141- Are you a member of the Chamber of Commerce?

As a business owner, it is always wise to be a member of your local Chamber of Commerce.

Joining a Chamber of Commerce gives you the privilege to participate in many chamber-sponsored events including networking events, ribbon cuttings, mixers, and a showcase for your business cards and other marketing materials.

I sometimes hear people say that they didn't get anything out of the chamber.

"What did you put into the chamber?", is my response.

You're too busy?

That's code for, you're unorganized.

Every business owner is busy!

We often believe that by paying dues we are now entitled to something without putting any effort into the organization.

You are entitled to a ribbon-cutting presented by the chamber that will bring attention to your business.

Yes, you are entitled to call yourself a member, to participate in chamber-sponsored community functions, write articles and comment on social media about your business.

But the main focus here should be on your participation, not what you will "get".

You will receive certain benefits depending on the level of your membership, but you should never join any organization with the sole purpose of WIIFM (What's In It For Me)

Your local Chamber of Commerce provides you a platform from which you can access other business owners, chamber social media sites and gives you added credibility.

Your local Chamber of Commerce is not just there to serve you, it is there to give you a platform from which you too can serve.

The Chamber of Commerce I belong to is @The Greater Boerne Chamber of Commerce.

They performed superbly this entire last year by keeping business owners informed on everything from Covid related laws and statistics to local events concerning highway construction and traffic-related issues.

The Chamber got active immediately on social media to pull everyone together.

We added new members every month in 2020, always exceeding those who dropped.

The Chamber also reached out to everyone who went out of business or who needed help to see how or if they could help.

What do you appreciate most in your Chamber of Commerce?