It can be tough to navigate your business marketing and social media engagement in today's constantly changing business environment.

How much is too much? What platforms should I be using? How do I engage with potential customers? 

Lots of questions like this came up during the latest Chamber of Commerce event in Diamond Valley.

Currently, a local event series for business owners is sharing information with guest speakers throughout the Foothills.

"Know Your Marketing Plan" was the theme for the Tuesday, October 17 event held at the Sheep River Library.

Three guest speakers shared some key tips over a luncheon.

Chelsea Vogel with Image Marketing shared some key points on Marketing Strategies, especially about using social media.

"To not think you have to be perfect at it. I think that's a big barrier when it comes to people starting up a business and getting on social media is that they feel that they have to be perfect at it. Your videos do not have to be perfect. Your photos do not have to be perfect. Just show up."

Another guest speaker was Sharon Dechaine, owner of BrandBrighter, and she spoke about the importance of the 'why' you really need to define your brand.

"To think deeply about your brand and bring in more brand awareness. So, bringing your brand onto the forefront. I would like people to think about 'why'. What's the purpose of the business and why you are doing what you do. People don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it."

Sharon Dechaine, owner of BrandBrighter, was also a guest speaker at the luncheon.Sharon Dechaine, owner of BrandBrighter, was also a guest speaker at the luncheon.

High River's Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Lisa Szabon-Smith also spoke. With 20 years of graphic design experience behind her and being an entrepreneur, she talked about being your authentic real self and building like-minded relationships with people. And a good reminder to keep evolving, just like your customers.

Executive Director of the High River Chamber of Commerce Lisa Szabon-Smith also spoke at the event.Executive Director of the High River Chamber of Commerce Lisa Szabon-Smith also spoke at the event.

The event was a real partnership across the Foothills area bringing nine different organizations together to support one another and businesses in the area including Chambers of Commerce from Okotoks, High River, Nanton and Diamond Valley.  The Towns of High River and Okotoks as well as Inclusion Foothills, Community Futures Highwood and McBride Career Group also supported the event.

The next shared event is Monday, November 6 in Nanton with the theme 'Mental Health in the Workplace'.  And on Monday, December 4, 'Making Good Hires' is the theme which will be presented at the Ramada Inn in High River.

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