Marketing Tips
 June 2009
Who Else Wants to be Recognized
As the Local Expert in their Field?
As you may have heard, the June 3 Lunch & Learn at Russel Automotive will mark another first for the Chamber: the unveiling of the brand-new online Mastermind Forum. You’ll have an opportunity to participate in the interactive demonstration, and to contribute topics and issues for discussion. Afterward, the forum will be opened for use.
But you may be wondering - what, exactly, is a Mastermind Forum? Actually, it’s an Internet takeoff on a very old concept: the mastermind group. To quote Napoleon Hill, author of the business classic Think and Grow Rich:
“The coordination of knowledge and effort of two or more people, who work toward a definite purpose, in the spirit of harmony…No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible intangible force, which may be likened to a third mind [the mastermind]."
Typically, a Mastermind group is not a class, not group coaching, and not a networking or referral group. It is a group of like minded participants sharing their expertise from a variety of viewpoints, with the shared goal of supporting each other in challenging times.
So, to take it online, a business owner might post a question to a mastermind forumabout converting prospects to sales for high-end recreational products. S/he might get responses from group members with experience in market surveys, copywriting, search engine optimization, website design, catalog photography, store layout, window displays, and sales psychology.
Every response adds a new perspective to the issue. And everyone profits by the discussion – aren’t we all trying to convert prospects to sales in thin times? When businesses pool their knowledge in support of one another, we all learn and grow. And when businesses isolate and stockpile their experience, the whole community loses. There’s another “win” to add to this “win-win” scenario…but your involvement is needed!
The Mastermind Forum offers a number of categories for discussion, and new categories will be added as it grows. Within each category there are topics, and discussions within those topics. It’s all set up and waiting for input.
But…especially while the forum grows, it will need local experts who are willing to take on a leadership role as moderator in their field of expertise.
What’s involved in the position? Checking in to see that posted questions receive an answer, and that the discussion remains constructive. And what will you gain from volunteering -- aside froma premier position as the local guru/ go-to guy or gal? Simple: free publicity, as long as you hold the position!
You’ll have space for your photo, bio, and a link to your website on a prominently placed Moderators’ Page. So whether your specialty is auto repair, zoology, or anything in between, you’ll be recognized on the Catonsville Chamber site as the voice of knowledge and experience in your field.
How do you sign up? Just come to the June 3 Lunch and Learn, scheduled at noon at Russel Automotive on Baltimore National Pike. After the official launch and topic discussion, we’ll have a sign-up session for local experts.
As a thank you bonus, you’ll have an opportunity to sign up for a professional portrait shoot by Nathaniel Corn of Balance Photography, and to have your bio professionally written by Phila Hoopes of YourWords’Worth, both at deep discounts.
Hoping to see you there!
Phila Hoopes
The Tree-Huggin’ Copywriter
Giving Your Vision Your Voice
http://www.your-words-worth.com
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