By Elizabeth Knight, Aplomp PR
When my marketing and public relations consulting business was founded in 2009, I was working with clients in different parts of the country and didn’t initially see a need to have a local presence. In 2012, my focus changed. I was continually seeing an opportunity to help local small businesses tackle their marketing, communications, and public relations challenges, but I needed an easy and affordable way to get in front of local business owners to share my services and market myself. It became clear that the Wausau Region Chamber of Commerce could be a great resource to achieve this goal.
After becoming a member, I attended my very first Chamber event. I met Hannah, owner of Sugar ‘n Spice Cheesecakes, who is also a Chamber member. In no time at all it was clear that my business had services that could directly support her marketing and sales goals. Like most small business owners, she had mastered her art, but she didn’t feel she had the time or resources to master social media, marketing, and strategic communications. We worked to put a marketing plan and strategy together that could be followed throughout the year, a clear road map, to help her meet her goals and further grow her business. By building this relationship, Hannah could continue to focus on what she does best, designing and baking custom made cheesecakes, while Aplomb PR could help her manage her social media, newsletters and content needs to ensure she was able to effectively engage her customers. Because of the Chamber bringing us together through an event, we were able to do business with each other. Without the Chamber, I doubt our paths would have crossed. I see this so often with many of the events I attend.
The Chamber has proved to be invaluable in helping me meet local business owners while promoting my business. Through the numerous networking events, Business PMs, meetings, and seminars, I have made many wonderful connections that have resulted in new clients and increased sales for my business. I look forward to continuing to serve small businesses here in the Wausau region and am encouraged by the great success I’ve seen thus far through my membership with the Chamber.
