Posted by NCLisa on 6/22/06 10:18pm
Msg #127704

BBB

On another thread, someone mentioned that they joined their local BBB and got business that way. Have you joined your BBB? Did you get business from it? If so, what kind of business. Was it worth it to join? It is a rather pricey marketing tool.

Reply by BarbaraL_CA on 6/22/06 11:17pm
Msg #127720

I am a BBB member and I market other BBB members. My focus is to build up my local BUSINESS contacts which can be more lucrative than loan signings. Besides, I enjoy it and I love marketing! It was a bit steep to join, but worth it to me.

Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 6/23/06 7:57am
Msg #127749

Here's my spin on the BBB

For two years, the BBB has tried to strong-arm me into joining them. I'm glad this group has worked out for you, Barb, but based on my personal communications with their staffmembers to date, I am not impressed. I won't be bullied into joining any organization that insists over and over again that it would be to my benefit "in case someone reported me". I don't need to belong to a group just in case someone reports me. And as for the benefits described, the fee to join is ridiculous and definitely out-of-reach for most very small businesses.

Reply by John_NorCal on 6/23/06 8:21am
Msg #127751

Re: Here's my spin on the BBB

I have to agree with Kelly. I belonged to them once in a previous business, they brought me no business at all. When you join you voluntarily commit yourself to their consumer complaint arbitration procedure. For a retail business who wants to display the BBB placard to their customers I guess it might be worthwhile, not for me though.

Reply by Stamper_WI on 6/23/06 8:47am
Msg #127759

Better off joining the Chamber

Lots of Networking there! And some fun!

Reply by Roger_OH on 6/23/06 11:27am
Msg #127788

I like the Chamber too...

I recommend joining your LOCAL/suburban Chamber rather than a large metro one at first. There are usually monthly lunch meetings, business open houses, activities such as golf outings, and and you'll get listed in their member directory. I've found it good for business-to-business relationships and local exposure. Additionally, the membership fees, luncheon costs, etc, are tax-deductible business expenses.

Reply by Kelly M Robertson on 6/23/06 9:11am
Msg #127763

PS Best Bang for your Buck in Marketing

Email me directly for a simple one-site answer that's worked for me year after year. You won't be surprised at the answer (too bad I can't just KISS it and post here). kelly