Looking for a way to reward your employees, customers or business associates as we approach a new holiday season?  Consider putting them together on a bowling team for the Annual East Portland Chamber Turkey Bowl.  It’s affordable … its fun …. there’s lots of prizes plus pizza and other treats.  They could even walk away with the coveted Turkey trophy.

Be sure to register this week for the Turkey Bowl at 20th Century Lanes  in Southeast Portland, starting at 12 noon on Saturday, November 14th. For just $22 (kids under 12 are $15), you receive 3 games of bowling, shoes, prizes, and all the pizza you can eat (yum)!!!   Download the Turkey Bowl Registration, get signed up and enjoy an afternoon with other business leaders and ….  I never knew turkeys could bowl..

Scott Hendison, CEO of Search Commander, Inc,  will be giving a presentation about the “new” Internet and about social websites. What does it all mean, how is it different?  In this presentation, Scott will cover everything you’ve always wanted to know about “Web 2.0, some things you probably didn’t care to know and still have time left over for questions.

Coach Charles Powell of Coaching At Its Best will discuss with us why personal one to one, face to face marketing is integral to any social networking business plan.   As a personal coach, Charles believes strongly in the power of the personal relationship and keeping those relationships active.

Norm Rice, a Realtor with First Class Properties will address how to integrate Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, and other social media tools into a business plan.  Specifically as an active member of the web technology committee for the East Portland Chamber, Norm will demonstrate some of the ways social media is being used to promote and provide value to our chamber membership.

Join us:

Thursday November 5, 2009 11:30-1:00 PM at

Georgetown Suites – 1000 NE 122nd Ave – Portland, Oregon.

Lunch is provided. Members $10 / Non-members $15.

Call the Chamber office to register 503-292-8237

With the influenza season upon us, and elevated concerns over the H1N1 virus (also referred to as “Swine Flu”), businesses should be prepared to promote a healthy work environment for their employees. The Secretary of Homeland Security has provided some tips and guidelines for Small Business to assist them through the flu season. Here are some highlights:

• Develop policies that allow employees to stay home sick without fear of reprisal.
• Develop flexible policies to allow workers to telework (if feasible) and create other leave policies to allow workers to stay home to care for sick family members or care for children if schools close.
• Provide workers with up-to-date information on influenza risk factors, protective behaviors, and instruction on proper behaviors (for example, cough etiquette; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; and hand hygiene). See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/business.
• Provide resources and a work environment that promotes personal hygiene. For example, provide tissues, no-touch trash cans, hand soap, hand sanitizer, disinfectants and disposable towels for workers to clean their work surfaces.
• Promote a culture of health in the workplace, encouraging employees to access available health benefits & flu shots.

Other resources may be found at www.flu.gov, as well as a letter to small businesses from Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security

Jill Critchfield is a professional Human Resources Consultant. Through her business, Pacific HR, she has provided HR services to over 150 small and mid-sized businesses in Portland, Oregon since 1999.

Vicki Moser of CopperMoon Design has been chosen as the Member of The Month by the East Portland Chamber of Commerce. As an active member of the chamber, Vicki has been instrumental in bringing freshness of thought and purpose to our chamber in many ways.  Earlier in the year, Vicki presented the idea of  interested members gathering informally over a coffee or dinner to begin sharing ideas of about our growth and development as a Chamber of Commerce.  Informally the “Damn Good Idea” committee took shape and has begun thinking outside the box thanks to Vicki’s quiet leadership.   Vicki also has been instrumental in the visual presentation of our Chamber through the chamber website.   Besides these contributions however, we wondered just who is Vicki Moser?  What makes her unique?

We turned to Dan LaGrande of LaGrande Public Relations who recently had the opportunity to interview Vicki.  He has presented us with the following representation:

According to Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Canadian’s satisfaction with their healthcare system actually increases with age. While 81% of Canadians aged 20-34, 83% of Canadians aged 35 to 44 and 86% of Canadians aged 45 to 64 are “very or somewhat satisfied with healthcare services.” Meanwhile, a recent study conducted by the Commonwealth Fund reveals that one third of Americans believe that the U.S. healthcare system should be completely rebuilt. More healthcare-related studies by the Commonwealth Fund can be found here.

