all chamber members. There is a charge of $75 for non chamber members. Lunch will be available for $7. Please RSVP to nthompson@siouxlandchamber.com as seating is limited. Hope to see you there!

-Beth Trejo, Director of Investor Relations, Siouxland Chamber

Categories: Business Roundtable
Tagged: Business Roundtable, facebook, polleverywhere, skype, social networking, twitter

October 26, 2009 · 1 Comment

BusinessRoundtable Header copy Our next Business Roundtable will be held Nov 12th at noon at the Siouxland Chamber. Don’t forget that this committee is open to all chamber members and their guests at no charge. Here is a preview of the November roundtable. If you are interested please RSVP to Nicole at nthompson@siouxlandchamber.com . Also, lunch will be available for $7 at the event. Hope to see you there!

Expanding Cultural Diversity: How your business can reach out

As a business owner it is essential to know your market, not just who you are targeting but how. Siouxland has long been a melting pot of nationalities, but that mix has changed significantly over time and especially during the past few years. Do you still know your market and how to reach it? Join us for a Business Roundtable discussion with community leaders from some of the various cultures represented in Siouxland to hear about their needs, customs, and where your business can reach out.

Categories: Business Roundtable
Tagged: Business Roundtable, cultural diversity

Look me in the eye..but just one eye please

August 20, 2009 · 2 Comments

Hosting a networking event at 7:30 a.m. can make it hard for people to get out of bed not to mention focus on relationship building. That wasn’t the case this morning when Matt Booth, internationally known motivational speaker, proved to the Siouxland Chamber Business Roundtable and Sioux City GO that getting energized and checking your attitude can be a refreshing start to the day. To a crowd of more than 50, Matt spoke about how you can improve from a slick networking to building long lasting relationships valuable to your quality of life and career.

With an enthusiastic demeanor, Matt taught the crowd how the first step in relationship building is to have a genuinely positive attitude. Not only does that attract others to you, but you become approachable and someone pleasant to be around. It’s important to constantly check your attitude so it becomes a habit to stay positive, just as routine as brushing your teeth.

Matt also gave the group some worthwhile tips on networking and communicating effectively. Below are just some of the valuable tools he shared with our group.

Business Cards: Use the Name people call you on your business card-When you introduce yourself to people, do you use your full name ie: Jonathan A Doe III? Your middle initial? Then why include that on your business card. Use the name that you introduce yourself as so people know who you are know how to address you when making contact.

The internet is prime real estate-Purchase the domain to your name so when contacts google your name (c’mon you know you do it), you can rest assured they are finding accurate information. Domain names are cheap (some less than $10 per year) so why not give this as a gift to friends, family or youngsters BEFORE they become motivational speakers or CEO’s.

Smile!- One of the best ways to make people like you is to smile. It can be said in any language and is rarely misunderstood. This is an easy improvement to make when networking and building relationships.

Look ‘um in the eye- Who ever said that had it right. One of the quickest and most effective ways to build a beneficial relationship is to gain trust. Eye contact is a wonderful tool to develop that trust. Focus on just one eye and maintain that contact. Try it, you’ll soon find out how powerful one-eye contact can be.

Use the FORD technique to get people to like you- No I don’t mean using the topic of cars, I’m talking about questions to ask people in regards to their Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Dreams. Don’t forget to LISTEN to the answers, networking doesn’t work as a one-way street.

Overall, Matt Booth shared some great tips and advice on how to be an effective communicator. Please remember, the business roundtable committee is open to all chamber members and a great place to develop current relationships and make new contacts. Best of all, its included in your chamber membership so there is no additional charge! You might even learn something in the process.

Did you miss this business roundtable but want to join in next month? Not a problem, feel free to contact myself or Nicole at nthompson@siouxlandchamber.com and we’d be happy to put you on the list.

-Beth Trejo, Director of Investor Relations- Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

Categories: Business Roundtable

Health and Wellness for Employers and Employees

July 6, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Last week’s business roundtable focused on ways to save on health care by promoting a corporate health and wellness program in your business. Another side benefit…healthier employers and employees.

Here are some tips discussed at the roundtable for cutting costs and becoming healthier:

Avoid the emergency room with services such as the my nurse program. This allows employees to get advice on when they actually should go see the doctor, and when its best to let a cold run its course.
Make sure management buys into the health and wellness program. Set the example and encourage those around you to participate in a healthy lifestyle through your actions.
Drink 40 ounces + of water a day.
Hold a monthly wellness challenge. Check out the Lt. Governor’s Heart Challenge here in Iowa for some ideas.
Celebrate the successes of those who are leading a healthy lifestyle and working to cut health care costs.
Provide healthy food at your meetings and events. Fruit, vegetables, granola bars, low fat cheeses, and bottled water are a few examples.
Don’t think you have to do this all by yourself. Start an internal Wellness Planning Committee at your organization.
Encourage employees to bike to work.
Allow time for an exercise break during the work day.
Check out free services offered locally. www.stlukes.org/knowyourrisk allows employees to receive an assessment of their heart health, as well as find out if they’re at risk for diabetes or lung disease.

Categories: Business Roundtable · Chamber Members · General info
Tagged: Business Roundtable, employer, health, wellness

May 18, 2009 · Leave a Comment

BusinessRoundtable Header copy Ever had to deal with a delinquent account?

Then attend this month’s Business Roundtable Wednesday, 4:00 p.m. at the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce for some great advice.

You will hear Julie Schoenherr, owner consultant of Solutions Consulting, give practical tips on how you can cut out the added stress delinquent accounts can create. Schoenherr has over 15 years experience in the Collection Banking, Third Party Collection and Collection Training industry. Don’t miss the ideas and information to be presented at this month’s event. Email Nicole, nthompson@siouxlandchamber.com, to attend.

As always, all Chamber members are invited to attend Business Roundtables. We hope to see you there.

Categories: Business Roundtable
Tagged: Business Roundtable, Chamber of Commerce, Siouxland

April Business Roundtable-Human Factors

April 20, 2009 · Leave a Comment

Every month the Siouxland Chamber holds a Business Roundtable designed to educate and connect chamber members with other business professionals in the area. The business roundtable presentation is open to all chamber members and will be held on Monday, April 27th from 12:00-1:00 at the Siouxland Chamber. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to nthompson@siouxlandchamber.com.

It is our pleasure to have Tony Olson of D2 speak on the topic of Human Factors at the next business roundtable. Human Factors is defined as a methodology for evaluating and designing products and services to promote efficient and effective human interaction. What that means to our chamber members is simple– expert and creative advice on making your business user-friendly. Take a look at a brief description of the presentation. Hope to you see you there!

Customers do the darndest things! We have all laughed at the case studies that showed some people used their desktop CD tray as a cup holder. Was the problem with the user, with the design or with the communication? Well, if you are concerned about increasing tech support calls, increased product returns, or dissatisfied customers badmouthing your company, you will want to own that problem and correct it. The way to do it is through a Human Factors approach called “Voice of the Customer”.

This talk will disclose some classical mistakes and then talk about methodologies that can help you get to happy customers.

-Beth Trejo
Director of Investor Relations

Categories: Business Roundtable
Tagged: Chamber, members, roundtable

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