Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine April 2017 | Page 10

I Joined the

CHAMBER ...

Now What ?

By Steven Reddy , Select Marketing Steven @ selectmkt . com
Okay , I just joined the Chamber of Commerce . It seemed like the right thing to do . A lot of other local business folks are members . In fact , Chambers generally have many hundreds of members . Most of you reading this are members of The League City Regional Chamber of Commerce . So , now what happens ?
Understanding how to leverage or use your chamber membership will do wonders in helping your business grow and become successful . Joining the chamber was a marketing decision and investment that you made , so follow through and use the benefits that you are now entitled to as a chamber member . Effectively using the benefits will require you to “ Get Involved ”!
So , your first move is to sign up for , and stay connected to The League City Regional Chamber of Commerce ’ s weekly event calendars . These will be emailed to you on a regular basis . Read it when you receive it and pay attention to the upcoming events . Most of these events will be FREE to members ! These FREE events might be Ribbon Cuttings , or a Monthly Mixer . Both are excellent activities to meet other chamber members . That ’ s the goal you should establish for yourself ! Meet other Chamber Members !
Why should “ Meeting other Chamber Members ” be my goal ? Simple ! Almost all Chamber members own a business , and All Chamber members know people you don ’ t know . These unknown people are the key to the success of your business . First , you can use them for their goods and services that you and your business may need . Second , they and / or their employees may need your goods or services , and that represents new clients for your business . Now that is good for everyone involved .
Ribbon Cuttings are usually for a new business that has joined the Chamber or an anniversary for an established business . When you attend your first Ribbon Cutting you will have the opportunity to meet Chamber Staff , The Featured Business Staff , and other attendees . The other attendees are friends and supporters for the featured business , as well as , other chamber members of which many will be Chamber Ambassadors . Become an Ambassador ! It ’ s FREE , it ’ s fun , and you will make some new friends to be sure . You will also expose your business to new people that didn ’ t know about you or your business . That ’ s FREE advertising !
Monthly Mixers are great events and are exactly what they sound like ! These social events are always fun and well attended . The normal mixer will attract 50-100 chamber members . You will have FREE food and refreshments available and several hours to visit and meet other chamber members . Remember , meeting other chamber members should be your goal . It will help both parties involved in that process .
Once you get comfortable with the Ribbon Cuttings and Monthly Mixers volunteer to help at events , or serve on a committee . This will introduce you to more chamber members which can only help all parties concerned . Please consider “ Getting Involved ” with the League City Regional Chamber of Commerce . Everyone benefits with Chamber Involvement .
10 MOMENTUM / April 2017