If I haven’t already introduced myself, my name is Makina Winters and I’m the Member Services Manager with the Birmingham Business Alliance. The thing I enjoy most about my job is getting to know the people who run the businesses that make our area such what it is. For me, member services isn’t really about the membership itself; it’s about building relationships. It means getting to know our members well so that we understand exactly what they need and then linking them with the right people, programs and opportunities. Each business joins the BBA for a different reason: some are looking for connections, others want visibility, and some simply want to get involved but aren’t certain where to begin. That’s why my role is to make sure that members don’t just have a BBA membership but actually make use of it and realize the value it brings.
Establishing a Community of Connectors
At the moment I’m particularly looking forward to launching the first BBA Ambassador Program in 2027. In the past few months I’ve met a great number of members who are naturally inclined to connect with others. They introduce people to one another, make others feel at ease, support other businesses, and are the ones in any room who seem to know everyone; if they don’t know someone, they’ll find a way to make the introduction anyway. These are the kind of people I’d like to bring together through this program. The Ambassadors will help to welcome new members, build relationships with those already in the organization, encourage participation in BBA events and programs, offer support at BBA events and in general help to create links within our business community. But this is not just about turning up to help at events. It’s about noticing someone who is standing by themselves and going over to introduce yourself. It’s about helping a new member work out how to get involved. It’s about making the one introduction that leads on to a partnership, a customer or an opportunity that someone didn’t expect. Sometimes a single conversation can change the course of a business. You never actually know what a connection is going to result in.
Ambassadors Will Help Determine What Comes Next
There’s a certain excitement in setting up a program from the ground up. This first group of Ambassadors will help define what the experience will be like in the future. I’m seeking people who are easy to get along with, reliable, focused on relationships, and who are truly committed to Birmingham and the businesses in the city. You don’t have to know everyone already; all you need is to be willing to meet people, start conversations and show up when you say you will. If you’re the kind of person who constantly pairs up people with each other, motivates others to take part, or is always looking for ways to back local businesses, then the 2027 BBA Ambassador Program – the first one – might be suitable for you. Applications for the program are open now through November 13, 2026.
If you know someone who would make a great Ambassador, pass this on to them.When we celebrate our members, it also means showing them some appreciation, and one of my most enjoyable aspects of what I do is being able to do that at ribbon cuttings, grand openings and at other significant events. There’s no experience quite like watching a business owner surrounded by their team, their family and their supporters as they celebrate something they’ve put a lot of effort into building. Each ribbon cutting has a story behind it; one involving hard work, risk, long hours and a great deal of determination. It’s something I really value to be able to take part in those moments with our members. If you are a BBA member or if you are a business owner who would like to get support from the BBA and are approaching a milestone, then let’s celebrate it.
Click here further information on our Celebration & Ribbon Cutting Services.
Let’s Connect
In the end, all this comes down to people. I would like to get to know our members and those who are interested in joining ; what they are working on, what they are celebrating, what they need and where they would like to go in the future. Because when we know each other, we can help each other connect, and that’s how opportunities arise. That is the kind of thing I hope to keep developing through my work at the BBA, particularly through the Ambassador Program. So if we haven’t met yet, do come and find me at the next BBA event. Introduce yourself, let me know about your business and what you are looking for. You never know where one conversation might lead.