Chamber of Commerce

[sminthian1980]

I've been contemplating joining the local Chamber of Commerce.  I've never been involved in any way with the chamber before, so I don't entirely know what it's about.  It seems like it might be a very good source of referrals, but I'm still not sure - membership is expensive.Has anyone else tried joining their chamber of commerce?  How did it work out?

 

[starfrappe]

MichelleTX,    Like any other org. you can join.  You get out of it, what you put into it.  I started as a member of my local chamber, now I am on the Board of Directors.  This has made a hugh influence on my business.  Most of the major employers in the area are board members.  This gives me direct access to all of them.  As a member I volunteered for a lot of functions.  Most of them sponsered by big companies, this gave me ability to talk to them one-on-one.   I spent less then $500 a year to join, but I really got more then that in revenue.  I suggest that you look at ways to get involved and get your name out there.  If there is plenty of oppertunity to do so.  It would be a wise investment.

 

[Beckey]

This may sound like a dumb question, but do you have to live in the city of the chamber of commerce you want to join?  I've been contemplating joining, but don't want to in my city basically because I don't like my city very much!  There are nicer cities in the area with large businesses (hello chair massage opportunities!) that I'd like to target.

 

[Beautifully Broken]

Reba,  No you don't have to live or work in the local area of that chamber.  You could join any chamber in any city.  But it has to make since to you. First thing I recommend is to call any chamber you are interested in and ask for a directory of their members (they should give this to you because their main function is to drive business to their members).  Look in their and see how many MT's are listed.  See if you know any of them and talk about it.  You don't want to join a group with 40 MT's (a questimate) because every event you go to you will be competing with others.  If their is just a few, then go for it and get out their and market.

 

[Alexandria]

I went to an event the other day, just to see what it was like.  I think I've already made some good contacts, and I haven't even joined yet.BigDog, thanks for your input.  I checked - there don't appear to be any massage therapists in this particular chamber.  Yet!) I'll check into volunteering at functions like you suggested, as well.

 

[lilkat-ja66]

MichelleTX,  We have a program in our chamber called 'ambassadors'  they volunteer their time to the different events we put on.  I have to admit they are the glue of the chamber and I will refer anyone to them without hesitation.  Look to see if their is anything like it and get involved.  It will really help you get back you investment.Good Luck,Dale

 

[kirst is back!!]

Are there any other organizations that are similar to the chamber of commerce that anyone here belongs to?  I think that will be a great marketing tool for me (especially doing the house calls) but I'm not sure where to start.

 

[Buzzy]

Chamber of Commerce

Perhaps something like the Jaycee's?

 

[anwen55]

Chamber of Commerce

I think organized networking groups are *excellent* ways to get your name and face out there. I belonged to Business Network International (BNI) for a year; their emphasis is on passing qualified referrals to fellow members. Only one member of a profession can be in a chapter at one time (one lawyer, one MT, one accountant, etc.) and all members carry around one another's cards at all times -- I got *great* referrals and gift certificate sales from this. The drawback is I had a hard time passing referrals to the other members, as my clients and I weren't discussing their legal, insurance, or other needs when they came for an appointment. So I wasn't able to give to the other members as much as I would have liked.So I looked for something else, and found the American Business Women's Association. They have a branch of chapters called the Express Network that meets once a month, is less expensive than BNI, and my chapter itself is a member of our local Chamber of Commerce, so you can attend their events as well. And through them, I have become aware of additional networking groups in our area... it's just a great resource! Also, it's a lot less expensive than the Chamber (at least our Chamber). Hope that helps!Andreahttp://www.abwa.org/http://www.express-network.org/http://www.bni.com/

 

[disk0009]

Chamber of Commerce

I would suggest getting as much info about an org b4 deciding to try it out. I contacted the Chamber of Commerce via email here, and they sent me an informational packet. Havent made up my mind yet, but it looks promising. And what Bigdog said, ya get out of it what you put into it. :} Will post if I decide to join, & share my thoughts!

 

[Mallow]

I think we need to network as much as possible, since it is the best way to advertise.  Look at the chamber, look at BNI, Grapevine, PBW or is it BPW?  Sertoma, Lions, Toastmasters, Rotary, Masons, Shriners, Eastern Star, IAAP, the list can go on and on.....United Way, boy scouts, girl scouts, JDS, because you never know who you will meet that will need your services.....and each person you meet knows 200+ people.....

 

[dumdum]

Chamber of Commerce

To answer the question and to give a few hints.I joined my local chamber of commerce when my business was new, and it was the best thing ever!!! Plus all the chambers that I have looked in to will split the yearly fee into monthly bank account debits. Since my business is small, I have a smaller fee, which is $19 a month, and there are atleast 10 events each month to network without any additional fees. There are also luncheons, and breakfasts that you have to pay for if you go that are under $15.As for professional organizations such as BNI and Le Tip, I would be warry. I have checked out both of those, and not only are they expensive (over $300 a year) they are very rigid on attendance, the amount of refferals you pass, and you always have to pay something at each meeting. I have found that through mingling with chamber members you can find local, free networking groups, that would love love love a Massage Therapists, because so few of us get out there and market and network. All you have to do is ask.I also have to add that the Chamber of Commerce people that I have met are AWESOME! If you let them know you are a small or new business, they will bend over backwards to help!

 

[pasanun s]

I had never heard of "Grapevine", so I looked it up.

Grapevine Network
http://www.mygrapevinenetwork.com/index.geni

 

[Loius]

I belong to my local cahmber and it has been hugely successful for me not only for the networking aspect but also for the professional recognition that I get for it!! People see that I am a member of the cahmber and are sure they are getting a professional massage and not a questionable one!! Just my 2 cents!!
Lisa