Inntimate Inns Group has just joined the British Columbia Lodging and Campground Association.  Before committing, we took a look at our marketing plan and asked ourselves the question, "What organization can we join that will give us access to our peers who are owners, operators and managers of campgrounds, motels, small lodges and inns? "  "What group has members who we can help with our specialized services?"  After looking around, the BCLCA seemed like a great fit for Inntimate Inns Group as we love working with lodging, camping and RV businesses.  

Have you ever joined a networking group, hoped you would get some business from it and nothing materialized?  We really recommend taking a hard look at the cost of joining, your expected time commitments, along with the types of members.  Here are five key areas we recommend you examine in order to get a return on your investment:

1.     Show up - how much time are you prepared to invest?  Remember those who show up, get business!

2.     Use the membership database. - what opportunities are there for you to contact each member and introduce yourself and your business?  How can you build long-term relationships?

3.     Advertising - What opportunities are there for affordable participation in newsletters or other opportunities for promotion?

4.     Volunteer - get involved and get to know the association's leadership team.  Remember business is built upon great relationships.

5.     Cost Breakdown - what's are your per month costs, membership fees and any other association fees?  Know the costs and measure return-on-investment quarterly.  If you aren't getting a return, review your marketing activities and do some new creative planning.  Take action and be involved!

If you are interested in exploring membership in The British Columbia Lodging & Campground Association, you can go to their website at:  http://www.travel-british-columbia.com/