Happy New Year to all of our readers!
We are moving positively into 2011 with a renewed hope that better economic news awaits us. Times have been difficult for businesses in northern Indiana, and through it all, you have supported our work. Your BBB of Northern Indiana is working vigorously to drive consumers to trustworthy businesses with the use of technology: search engines, sponsorships, social networking, and programs such as “Request a Quote” and opportunities for consumers to “Compliment a Business.” We will continue to find new ways to drive them to your business and keep them coming back.
Here’s how it’s working for you:
In 2010, 420,756 consumers came to BBB either by phone or website to review your Reliability Reports – this number has climbed substantially in the past couple of years. That’s almost one-half million individuals!
Search engine marketing through Google has proven to boost consumer visits to your business site.
BBB offers sponsorship opportunities that allow you to advertise your business.
The BBB “Request a Quote” program gives consumers the opportunity to get estimates exclusively from our Accredited Businesses
Some of you may have heard earlier press reports about the BBB rating system and allegations of “pay to play.” Although the allegations were leveled at another BBB, these reports were taken seriously by the entire BBB system. Internal audits of our ratings and sales procedures have been conducted and changes have been made. With 90 years of service to this community, we remain committed to promoting an ethical market where consumers and businesses have a platform to resolve marketplace issues.
To continue our mission of creating trust, BBB will be introducing a new program called “In Pursuit of Ethics.” Our goal is to influence students, businesses, individual groups, and anyone that participates to stimulate dialogue in our service area about the importance of trust in our daily lives and in our consumer/business transactions. As this program gets underway in the third and fourth quarter of this year, you’ll be hearing more about it. Stay tuned!
In the next couple of months, BBB will be introducing our new Business Reviews (currently called Reliability Reports). These Reviews will give Accredited Businesses more options to promote their products, services and practices and we are certain you will be satisfied with the end result!
The Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics will be held Thursday evening, April 28th, at Ceruti’s in Fort Wayne beginning with a social hour from 5:00 until 6:00. Please nominate your company or another ethical company for consideration. It will be another exciting, fast-moving tribute to those that do it right. I hope that you will mark the date on your calendar and plan to attend. More information will follow soon!
Before I conclude, I am asking for your help in assisting your BBB with ideas for creating marketplace trust. What are your ideas on highlighting ethical companies, enforcing standards, or spotlighting untrustworthy companies? Please call or write me with your ideas. My direct line is 260-918-2060, or you can email me at mike@neindianabbb.org. I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a prosperous and happy 2011!