The best way to spread the word about your business is by making connections. Whether you’re new to the local community or an established company that has been around for decades, your reputation grows as you engage in other influential entities within your community.

That’s why so many businesses choose to join a chamber of commerce. These resourceful organizations are made to help local businesses thrive.

From building your brand’s presence to increasing sales, learn how you can use your membership to foster your company’s growth.

The first chamber of commerce ever created came about in 1599 in Marseille, France. Its purpose was to gather merchants, industrialists, traders, and craftsmen in order to discuss and tackle community challenges. The chamber of commerce was a place of unity, even among competitors. Their voice soon became a persuasive power amidst public authorities and the community. 

Like our predecessor many centuries ago, the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the several local chambers, alliances, and business associations that serve our communities continue to be  spearheads which focus on protecting and defending the interests of business owners. Together, we tackle both issues and trends taking place in their community as well as offer resources and services to help local businesses succeed. It isn’t just a goodwill effort, but an effective strategy.

Consider these statistics from American Business Magazine:

  • 44% of consumers are more likely to think favorably of businesses who are members of their local chamber
  • 63% of consumers are more likely to buy products or services from businesses who are members of their local chamber
  • Consumers view chamber of commerce members as trustworthy and are 12% more likely to believe their products or services are better than competitors

So what is it about these organizations that make them so influential? 

Chamber of Commerce organizations are not out-of-the-box, cookie-cutter setups. Every chamber is unique, with different benefits, resources, and opportunities.

However, their end goal is the same: to serve as an influential voice and power that stands for the wellbeing of the local business environment. This includes helping to promote local businesses and improve their growth.

From regular networking and volunteer events to promotion and marketing packages, your membership will gain you access to opportunities to make connections, meet potential new clients, and bring attention to your brand.

The universal mission of chamber of commerce organizations sounds great, but how does it work for you? What can businesses expect when they sign up for their membership?

Being a Chamber of Commerce Member Gives You Credibility
A chamber of commerce has a reputation for standing up for the local community and its economy. When your business is associated with their name, it gives the perception that you stand for these things, too.

As a result, consumers trust you more. This leads to more positive impressions of your business. Those seeking products or services related to your own will lean more toward your brand when faced with various options.

Chamber of Commerce Memberships Promote Your Business
Gaining exposure is hard, especially if you’re a new business. You have to find ways to bring your brand into the community so consumers know who you are and what you offer.

With a Chamber of Commerce membership, you gain resources that make this much easier.  Directories, newsletters, social media posts and other publications produced by chambers are used frequently by individuals and businesses within the area. 

Chambers Provide Numerous Networking Opportunities
There is no lack of networking opportunities through an established chamber of commerce. From committees to mixers to ribbon cuttings and more, you’ll find various opportunities to connect with other businesses every single month. The connections you make can lead to new customers or partnerships.

Chamber Members Receive an Influential Voice on Large-Scale Issues
A Chamber of Commerce does more than serve as a marketing vehicle for local businesses. It has an important role in local government affairs as well.

They serve as a voice for the local business owners and industries. This includes addressing issues that may arise with new regulations, fees, taxes, costs, or assessments applicable to the businesses they serve. When you join a chamber, you become a part of that voice. Your role is relevant and your opinion becomes part of the many contributed voices that form the chamber’s views.

Chamber Members are Kept in the Loop of Local Business News
Running a business is more than a full-time job. With so much to do, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s going on outside your company’s walls. Chambers make it easier. Through regular newsletters, they update their members on various news and issues that are happening within the community, as well as spotlight features or new businesses that may pique your interest. It’s a great way to stay connected, even when you’re on-the-go.

Chamber of Commerce Memberships Open Doors to Referrals
Chambers are businesses just like you. Part of their job is linking companies and individuals to the resources they are seeking. This includes a slew of calls and emails, some of which may be looking for a solution that your product or service can offer. When you’re a chamber member, you become one of the organization’s resources. When a need arises that your business can help fill, your chamber is likely to refer you. Why? Because that’s part of their core mission. They support their members just as your membership supports their daily operation.

 

It’s clear that devoting time and resources to supporting both your County Chamber and local business association are wise investments in your business as well as your community.  The week of October 17 has been nationally designated as Chamber of Commerce Week. What a great time to collaborate with those groups that are focused on real issues and problems in your community and are making Delaware County a better place.  Join the Chamber movement.