The time and date is set, the place is picked, food and beverages have been ordered. Now we just need people at the party. (See “An Open Invitation” below.)

Late last month, I wrote about how as a new business in Sacramento, my first priority was to join the Sacramento Metro Chamber and use their tools to the fullest to build my business. The Metro Chamber has a long list of tools in their arsenal to get publicity for their members.
However, simply joining is not enough. Business owners must actively use these tools and work them into their marketing plans. My goal is to utilize as much of it as I can, document it here for Internet posterity, and hope that others can learn from it too. This series of articles for the Sacramento Press will continue to document our use of the Metro Chamber’s tools and how well they worked for us.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

One of the first things a new business can do after joining their local Chamber is to have a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which according to Wikipedia, “is a public ceremony conducted to inaugurate the opening to the general public of a new building or business.” In the ribbon cutting, friends, colleagues, perhaps public officials or dignitaries come to the opening ceremony, say a few words, and then cut the ceremonial ribbon to indicate that the business or building is officially open.

I have been to many ribbon cuttings in my home town of Livermore. As an Ambassador to our Livermore Chamber of Commerce, it’s my job to welcome the new business, show support, and try to introduce others to that business. Similarly, I got a phone call from one of the Metro Chamber Ambassadors, Gene Coughlin. He offered his support in whatever way he could to help make it a success. It’s always nice to have a friendly voice in a new town.

Where Should the Ribbon Cutting Be?

Many businesses that have a ribbon cutting, will typically have it in their office space or store or someplace related to them. They get the opportunity to show the attendees what their business is all about, and talk a little about it.

However, because the Bay Area Search Engine Academy doesn’t have a physical presence in Sacramento, I contacted Alanah Fink at the Courtyard Marriott Midtown, which is where the Academy workshops will be held in March. They were thrilled to have the ribbon cutting at their hotel. This of course, gives them an opportunity to show their facility off, which is a win-win for both of us!

An Open Invitation

I would personally like to invite readers of this article to attend the ribbon cutting so you can see what it’s all about. My only request is that you let me know that you’ll be there by sending me a note. I’m planning for about 25 people, but we need to plan for a larger crowd please (coffee and pastries will be served).

Bay Area Search Engine Academy Ribbon Cutting
Monday, March 2, 2009
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Courtyard Marriott Sacramento Midtown
4422 Y Street (map)

I hope to see you there, and personally meet you. It should be lots of fun, and of course, being ever the networker, please bring your business cards to pass out to others you might meet there!

Next Time

Attending a Metro Chamber Mixer