When is the Chamber ideal for your business?

Joining a Chamber of Commerce is likely the best thing any business or individual can do. Chambers provide many benefits to members. They host networking events, normally called business after business. They also hold local trade shows that draw businesses from other communities, increasing the possibilities of making deals. Chambers are also known for promoting locally through events, websites and tourist bureaus. The cost of membership is not usually large, especially for smaller to medium size companies. Membership also includes the opportunity to become involved with various committees, sponsoring events and even becoming a keynote speaker for luncheons or dinners. The Chamber is an excellent way to keep up to date with business issues both locally and on a county and state basis. There are no restrictions as to the number of members in any category.

They also help you promote your business through newsletters and flyers that are distributed to the business community. You may also have the opportunity to put on a special event for Chamber members, offering them a discount to a program you are hosting. Chambers give you a voice and provide you with a vehicle to promote business ethics within the community.

Chambers are an excellent vehicle for start-ups and small businesses, but they are also a voice for medium size businesses as well. Chambers do not have requirements for membership other than keeping your dues current and living up to standard business ethics. Chambers do not have loyalty requirements and you can join as many Chambers as you wish. This is often advantageous when you do business in several cities. Other groups have strict loyalty requirements.

One last thing to note: your competition may also belong to the Chamber! It is very important to know all you can about your competitor and this is easy through Chamber membership.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com