As a vital part of our East Portland Chamber of Commerce, Adventist Health  will be hosting the East Portland Chamber of Commerce weekly AM in their newly built Pavilion on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7:45 a.m.

The new facility is located at 10000 SE Main St in Portland.

The featured speaker will be hospital CEO Tom Russell who will discuss the role of building a healthier East Portland, introduce the community to the new facility and comment on the issues of healthcare reform.  Business leaders will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion about creating a healthy work force.

Tours of the newly built Northwest Regional Heart Center and the largest emergency department in East Portland will be provided following the presentation.  A continental breakfast will be served and guests will each be provided a gift designed for sustainable living.

Guests are invited to park in the covered parking garage on 10000 Main St.

Brian Schatz of Spool Video was chosen as our East Portland Chamber Member of the Month.  The following interview best describes the impact Brian has on our Chamber and in our community:

1. Tell us a little bit about your business. What does Spool Video do?

Spool Video helps businesses create promotional videos for the web. These can be put on company websites (and video sharing sites like YouTube) as a fun and fresh way of marketing. I will film and edit your video, and can even help you write it. Nothing makes an impression faster about a business than a video clip, and it’s important to have it done professionally. That’s why I created Spool Video.

2. Why did you decide to name your business Spool Video?

The name refers to the ‘spools’ or reels that a film sits on. My logo incorporates a small videotape that has two spools inside it as well.

3. What did you do before starting your business? Where did you receive your training?

Before getting into video production, I worked at KGW television. I was always drawn to the editing suites and recording studios, but actually worked on the marketing side of things. I did get to star in an on-air commercial though! I got my start in production—thanks to someone who was willing to believe in me—as a freelancer putting together focus group research videos.

4. What other educational background do you possess?

My formal education is a business degree from Portland State University. I graduated with a double-major: one in Marketing, and the other in Advertising Management. I use this knowledge to help my clients get the most out of their videos.

My video education comes from four years of experience, hard work, and being a constant student—I’m always teaching myself about everything from film theory to learning about the latest camera technologies.

5. What video(s) are you proudest of?  Why?

One of my most successful projects has been for the Spoon Foundation: a short video link sent as part of an email campaign helped raise $10,000 for child nutrition in Eurasian orphanages.

6. What makes you stand out from other video production companies? Do you have a “philosophy” about video production?

My approach to video production that I hope sets me apart is the fact that I’m trying to tell an entertaining story about each business. There are many promo videos that are solidly put together, but are merely commercials. They’re just trying to sell us something, and we tune out. But if I can keep the viewer entertained, they become engaged. This doesn’t mean that every video should be say, a comedy, though — Spool is about telling a story in the proper context. My goal is to give you a video that is more like watching a movie than a commercial. It should be visually interesting, keep your attention, and have an impact. As long as it’s appropriate to what you provide, whether we tell your entertaining story in the form of a documentary film or an action movie is up to you!

7. Do you specialize in the types of businesses you work with?

Videos are something that can benefit all businesses—but there is one category that I see as being especially beneficial. That would be when a level of personal comfort is required between a customer and provider. This would range from real estate, to personal training, to medical care. In many fields, the main point of difference between companies is the personality of the owner or employee. Video is a fantastic way to let potential customers get introduced and start warming up to them, and play a role in the decision making process of who the customer is going to choose to work with.

8. I know that it’s increasingly common for businesses to have streaming video on their websites. What’s driving this trend?

Yeah, it’s incredible that now any business can essentially have their own internet ‘channel’ free of charge, compared with traditional TV advertising costs, and yet many of them never take advantage of it. Just like a movie, the combination of sights and sounds can have a huge emotional power that print or radio spots will never have by themselves alone. I think it’s important that businesses capitalize on all the energy and money they’ve spent on getting the word out about themselves via networking, advertising, search engine tweaking, website optimizing, social media, etc. When they finally get potential customers to visit their website, they ought to have something really compelling that cements them in visitors’ minds as the best person/biz for the job.

