Chamber of Commerce

[WashWagon]

How many are you have joined your local Chamber of Commerce?

Has it improved or helped business?

How much does it cost in your area and is it worth it?

I ordered an info pack from my local chamber today. I am thinking about joining up. This way, I can meet business OWNERS, instead of those little people at the front desk that could really care less if something is clean or not. I was just wondering if a one man(two sometimes with wife)business could benefit. Any info from people with experience is appreciated. Thanks!!

John

 

[Mike Hughes]

I have been a member of mine for a couple years now, however I do not participate very much..........I should. They have lunch every other month.........its actually very fun. Meet alot of people, like you said.

The dues are just over $100 a year here.

 

[Steven Rowlet]

We are members of the Better Business Bureau. I feel you get more benifet from them. It is a good selling point. Customers look for credibility and I feel the BBB is a plus. They have standards they go by. I went by the chamber office a few years back for information and they just pointed at brochures. They wern't vert helpful. I would however check out both.

 

[Tim Mcculla]

Chamber

I've been a member of my chamber since I started business. I've been active at some points more than others.

In general, I would say if you are not looking for immediate results, you have time to go to functions and have some patients, this is a great tool. I would look at the true benefit of membership as being the relationship you build with other members (this is what takes time) NOT the credability to the public of being a member. In fact, I don't ever remember anybody asking me or offering the fact that our company is a member of the Chamber in getting a job.

If you do join:
1) Try going to functions alone and talk to as many people as you can - work the room.

2) If it is a sit down function, sit at a table that you don't know anyone. Also, don't sit at the same table for the next function.

3) Durring hand shakes offer a business card - it often breaks the ice with something to talk about (they know what you do or they may know you inderectly) and you would be suprised how long people hold cards from people they meet.

Good luck in joining - Tim

By the way, I haven't paid our dues ($250 per year) in the last four years. I barter, we clean the chamber building and seal the decks every other year. It is pretty cool to say "if you have been to the chamber office, you have seen our work". How is your chamber building looking?

 

[Laurie Grathen]

John,

We've belonged to two chambers in our area in the last four years. Those memberships and the contacts we've make because of it have been our biggest commercial account generators. You must be visible. Tim's advice below is right on.

Following is an excerpt from an article I wrote for Cleaner Times on this subject last year.

In making a decision, learn to make a cost vs. benefit analysis. Will what it costs to join and maintain membership in an organization return as much as, or more, than you pay in? Here are some things to consider.

Local organizations such as chambers of commerce and builder associations can provide:

1. Local referrals. Potential customers often call the Chamber for the name of a reliable power washer. In addition, Chambers usually have web sites with members names listed. Sometimes they even sponsor web hosting for a small fee, making it quite affordable for a small company.

2. The perception of professionalism for your company.

3. Networking opportunities with the business community at Chamber events. It is amazing how quickly and thoroughly a networking web builds through a local Chamber of Commerce.

4. Free name mentions in newsletters and other publications offered at no cost to the public and the business community.

5. Membership publications to keep you abreast of business and community news that you can USE in your marketing efforts. Businesses moving, new business coming to town, residential and community development projects, etc. are good leads.

6. Opportunities to volunteer for community service projects that usually lead to excellent publicity. If your primary market is residential, publicity for community service projects is an excellent way to gain a reputation as an honest, caring service business.

7. The opportunity, often at discounted rate, to have a booth at local home and garden shows.

8. Networking, networking, and more networking opportunities. It’s been said before, but it's important enough to include twice. Take advantage of activities such as the monthly breakfast or lunch meetings or early evening chamber socials. You can build a large commercial business practice in this way.

Good luck!

Laurie

 

[Jon]

Been a member of my local Chamber since I started the business, cost is $100 till you hire employess then it jumps.

I used to go to the meetings, round tables, networking etc. but stopped for one reason, hate pretending and since I could not hear one thing said it was not serving me a need to be there.

One job in 3 years, so no it does not pay from the point, about 4 calls but all wanted things I am not into and all asked first how much.

I stay a member as it is something other business look for.

Steve, good idea about the BBB, will look into the cost for joining them.

 

[Steven Rowlet]

Jon, We have our website linked to the BBB website. Customers can go there from our site and get a complete profile of our company. I feel this is a great marketing tool. I bid a job a few years back and the neighbor asked how much. She said she had a flyer with a cheaper price. I told her I was the only one in the state in this business that was a member, her reply was when can you start. Most members try to do business with other members also.

 

[ParadiseProWash]

Im in TN and I am a member of the Better Business Bureau I joined last year it cost me $280.00 a year for the care package. In my opion it gives your company crediablity especially with residenial work. They list your company in the Commercial Appeal (biggest paper in Memphis area) twice a year stating that these are our members and that you should use them. So you get alittle advertising out of it also. You are also listed on their website.

 

[Steven Rowlet]

Paradise, I am glad you joined. It was a wise move. Try to go to one of their luncheons sometime, it is a great way to meet other business people.

 

[Mike Hughes]

Steve,

I guess that kinda blows your "I'm the only member in the state in this business" line. Oh well. You're in good company.

Mike

 

[Steven Rowlet]

Mike, I will just have to tell them in the midstate area now.

 

[Tim Smith]

Laurie and Tim are right on. I am new in the power washing business but not business. I have been a member of the chamber of commerce for about 3 years and it is great. You have to use it and take advantage of the opportunity. Non active members are a dime a dozen. In my other business, I have gain a lot of commercial business through the chamber.

The more your name is out there - the better. Name recognition!

I am in the process of setting up a Referral Group of service business - newsletter, mail-outs, web site, etc.
Whole 9 yards! I let you know how it works out.



Thanks
Tim
TIDALWAVE

 

[Deck Man]

Chamber is good tome

I have been a member of our chamber for 3 years and love the benefits I get from it. I attend the monthly meetings as much as possible and volunteer for a few projects. A couple of years ago I sponsored an Easter Egg hunt in our village and thought about any liabilities I may have should one of these kids get hurt. I approached the chamber and volunteered to run the Hunt through their organization so that it would receive the great press coverage. Not only did it get me off of the liability hook they even pay for the whole thing. This last year I volunteered to organize a Business expo and I ended up getting good business from other members and many more from the public. The chamber was hoping to just break even, but ended up making a profit, Win-Win for all.
I say the Chamber is great and if you think yours is weak, don't run, join and make a difference.
I only run a 2-man business too!