Joining a chamber of commerce?

Originally Posted by Coda1108 A friend of mine who is also a member justifies the cost of becoming a member by figuring that all the free food he gets throughout the year at various events adds up to more than he would have paid to feed himself on those days.

Man that is sad.

How much rubber chicken can a person eat?

I know a lot of small biz ownes who have found the C of C to be worth it. If you make one decent contact or attend one class that helps you sell something, it's paid for itself.

Susan

Just want to clarify that my friend made his "case" about feeding himself as justifying the cost in a tongue-in-cheek way. That's how I was thinking when I typed it, but reading back on the post now I realize this may not have come across.

On a serious note, I have found that chamber membership has been an overall profitable experience, even though I seldomly offer my business services to consumers or businesses in my immediate area. I still get favorable pricing on necessities; group rates for insurance; and of course the occassional lead.

Another benefit is the accessibility you can extend to your own contacts. One of my record label clients has an act on tour. I suggested the band play in my area. When they did, I spread the word throughout my Chamber Of Commerce connections, and therefore the local media as well. Word spread rather quickly, and the band had a very successful show. I was able to provide an extra benefit to my customer who is extremely grateful for the extra effort. Really, it was my local C of C connection that made most of it happen.

Originally Posted by Coda1108 Another benefit is the accessibility you can extend to your own contacts. One of my record label clients has an act on tour. I suggested the band play in my area. When they did, I spread the word throughout my Chamber Of Commerce connections, and therefore the local media as well. Word spread rather quickly, and the band had a very successful show. I was able to provide an extra benefit to my customer who is extremely grateful for the extra effort. Really, it was my local C of C connection that made most of it happen.

Excellent use of your newtwork Coda. People helping people.

I read in my Avon sales information that it is good to join or at least contact your local Chamber of Commerce so that you can find out who new members of the community are. You could volunteer to put some items in the Welcome Wagon basket. Sounds like a good idea to me.

I agree with Kathleen. Joining the Chamber of Commerce is a good thing to do for business networking. Even better as she says, is to get involved in volunteering on committees. Getting involved on a higher level shows you truly care about the organization. It also puts you in touch with people who are high on the totem pole.

This type of involvement will open up opportunities for speaking, writing articles, and who knows what else. It's a great way to get your name and your company in front of a lot of influential people.

If you're going to join, spend some quality time developing your 60 second commercial or elevator pitch. Everyone there seems to do the "I do this" approach.

Talk about what you can DO for those in the audience.

Susan