9. How can nonprofit organizations benefit from a video?

Spool has done a number of videos for nonprofits — both for fundraising (as mentioned earlier) and to raise awareness. One project for the American Marketing Association is to encourage volunteer activism; the end benefit is to hopefully have more people assisting a cause. Another unique use is to show the people who donate how their contributions are impacting people in a real way. A simple report that says, “we gave bicycles to 100 kids” doesn’t have the same impact as seeing the smile on their faces or hearing them talk about how much they love to ride—something where video gives you a huge emotional advantage.

10. Give us a brief overview of a typical project with a client. How does it work from start to finish?

I will work with you through every step of the production process, to guarantee that your video looks, sounds, and feels the way you envisioned it. It takes time though, the full process taking several weeks or more. There are three basic stages:

Preproduction- We’ll sit down together and I will learn about your company, and formulate a general idea for your video. This short summary is called a treatment, and states the purpose, intended audience, main message, style the video will have, and a general outline of the content. Once the treatment is approved, a full script can be written. Approval then leads to finding appropriate locations, and setting up a production schedule.

Production- This is when the actual filming of the video takes place. I’ll bring all the appropriate video, lighting, and sound equipment to your location, and use professional techniques to bring your production to life.

Postproduction- The footage shot in production will be edited to make a video with the greatest impact. Music and/or narration for the soundtrack are recorded, and titles, graphics, and special effects are added. You’ll be able to see a review copy and make creative changes to your liking. Once you’re happy with a final version, the video is compressed for distribution on the Internet.

11. What do you charge?

A simple video could be done for as little as $750. An investment of around $1200 can create a very substantial video. More complex or lengthier projects priced accordingly. Spool’s pricing structure is very competitive, and I help make sure that a client video is something they can use for years to come. In addition, I keep overhead costs very low, and pass that savings along to my clients; they will never pay for a truckload of unnecessary equipment.

12. What are some other business uses for video?

Presentations, Demonstrations, Customer Testimonials, Expert Presentations, Instructional (How-To).

I think I didn’t make it clear that the tips (which I’ve included below) were meant for EITHER writing your personal bio or an “About Us” page for a company website. These are two different functions, so the tips were not universal. Someone asked me during the presentation, “Why would I include my spouse’s name on my website,” and in answering his question I should have pointed out that you would include that in your personal bio but not on the About Us page if the content is a general overview of the company.

You should also think about common search terms that people may be using to look for your business online. Sit down and brainstorm the search terms people to use if looking for a business like yours. For instance, if you offer chiropractic services in the Woodstock neighborhood, you might come up with the terms, “back pain,” “Woodstock,” “Southeast Portland,” and “sports injuries,” among others. Try to work those terms into your bio to increase the chances that people will come across your website during a Google search.

Here are the sites I mentioned today:

www.duckdelivery.com
www.montavillachiropractic.com/the-doctors/
www.thecountrycat.net/about/adam-and-jackie

I’ve also included a snapshot of brochure I wrote for Kate Kirkham Acupuncture below that includes a bio.

While re-reading Adam and Jackie’s “About” page for the Country Cat Dinnerhouse & Bar, I realized that I like that they mention their involvement in the community – specifically their involvement with a community children’s garden project. This is the kind of information that brings people closer to the point of picking up the phone and calling you or, in this case, making it a point to visit your restaurant. (The wonderful pictures of the food throughout the site don’t hurt either.)

Like I mentioned in my introduction, I’ll give Chamber members an hour to let me help them polish their bios if they buy me a cup of coffee. You just have to call in the next week.

To close, I’ll give a shout-out for the Headshots Party coming up in Woodstock at Papaccino’s Coffee on Thursday, October 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Accomplished photographer John Bernunzio will be shooting business portraits and providing you with a polished shot on a disk that you can use for your website, brochure and social networking sites. If you’d like to come that night just to network for free, that’s okay, too. Call John at Woodstock Photography at 503-771-8171 to reserve your session.

I can’t emphasize enough how effectively a decent, well-lit headshot can spruce up your marketing materials. People want to see you and believe that you’re approachable and trustworthy, and a good headshot goes a long way towards achieving that.

