Networking is a fundamental element of building and marketing any business. As part of your many marketing efforts, consider diversifying your network by joining your local chamber of commerce. Joining a local Chamber can be a powerful, efficient and low cost marketing tool, often overlooked by many business owners in our industry.

A chamber of commerce is comprised of many business owners whose primary goal is to further the interests of businesses. You will find that a local Chamber does not limit the number of people who can join from any one profession or industry. You will meet and network with many business owners from various industries that may eventually broaden your client base and reach.

Here are ten very important reasons to utilize your local Chamber of Commerce as a marketing tool:

1. Making New Business Contacts – Chamber members gain access to hundreds of prospective customers for their business. You can obtain a directory listing, mailing labels and contact lists by being a member of your local are Chamber. Local Chamber events also allow you to introduce yourself, your business, and network with other members of the Chamber.

2. Effective, Low Cost Advertising Opportunities – Advertising opportunities through the Chamber are generally only available to members. The Chamber often develop and maintain relocation packets and newsletters they disburse to other potential business owners, current business owners, potential residents and current residents inquiring for specific services. Most Chambers also offer a directory listing in print and on their web pages. Advertising on the chamber website is often very effective and inexpensive.

3. Publicity & Exposure – Many local Chambers allow you to put company-related materials on display at their events or in their lobby. Three business showcases each year give our members an additional way to promote their products and services to the public, as well as fellow Chamber members. Member business can also gain publicity and exposure through a free ribbon cutting. Finally, our weekly Chamber Link newsletter is a way to share your information with other Chamber members.

4. Ongoing Training for Business Professionals – Some Chambers hold training seminars to provide a way for Chamber members to continue their business education.

5. Member Discounts – Many Chamber businesses offer member to member discounts on their services. In addition to business and government connections, membership in your local chamber often will offer your business a variety of benefits including group health care insurance access, advertising opportunities, discounts from local merchants, reduced BWC premiums and more!

6. Credibility - Many members of the community consider Chamber membership to be a sign of a reputable, established business. Chamber of Commerce organizations receive hundreds of phone calls each year from individuals checking to see if a business is a Chamber member.

7. Recommendations and Referrals – Remember, while all of the people you network with at the Chamber provide services, they also need services, or may know someone who does. From tourists to new residents, people call the local Chambers for service referrals all the time. As a member, you are generally put on a referral list. This increases your customer base and revenue that much more.

8. Supporting your Community – As a Chamber member you are also supporting many other business owners thus supporting your community as a whole. Trust me…those efforts do not go unnoticed. People will remember you.

9. Free Services – Local Chamber groups sometimes offer a variety of free services to their Chamber members. My Chamber organization offers free new member orientations, free Notary Public services, free use of the office equipment at our Chamber office, such as the fax machine and scanner. We are also able to post job openings and view resumes of people looking for jobs in the area for free. Additionally, our Chamber sponsors local legal associations providing small business owners an opportunity to bounce off ideas, issues and strategies in an informal setting via free one-on-one counseling sessions. What a great way to meet attorneys!

10. A Chamber Exists to Serve Members – Local Chamber groups are generally very proactive on issues affecting legislation and local economic development in their area. As a business owner it is important for you to stay abreast with such issues that may affect your business.

Just simply becoming a member of your local Chamber is not enough to make this marketing and networking tool work. You have to put some work and effort into your membership…Here are some tips on making this marketing campaign work.

* Find a Chamber- Show up and sign up.
* Volunteer to be a guest speaker for one of their meetings or events.
* Get involved – volunteer for a committee or event. Chambers sponsor golf tournaments, networking events, annual meetings, auctions, business expos, job fairs or other events that are ideally suited for your offerings, thus gaining some valuable exposure.
* Write articles for their newsletters and/or publications.
* Become a leader – Join a Board of Directors.
* Get to know your Chamber staff, ask how you can be of assistance to them. Before you know it you will be on a first name basis!
* Hand out lots of business cards and brochures at events and meetings. Many Chambers allow you to leave such material in their offices on display racks and such.
* Be an Active Member and Expert in your Field
* Listen to others! Remember at meetings you are there to listen. Go to network and gather information. Ask questions and demonstrate genuine interest in other members and businesses. Be professional and you will be remembered.
* Mingle. Don’t congregate with the same people over and over. Meet and greet new members. Sit with a new group of people every time you go to a meeting or event. Broaden your horizons and networking base.

Every business owner should make it a point to investigate their local chamber of commerce. Find out where the office is and request a membership information package. Before joining sign up for an event or two to see whether the membership is a good fit for you and your business. As I said before, many Chamber groups allow you to come to one event for free to check things out. During the process of choosing your Chamber group make sure you have chosen one that knows how to hold successful networking events and has a strong and thriving membership with proven leadership.

You can find your local Chamber at ChamberFind.com

ChamberPeople – For some added social networking check out this chamber-focused social network complete with discussion boards, member blogging, and easy networking with your peers: ChamberPeople.com