Have You Joined Your Local Chamber Yet?

Have You Joined Your Local Chamber Yet?

You have a lot of choices today to network for your small business. Ask yourself how many of these groups actually advocate the well-being of the business community?

A well-run chamber of commerce operates like an economic development arm of the town with the intention of attracting more business to your community. Chambers of commerce also build community pride. The combination of business and community forms the essence of a local chamber.

Blue Dog Marketing is a proud and active member of the Gates-Chili Chamber of Commerce. We’ve found the value in membership in this community-minded organization. Just like joining any other group, you should ask "what's in it for me?"

Here’s what’s in it for you:

Trustworthiness. Being a member of your local chamber of commerce gives you credibility as a small business. This will help build trust with your customers.

Networking Opportunities. Networking is an essential part of owning a small business and marketing it. You need to get the word out that you’re in business and what solutions you can offer to your potential customers. Networking at a chamber event allows you to build relationships with other local businesses. You may find yourself doing business with them or they can become a referral source for you. You will learn about the other members’ businesses which increases your knowledge base of local resources for your customers, which can improve your business.

Promoting your business. You only get out of the chamber experience what you put in. If you don’t attend meetings or volunteer for events, you won’t get anything out of your membership. Participate in any events your chamber hold. Either attend or volunteer to help at events. Volunteering is a great way for other members to get to know you better.

Many chambers have great websites where each member has a page and a link to their own website. Make sure you take advantage of this excellent way to market your business. Sometimes, you can advertise on the chamber website and the advertising rates are usually very reasonable.

Our chamber offers sponsorship options to members for our monthly luncheons. This gives a business the opportunity to place advertising at the entrance to the meeting, 5-10 minutes to talk about their business and have literature at each table. It’s a great way for members to learn more about your business.

Ask to be a speaker at an event. You’ll have the entire luncheon (usually 30-40 minutes) to educate members about a topic that is of interest to them and relates to your business. At the January 2013 Chamber luncheon, Blue Dog Marketing spoke about how to use Facebook for Small Businesses. We also spoke on a marketing panel in May about business card mistakes most companies make.

Have a ribbon cutting for your business. Chambers hold these as new businesses open or you’ve renovated or moved. You can showcase your business at the ribbon cutting to fellow chamber members plus receive free publicity in the local media.

There are many additional benefits your local chamber can offer like member discounts offered by members, group insurance rates, free educational seminars, etc. Chambers are there to strengthen your business and improve the community you live and work in.

Membership to your local chamber of commerce is a great addition to your marketing mix. But, it only works if you are willing to commit the time to make it work because it is all about building relationships.