MEMBER SUCCESS WORKSHOP

Maximizing Your Membership Investment

Our MissionGrow, promote, and increase the visibility of LGBT businesses and those in the community

that support them

History Founded as FIRST LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Created the later-named Horizons Foundation

Founding member of Small Business Network & Western Business Alliance

Founding member of NGLCC Tourism Advisory Program launched First Pride Pages directory published

Introduction of two new programs GGBA.com 2.0 launched

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Overview

• Networking• Events• Promotion• Business Development• Education• Affiliations• Advocacy

What to Expect…• Market yourself to the unique LGBT market segment • Create strategic partnerships with other members • Obtain valuable insight from seasoned professionals• Utilize available resources for building a business • Join online social networks to expand your own • Contribute timely information to GGBA’s blog • Post your community events online • Meet new and interesting colleagues

Programs• Business Exchange Network (BEN)• Make Contact Events• Member Success Workshops• Talk of the Town Speaker Series• Business Boot Camp• Pride Business Expo• The Pride Pages

Business Exchange Network (BEN)

• Dedicated business referral groups• One representative per industry per group• Meets on a regular basis• Rehearsal studio for presentations• Support and business development

"The currency of real networking is not greed but generosity."- Keith Ferrazzi

Make Contact Events• “GGBA’s Signature Networking Event”• First Tuesday of each month• Hosted at different “hot spots” in the city• Free for GGBA Members

Member Success Workshops• Launched in 2009, quarterly program• Membership Orientation by GGBA Team• Business Growth Seminar by SKOCPA• Free for anyone to attend• Presented by:

• Launched in 2009, second Wednesday (Bimonthly)• Special Member Admission Rates• Presented by:

NEXT EVENT: June 10, 6:00 – 7:00pm Hotel Whitcomb Speaker Matt Skallerud Leveraging social media for your business to reach the LGBT market

• New program launching June 19, 2010– Half-day course on Saturdays

• Entrepreneurial programming– First Session: Marketing 101

• Topics: Marketing Basics, Branding & Social Media

• Special Member Admission Rates

Business Boot Camp

Pride Business Expo• Launched in 2003, typically held in June• Special Member Exhibiting Rates – Limited space• Over 75 exhibitors and 750 attendees• 2010 Expo on June 10, 2010• Features:

– Social Media Seminar– Auction/Raffle– Charitable Component

The Pride Pages• All active GGBA members are listed• Special Member Advertising Rates• 35,000 distribution in

the Greater Bay Area• #1 resource for LGBT

& friendly businesses• 2011 Edition published in

September 2010

Membership• Business “best practice” to join• Cost-effective rates and bundled packages• Member-to-member discounts up to $10,000/yr• Available resources to help businesses at any stage• Member rate for GGBA programs:

– Business Exchange Network (BEN)– Make Contact Events– Talk of the Town Speaker Series– Pride Business Expo– The Pride Pages

Business Development• Partnerships:

– NGLCC Affiliate Membership– Small Business Assistance Center– U.S. Small Business Administration

• Free classes for GGBA members– Economic Development Dept. @ LGBT Center– Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center– Working Solutions (TMC Development)

• LGBT Center– April 24th – LGBT Economic Empowerment Day

• San Francisco Small Business Week– May 15th – 21st

• Small Business Network• SF Convention & Visitors Bureau• SF Chamber of Commerce• Peninsula Equality Network• International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

Community Partnership

Get Connected!• GGBA.com 2.0

– Blog and blog alike• Join GGBA’s blog and contribute

– E-Newsletter• Keep informed about GGBA• Small business issues & opportunities

• Social Marketing– Facebook– LinkedIn– Twitter

Pride Business Awards• Awarded to businesses and individuals who make an

impact on LGBT business community• Deadline September 15th• Five categories:

– Business of the Year (25 or fewer employees)– Business of the Year (More than 25 employees)– Business Advocate of the Year (Individual)– Business Advocate of the Year (Organization)– BEN Member of the Year

• Awarded in the Fall• Application in the Pride Pages (page 10-11)

Get Involved!• Volunteer

– GGBA program & event staffing– Bay Area festival & trade show participation

• Serve on a Committee– Membership– Events– The Pride Pages– Programs– Policy & Advocacy

A SPECIAL THANKSto GGBA’s Member Welcoming Sponsors

Underwriting Sponsor