Chamber Of Commerce And Your Small Business

Many Towns have a Chamber of Commerce, some towns have more than one; Colorado Springs is one of those. The Springs area has several, among them:

• Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce
• Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Manitou Springs Chamber of Commerce
• Colorado Springs Women’s Chamber of Commerce

In addition you have a variety of Chambers of Commerce throughout the State of Colorado.

If you’re a small business owner, and you are just starting out and watching your P&L statement, you might ask yourself – should you join the Chamber? Will you benefit? Will it bring you new Business?

I think the answer is: It depends on how you approach this.

Just like a marketing campaign – you’ll have to have a plan. Say what? A plan because you’re joining a Chamber? Yes! Otherwise – why are you joining at all?

So – if you must have a plan – what are some of the things that you should include? Well…let’s see…

What goal do you want to achieve by joining the Chamber?

Is it to get your name “out there”? Because it’s the thing that everyone does? To network? To get new Business? Who cares – it’s a tax write-off?

If it’s to network, and thereby increase the potential for future business – how are you planning on doing that?

Don’t attend each function, just to rattle off your 30-second spiel, and exchange business cards, hoping that someone will buy something! Make it your goal to meet a couple of people and really talk to them. Not about your business and your product and your service, and the special you’re currently offering – but about them. Find out what they do, like, enjoy, want, look for – then try to be a source of information – connect them with others who can help them. Be a Broker of networking relationships! Build your value!

Question is – you do all the ‘right things’ during the networking event – what is your plan for AFTER the event? Do you follow up? Or do you just hope that you made enough of an impression? I hope you’re answer was: Follow Up.

How do you follow up? E-mail? Phone Call? Gasp – a handwritten note? If you can – write the note, it’ll leave an impression, specially if you personalize it, referencing the conversation you had, some topics discussed or include some beneficial information. If you can’t do the note – at least email! If you’ve agreed on a follow up phone call – do it. Don’t forget. And go see the other person’s place of business! Again – be interested.

Continue to stay in touch, via emails, notes, clippings that might be of interest to the other person. Be a champion for them. Refer them if you can honestly do that, put them in touch with other business owners or people from within your sphere. Continue to build this relationship, so that you may earn business in the future.

Considering that people would rather do business with people they like and trust – why NOT be that person?

Just as you plan your business, plan your networking at Chamber Events – have a goal in mind and become an active participant.

Are you a member? If  yes – what tips can you share? If no – why not?