Marketing as a Member of the Chamber of Commerce
Unsure of where to go to market your business? You should strongly consider getting involved with various community organizations and groups to get your name and business out there. You’ll recognize many of the organizations we’re going to talk about on this blog. Perhaps some will be new to you. Let’s take a look how they can benefit marketing your business. Today, let’s take a look at the Chamber of Commerce.
I’m going to be honest. I’ve been a member of the Chamber of Commerce a couple of times in the past. The first time I joined, I paid my annual membership fee and waited for good things to happen. They didn’t. The second time I joined, I paid my annual membership fee and got involved. Instead of waiting for good things to happen, I made the most of the opportunities the Chamber offered and made good things happen.
I’m sure you’ve heard of the Chamber of Commerce. What you may not have known is not only is there a local Chamber of Commerce, but also a national membership. Take a look at the US Chamber of Commerce website for more information about membership. Joining the local chapter does not always automatically enroll you at the national level though, nor does joining at the national level guarantee you membership in the local chapter. Be sure to look online for your local chapter’s website and phone number. There are benefits to both organizations. You can find more information regarding the differences in membership on the US Chamber of Commerce website’s FAQ. Your business, like most small businesses, will have a monthly membership fee of around $30-40 with yearly memberships being around $300-400 a year. This is an average and may be more or less depending on number of employees and your location. Of course, the benefits of joining will ultimately depend on how much time you spend attending events and getting involved with your Chamber of Commerce.
Did you know how important being a member of the Chamber of Commerce in your area is to marketing your business? It’s primary function is to help business owners, like you, network and grow. Not only is joining the Chamber of Commerce great for fostering your business’ B2B (business to business) relationships, but also, customers are more likely to look at you more favorably if you are a member of the Chamber of Commerce and are more likely to use your business. The Chamber of Commerce can help you get in touch with local businesses for your needs, and some of those businesses provide discounts to Chamber of Commerce members. Also, you can learn something new from other members at luncheon’s and you can provide expertise as well in your field of business allowing businesses to think of you when they have a problem. How about some free press? Often the Chamber of Commerce publishes newsletters and they usually have a website that features their members. Some even organize ribbon cuttings for your business gaining more exposure for you for a grand opening. If you’re still unsure how you joining the Chamber of Commerce will benefit your business, get some referrals and ask a few business owners their experiences with being a member.
Next, I’ll be focusing on local service organizations, like Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, Kiwanis, and Jaycees. How can being a member of one or some of these help foster your business relationships and bring about growth.
To make sure you get more information to help you grow your businesses, join my mailing list and I’ll send you great information.
Leave a Reply