May 2013: "Celebrations of Life"

The month of May brings us Mother’s Day, prom season, school graduations, weddings, Memorial day, and other celebrations of life.  These gatherings remind us of how important relationships are to us. We connect online, and by text or telephone, but face to face contact is what feeds our souls.    

In business, relationships aren’t always important.  We shop around for the best price and make decisions based on how fast we can get what we need.  With the internet, we can compare, read reviews and make a buying decision without ever having contact with a person.

I don’t know about you, but I really like people and I really like dealing with people when I spend my hard earned cash.  For me, I get the most satisfaction when I deal with someone I know.  I know they appreciate my business, because they actually tell me! 

When I go to Il Davide Restaurant (2013 Chamber award winner), there is a good chance I will see David and he’ll ask, how was your experience?  Or if I go to Bellam Storage (2012 Chamber award winner), there is Andree, always friendly and ready to help me with my moving or storage needs.  You know what I’m talking about.  There are even those businesses that you stop by to just say hello, because you were in the neighborhood.

San Rafael Chamber of Commerce members are these kinds of businesses.  Maybe you don’t get out of the office as much as you’d like.  If you did, you would connect with business owners and company representatives on a personal level, like mentioned above.   You still have the opportunity to build that relationship by using the Chamber directory or going to www.srchamber.com, when you need a product or service.  We are all Chamber members because we care aboutSan Rafaeland want to serve the community.

When we talk about relationships, let’s not forget vendors, employees and even competitors!  Happy employees make such an impact on customers.  I went to the grocery store last night and left feeling awful.  Every employee was miserable and none would look me in the eye.  I will avoid that store at all costs!  Having a good relationship with a competitor you can call, to help in a tight situation, can be a life saver.  Relationships take work and we must be willing to share and give, not only receive and take in order to build good ones.

So keep your Chamber directory nearby and use it!  Remember to tell the business that you found them in the Chamber directory.  Bookmark www.srchamber.com and use it!  In fact, go there now and see what your listing looks like.  If you need help with login information, please contact the Chamber.  The San Rafael Chamber, I Belong!

Yours in good business,

Laura Bertolli, Board Chair

Bertolli’s Auto Body Shop, Inc