Tips for Writing About Your Business

- Keep it human. Don’t be afraid to show some personality.

- Avoid jargon. Know your audience.

- Tell people how you/your business got started and why. Briefly explain your philosophy/differential advantage. Keep it relevant to the reader.

- Include your academic history, awards, community service achievements, etc.

- Don’t overload the reader with too much information. Avoid overlong sentences.

- Break up your text with paragraphs and subheads and put a space between each paragraph.

- If writing a bio, include personal information like your spouse’s and children’s names, hobbies, and where you live.

- Have a brutally honest friend read what you’ve written and take his/her advice seriously.

- Non-writing tip: Include headshots! Invest in professional photography.

Kate Kirkham's bio tells enough about her to establish her credentials and her professionalism while establishing that she is a warm, sympathetic person -- qualities you tend to value in a health practitioner.

Here are 5 HR Hot Topic Items – things that are often ignored or avoided by small business owners.  Make sure your business is protected and that you are being proactive in managing HR issues.

• Employee Handbook – Make sure you have an up to date and customized Employee Handbook for your business.  A well written Employee Handbook will:
  • Define your policies & procedures
  • Communicate to your employees
  • Protect your business from liability

• Classify Contractors and Employees Correctly – Make sure you have people classified correctly as either Contractors or Employees.  Use the 20 Rule test to determine if you are meeting IRS classification criteria.

• Make sure you know your state employment rules

Employment regulations and rule can vary wildly from state to state.  Make sure you are versed in your state’s rules.

• Job Descriptions – Develop accurate and up to date Job Descriptions for every position in your company.  Job Descriptions should include the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required for each position, as well as primary responsibilities for the job.  Well drafted Job Descriptions are:
  • Great for defining the new and current jobs
  • Works as documentation if you need to discipline a current employee.
  • Help when hiring for a new position – use the job description to create the ad and screen candidates.

• Document all discipline!   There are two primary purposes to documented disciplinary action:
  • Clearly communicate the issue and correct behavior to employees.
  • Protect your business!

Jill Critchfield is a professional Human Resources Consultant.  Through her business, Pacific HR, she has provided HR services to over 100 small and mid-sized businesses in Portland, Oregon since 1999.

Gary Russell

Gary has been active in community and outreach for his business and serves as founder and pastor of East Side Church on S.E. 62^nd and Knapp.  He has been a regular attendee at East Portland Chamber, and has brought numerous visitors to the meetings.

Gary makes his living with GoSmallBiz but his passion is preaching Blvd.  ”I get a thrill when after a sermon I see the lights go on with a person saying ah ha!” Or “I get it!”

Gary was on the Sandy High School basketball team. He says, “I was a modest athletic performer and had to work extra hard to be on the team.”  One year the coach made Gary feel great when he called the team out and told them, “If you want to really grow as athletes you need to work as hard as Gary Russell, and give it your all. He doesn’t get to play as much as any of you and still he works harder than all of you!” That’s been Gary’s motto, “What I lack in talent, I make up for in hard work.” Hard work is a real commitment Gary makes to everything he does.

Gary started with Pre-Paid Legal in 2000 doing employee benefit programs.  He enjoyed some early unintended success in the network marketing aspects of the business. However, in 2007 he really was excited with the emergence of Gosmallbiz.com which is a counseling service that provides a multitude of services to small business for one small monthly price.  One client and small business owner reported to Gary that he had a $100,000 law suit filed against him. Once Pre-Paid Legal attorneys sent a letter the guy dropped the questionable action saving the client time and money.

“If you want to find out about business planning, advertising, marketing, legal aspects of business etc. then it is worth the call to discuss our marketing and legal protection plans that cost less than a latte or a hamburger every week.”

One reason he likes the Gosmallbiz.com business is because it offers flexibility and income. He is able to pursue ministry at East Side Church and make a fair living helping others in business.

Gary says, “If you want to get some info on small business visit my website at www.DefendMyLife.com or www.GoSmallBiz.com and if you want some uplifting spiritual opportunities visit www.PortlandEastSideChurch.com

Be sure to stop and visit with Gary at your next meeting. He is there most Wednesday mornings.

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