Hey Dawn! Here is your copy of the February 2020 edition of AIM HIGH!

February 2020 Edition

Ways to Enhance Your Business's Reputation

by Dawn Varga

February 25,2020

How consumers perceive your company is the number one determining factor for whether or not they will do business with you. They evaluate your product, your customer service, your employees, your associations, and more. Consumers can find all the information they need about you online, so you need to make sure that what they find is positive.

So how can you enhance your business's online reputation and how consumers perceive your company? Here are some suggestions you should consider:

1. Start with providing a quality product or service that solves a need. In the end, it doesn't matter how nice you are or if your prices are the lowest if the product the customer receives isn't worth the money they paid for it. Bad product reviews will be shared by unhappy customers and potential clients will find that information online and will never give your business a chance.

2. Provide your customers great customer service. A little extra care in how you or your employees treat a customer can go a long way. In same way that poor product reviews are found online, poor customer service reviews will as well. You can also capitalize on the referrals of happy customers by asking them to share their experience with others on social media, in a testimonial, or in a positive review.

3. Make sure your brand image and message are consistent when consumers move from your website, to printed collateral, to your business's location. Publish a professional website that has a positive user experience.

4. Associate yourself with other businesses or organizations that are respected or have a good reputation. Join your local Chamber of Commerce. Mention the charitable causes your support. Work with vendors that represent the same level of quality standards that your customers expect from your company.

These are just a few suggestions to get you thinking about your business's overall reputation.

If you need additional ideas or assistance with your company' s online reputation, reviews, social media, or website, consider partnering with an agency like OnTarget Digital Services. We are here to help!

20+ Reasons You Should Join the Local Chamber of Commerce

by Christina R. Green

Are you thinking it’s time to join the local chamber of commerce? Are you wondering if it’s worth the investment? Or maybe you haven’t considered it at all because you think it’s the kind of thing that only insurance agents do. Maybe you think your business is too small or chamber membership isn’t necessary in today’s world.

Don’t fool yourself. Read on for 20+ reasons you should join the local chamber of commerce, from obvious to subtle benefits.

What Does a Chamber of Commerce Do?

Contrary to what some people believe, the chamber of commerce is not a government entity; nor are they some super, secret business fraternity, nor a country club for business people. They also are not the Better Business Bureau (although we’ll get into that more in a bit).

A chamber of commerce is a membership organization that advocates on behalf of local businesses. It is backed by a board that is comprised of business people from the local community. The chamber is a resource, advocate, and connector for business.

If you’re confused about whether chamber membership is for you or not, consider the following reasons to join. READ MORE...

American Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Recipe by:Alvin Zhou, Tasty Team

CLICK TO VIEW ON TASTY.CO

"February 29 comes and goes, but fried chicken is forever."

-Unknown

Ingredients:

3 chicken drumsticks, bone-in

3 chicken thighs

MARINADE

2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

2 c. buttermilk

BREADING

2 c. all-purpose flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

oil, for frying

Preparation:

1. Combine the chicken with all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Stir to make sure each piece of chicken is coated evenly, then cover with cling film and chill for about an hour.

2. Combine all of the breading ingredients in a large bowl, then roll the marinated chicken pieces in the flour, shaking off excess. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.

3. Heat oil in a skillet over high heat to about 350°F.

4. Fry 3-4 pieces at a time for about 15-20 minutes until the breading is dark golden brown, flipping several times to ensure the breading cooks evenly and does not burn. The heat of the oil should drop to about 320°F.

5. Drain the chicken on paper towels or on a wire rack, resting for about 10-15 minutes.

6. Enjoy!