President’s Message: Somebody once asked Abraham Lincoln how long it took him to prepare a speech. “It takes me about two weeks to write a good 20-minute speech,” he said, “but I can write a 40-minute speech in one week. And,” he added, “I can give a two-hour talk on almost any subject right now.”

What is Abe trying to say here? I think he’s saying, “Getting to the point is often hard to do. It also takes practice.” I think it goes even further than that. I think for the speech to be effective, one has to show up and deliver it, too! Otherwise, all the work, time, and effort of trying to convey your message is for naught.

The Chamber is a “point of opportunity” for businesses to network together. Since I have had the privilege to be the president of the SMMC, I have seen thousands upon thousands of dollars of business generated by simply chatting over an after-hours cocktail or talking while eating breakfast or lunch. Do you need to find a good vendor to work with? Do you want to find someone to do a project at your business or house? Need some informal advice about a business transaction? Do you want to tell the business community about your product or service? We can help.

As a business, you need to get your marketing message out as often as possible. I know that is hard, very time consuming, and many times seems like hit and miss! At the Chamber, we can help you make your marketing strategy easier and more targeted.

Don’t have a marketing strategy? We’re happy to pull a group of folks in a room and help you brainstorm one.

One of the most valuable programs within the Southern Midcoast Maine Chamber is its monthly networking activities. The first and third Wednesday of the month are dedicated to helping small businesses succeed, and we call these meeting our “Business Success Seminars.” Whether it is teaming up with Brunswick Downtown Association and the Small Business Development Centers to put on financial seminars, Bob Bremm providing one-on-one business coaching, or Burgess Computer talking about small business networking needs, these seminars give you usable information to save or make your business money immediately. The best part? These fee-based seminars are usually free if you are a chamber member.

The second Wednesday of the month is the first of our two premier regional events, our Chamber Regional Luncheon. We always have a regional, state, or nationally known speaker talk about timely events impacting our area or the state of Maine. There is no other forum like this in the area. Let me say it more directly: If you are not there, you are missing out.

The fourth Wednesday of the month is the second of our premier events, our Regional Chamber After Hours. Held at 12 different member locations throughout the year, there is no other way to put it than this event rocks! More than 140 business members, sometimes as many as 200, come together from 5 to 7 p.m. to network. New members get to introduce themselves and tell peers about their business. I can personally tell you this format makes commerce.

Now, back to my point. What makes a good speech a good speech? I submit to you it is the relationship between the speaker and the audience. Something has to click. The Chamber can help you network your business. We can even help you get your elevator speech and tag lines down. We hand out your brochures and forward your business cards. All of these things will help you build your business network and relationships.

I have to be honest though; for these things to work, it takes two. Unless you “prepare and practice” by participating in Chamber events, you are neglecting the best face-to-face marketing and advertising tool your business has: YOU. At the end of the day, folks prefer to do business with people they know and trust. It is all about the relationship.

Honest Abe stated it took him about 14 days to put together a good speech. My bet with you is by the time you come to 14 Chamber events, you will have made strong networking relationships that far exceed your expectations. If you do not think so, send me an email at president@midcoastmaine.com. We’ll do pie and coffee at a café near you and chat. Until then, I hope to see you at a chamber event soon.

Upcoming Events: Tonight is Chamber After Hours, hosted by The Harpswell Business Association (HBA) and the town of Harpswell. The event takes place at the Orr’s Bailey Yacht Club. Welcome the summer season with “on the water” networking at its best anytime between 5 and 7 p.m. This event is free for Chamber and HBA members and their employees to attend.

—“What is Your Five Year Business Destiny?” presented by Bob Bremm, Advi Coach who will challenge you to look into the future to look at and set goals for income, lifestyle, wealth and equity. The event is June 27, 8-10 a.m. at Priority Group Business Center, 2 Main St., Topsham.

— “You Tubin’IT!” The Social Media Business Success Seminar is July 10, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Priority Group Business Center, 2 Main St., Topsham. Presenter is Jim Bouchard (“Think Like a Black Belt”). Participants will actually record and upload a simple promotional video. Bring your smartphone, tablet or computer with camera.

— “How to REALLY Get LinkedIn” is presented by Jim Bouchard, who built and continues to expand his speaking business using social media. The Business Success seminar is July 24, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Topsham Public Library. Bring your laptop or tablet with wireless connectivity.

Please go to the Chamber’s website (www.midcoastmaine.com) scrolling calendar to register for all of these events. For some the seating is limited. Don’t miss out.

Members in the News: The Chamber welcomes Seacret Direct-Minerals From the Dead Sea, skin care products to membership. Discover more about Chamber members at www.midcoastmaine.com or download MyChamberApp for use on your mobile phone or tablet.

The Chamber proudly serves 760 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.

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