What Can A Chamber Do For My Business?
This week I interviewed Les Vail and Joe Quintavalle from the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce. Chances are, you’ve got a local local chamber of commerce right in your county.
For those of you who are responsible for their businesses’ growth, you may be considering chamber membership, but are not sure which one to join. We discussed benefits of membership, what they offer, who should join and how to get involved:
Q: What is the top reasons that businesses decide to join a chamber?
A: They are looking for business growth and to develop long-term strategic partnerships.
Q: As a chamber, what are your goals?
A: To help people meet one another, to educate business people on the art of networking, create partnerships and create educational opportunities.
Q: How can I make my chamber membership work for me?
A: Get involved – you put in what you get out of it. Be engaged – get to know other members, ask for introductions to those you want to meet, and follow up with those that you do meet.
Q: What kind of companies join your chamber?
A: All kinds: B2B, B2C and non-profits.
Q: You offer select niche groups within the chamber – give some examples.
A: The Executive Club is exclusively for C-Level executives. There’s also a forum for women business owners.
Q: What kinds of events does your chamber have?
A: There’s truly something for everyone: breakfasts, business card exchanges, lunches, business-after-hours and mega events with guest speakers and sponsors.
Q: What kind of marketing tools are available as a chamber member?
A: There’s online advertising, our print magazine, and event sponsorships. All members get a free online listing that they can edit themselves.
Q: You get to see alot of people networking. Any networking tips?
A: Show up early, get to know the host, and have a ‘2-way’ conversation – you talk and you listen. Get to know each other, see the other person not just as someone you can sell your services to.
