9 Ways to Maximize your Membership with BBB in Saskatchewan.
1. Have Your Picture on the BBB Sask. Home Page - The home page for the BBB Website in Saskatchewan is located at www.sask.bbb.org . Members of BBB in Saskatchewan are now on the Home Page of the Saskatchewan Site. Simply send a picture to Michelle Phillips the Executive Assistant. You can phone her at the toll free members line at 1-877-352-9259 or email her at michelle@bbbsask.com
2. Use the Affiliation in all your advertising. - Use the affiliation logo and/or in text that you are accredited with BBB. Key places you should use it to separate yourself from the competition include. Telephone Display Ads, - All Newspaper Classified Ads- Any Online Ads - Kijiji and any other free advertising- Your Business Cards. - Tell people you are accredited- Your Estimates and Quotes - Maximize your chances of getting the job. - Your website - Tell people you are accredited with BBB.
3. Network and Learn from Others - BBB in Saskatoon has a Network that meets every 2nd Tuesday of the Month. Many of you were asking for Network Events and information you can actually use in your business.
The BBB Network Group meets:
When: Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month. Where: Smiley's Buffet 702 Circle Drive East across from Home Depot Time: 11:40 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cost - $13.50 - includes the great smorgasbord and Smiley's is noted for their meal. Why: Because you want the chance to meet others that may refer you to more business. What I Need to Know: Bring your business cards and be prepared to stand up and introduce your business
Topics have been - How to Handle Your Worst Customer? What is Involved with Small Claims Court? Collecting Money from Overdue Accounts. There is also an opportunity for members to make a 20 minute presentation.
4. Use the Affiliation with Other Members- When you became part of BBB in Saskatchewan you became part of a continental organization. Use it effectively in these ways. Contact others in your current trade area that may be potential clients or referral partners for your business. Contact others in other members in adjoining BBB jurisdictions. Contact BBB members in Alberta and Manitoba. Indicate you are member and have a similar affiliation. Contact a member in another province. Ask for ways that you may improve your business here in Saskatchewan. They won't be concerned as you are not a direct competitor. Use your affiliation whenever you are dealing with other BBB members. It may bring you special status and perhaps preferred pricing. Always use your affiliation. Make it known to any other BBB Accredited Business. It says you are different and it speaks volumes.
5. Check Business Listing with BBB - Often BBB members don't bother to check the BBB website for accuracy. More importantly they don't include updated information that could drive their business further and faster in 2010.Have you included your new website address? Have you changed your email? Have you changed your address? Are you in the right business category? Could you be in other categories? Is the information totally correct? Have you expanded your services? Do you have the maximum exposure?
6. Offer Incentives to Other Members. You have an advantage over any other business. The real advantage belongs to the business that knows how to reap the rewards. Be part of the Network Bonus Program. .This is a program that will introduce your business to 1200 other accredited businesses in Saskatchewan. It is Free for you to advertise to other members. Reap the Rewards.
7. Remember Your Standards Are Higher- You are not a member. You are an accredited business. You belong to an organization that demands higher standards. BBB practices the basics of business and is the only one that demands all licensing has to be in place. Remember that when you introduce your services or products to consumers it is an opportunity to tell them you are different because of this affiliation.
8. Take Advantage of What Other Members Can Offer You - Better Business Bureau has accredited members that can offer you discounted services on printing, websites, and coaching,. Remember your business gets special pricing from STC, fuel discounts from major companies and lower credit card rates from at least two major banks.
9. Group Insurance - Many businesses have become accredited with Better Business Bureau just because BBB can provide lower cost or increased benefits. McCannell Financial is the sole provider for BBB Group Insurance and they will provide a quote to you in 48 hours. Don McCannell Tyler Lindgren can be reached at 306-382-7777.
