If you’re a small business, you need to invest in your local chamber of commerce, here’s why.

Five Reasons You Must Invest In Your Chamber Of Commerce

Whether or not your prospects and customers are local, being part of your community is important for your business. Joining your local chamber of commerce is the perfect opportunity to engage your community. Here are five reasons to invest in your local chamber of commerce.

Credibility – This is probably the most important reason to invest in your local chamber of commerce. Marketing your business as a chamber of commerce member boosts credibility and desirability to customers. Your business will be seen as more trustworthy than your non-member competition. You may even be allowed to use your chamber’s logo on your website or marketing materials!
Discounts and Resources – Being a chamber member has perks for the day-to-day operations of your business. As a member, you may be eligible for help with:

• Discounted insurance
• Office supplies
• Shipping
• Marketing
• Accounting software
• Payroll services
• Energy savings programs

Most memberships aren’t free, but your membership will essentially pay for itself. The fees are usually low and the benefits are equal to (or more than) the cost.

• Networking & Advocacy – You’ll meet other businesses to work with, learn from, and potentially form partnerships with. There’ll be information about local resources that you may not be aware of, such as grant opportunities, government incentives, and more. Joining a chamber of commerce is an outstanding way to be part of the community and grow your network. Networking within your chamber can be a great way to find resources you might not even know you need. It will give you access to business resources that will help solve problems or improve efficiency. You can share successes, express concerns, and talk about your business challenges with other business owners in your area to find the answer you need. You’ll also be able to help other businesses with their challenges. The chamber’s mission is to support the businesses in your area or industry, so it will act as a voice with local government for your needs. The chamber gives you the power to help influence change for the businesses in your community. You’ll be able to grow your network, strengthen your reputation in the community, and take advantage of friendships and resources that you may not have known about or been exposed to without joining your local chamber of commerce.
• Professional Development – Your local chamber of commerce is a great place to find mentors who can help you grow your business. You’ve probably gotten advice from different sources (school, Google, YouTube, podcasts, books, friends and family, etc.), but discount the value of a good mentor. Getting to know other business owners, learning from them, and getting feedback on ideas from companies who’ve been in your position can lead to better results. You can also give back by helping mentor a new entrepreneur or a struggling small business through your local chamber of commerce. Chambers often host training, educational, or meeting sessions for local businesses. For events relevant to your business, make sure to attend or send representatives to encourage growth and learning. These events tend to be designed to teach new skills or help employees improve their current skills to be more effective in running your business. Plus, events are often free for members or available at an extremely discounted rate. You can learn and teach, get advice and give advice, and help your town or region.
• Marketing Opportunities – As a member of your chamber of commerce you’ll get free promotion. Lots of people use their local chamber as a way to find products and services. That free promotion also increases your ability to market business to business because you will have access to the list of other business owner members. Your chamber of commerce may provide you with advertising opportunities on its website. It might also publish newsletters, maintain social media pages, and run publications. Some organizations even offer sponsorships or fundraisers for member businesses or the chamber itself. When you first become a member, your chamber can help to promote your business. It most likely has a larger following with greater reach and exposure than your small business you can take advantage of. Be sure to follow them on social media and share relevant posts on your own page.