Business Networking
How to Get the Most out of your Chamber of Commerce
Written by Mac Cassity for Gaebler Ventures
Chambers of Commerce are often misunderstood organizations. This article will help to give some insight into what these organizations are about and how you can utilize them to grow your business.
Chambers of Commerce are often a misunderstood entity to many business owners and professionals.
All too often, folks assume that simply because they join such an organization they should magically get business. Well, unfortunately, it doesn't work that way.
A Chamber of Commerce exists to provide services and support to local business owners. They often fight for particular legislation that is designed to better serve the business community, and they serve as a networking hub by hosting various events throughout the year. In addition, most Chambers of Commerce take part in philanthropic activities by donating time or money to local charities and organizations to help better the community at large. While that is only a quick snapshot, it does help to paint a picture of what your local Chamber of Commerce probably does. So, how do these activities help YOU, the business owner?
The fact is, it is not likely that a particular activity hosted by your Chamber of Commerce will help you gain business significantly, it is the culmination of many activities. You see, the power of the Chamber is in allowing you to get close to many business professionals. This is truly a great example of being a part of a club and in the case of a Chamber of Commerce, this "club" likes to do business with its members. So the main thing you need to do to get the most out of your Chamber of Commerce is simply to GET INVOLVED.
Getting involved can mean a number of things, but find out about the various ways in which you can get involved in your Chamber and choose some activities that interest you. There are various committees and events that you can be a part of and all of them can help to boost your presence in the local area. When you do get involved, you will immediately meet others who are involved as well. You might have regular committee meetings or see other business professionals at events, but the more your face shows up, the more others in the Chamber will begin to know you. T
Take the time to build and deepen relationships with members of the Chamber and you will begin to really reap the benefits. If you do business with a member, do a great job as you can be sure they will share their experience with other members. This can open a door to a whole new group of future prospects and clients. Handle those relationships properly and you may soon find yourself dealing with members of your Chamber almost exclusively as your source of new business and referrals.
Chambers of Commerce can be a real boon to your bottom line, but it is up to YOU to get involved and take full advantage of the opportunities that lie before you. In every city and town in the country, some of the most powerful business professionals are members of the Chamber of Commerce...are you?
Mac Cassity is an entrepreneur and business person. Mac began writing professionally when he was twelve years old for a comic book collecting publication. Today, he has experience in insurance agency management and runs his own freelance writing business, Mac the Knife Articles.
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