Everybody makes New Year’s resolutions. Some last all year, some are forgotten before the 12th chime of the bell. Local businesses also make resolutions – often called business plans. The successful company looks back at what worked and what didn’t in the past, takes a hard look at market and economic condition for the New Year and comes up with a plan. Hopefully that plan includes more of what did work and less of what didn’t, otherwise that company will not be making any plans next year at this time.

Given that our economy may be showing some signs of improving, we asked several business owners in Southwest California to share their New Years Business resolutions with us.

“I feel cautiously optimistic that the worst may be behind us. I don’t think we’re going to see any big improvements overnight so I’m keeping spending in line, something I wish our government could do. I will be focusing more on local advertising and media marketing in 2012 to keep my name and image out there. It’s brought me new work this year and I need even more next year.” 
~Art Visintin, Freelance Writer

by Gene Wunderlich

The Southwest California Legislative Council has just released its seventh annual legislator’s voting report card. This report tracks local legislators voting records on issues critical to our local business community at the state and federal level. Founded in 2004, the Southwest California Legislative Council is the regional business advocacy coalition for the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Lake Elsinore Valley and Wildomar Chamber of Commerce.

SWCLC’s mission is to provide a basis for those chambers, and the more than 2,000 businesses they represent, to act on local, state and federal issues to secure a favorable and profitable business climate for the region.

“Our advocacy group worked closely with our area legislators in 2011 to make sure our voice was represented at the state and federal level of government,” stated Gene Wunderlich, chair of the SWCLC board of Directors. “It is important that each of our chambers work together to hold our legislators accountable on the most important issues impacting our regional business community.

by Ted Saul

The “30 Second Elevator” speech is a key tool enhancing your ability to network at a moment’s notice. The phrase simply evolved from the idea that you should be able to present yourself on a typical elevator ride. In the Temecula Valley we don’t have any sky scrapers but there are other opportunities. A Chamber Mixer is an excellent example of where a prepared dialogue can break the ice and open conversations. If you’ve attended a business meeting and fretted when asked for an introduction, the speech can take away the fear and prevent stumbling over words. Even encountering someone in a casual environment such as a restaurant can become a valuable networking experience as they walk away with not only your business card, but your background as well. Following is a suggested outline but you may want to make modifications for your specific needs. As you develop your speech remember the goals to:

• Get to the point quickly, clearly and concisely
• Keep from rambling and sharing non-pertinent information
• Ensure your objectives of networking are met

Step 1: Share your company’s products and services. Accomplish this by finishing statements such as, “we sell”, “we provide services for” and “our target market is”. Your listener should gain a clear picture of what you offer and with whom you do business.