I've toyed about with the Chamber of Commerce thing for a few years now. I was a member, let it lapse, went to a few free events ....
I'm a huge fan of networking and see it as a marketing fundamental but had always looked at our local Chamber as a bit staid and much more about big business than small.
Anyway, about 3 weeks ago I made a concious decision to actively 'rejoin' the Chamber, but this time with a plan. Here's what's happened since then:
1. Went to one event: contact the CoC office ahead to see who would be there and made a 'hit list' of people to meet and speak to. Decided not to go alone but double my efforts by bringing a new member of staff along for the ride. Result: We're pitching for a new client on Tuesday who owns multiple businesses and wants a complete revamp of their marketing. Also met the business development manager from a local paper - meeting in the week to discuss several features, a possible column and a number of reader offers and competitions on behalf of clients.
2. Noticed that a number of members had been profiled in the local paper. I decided to ask around and found out that the CoC had organised these profiles. Result: Our half page profile runs on Tuesday, at no cost to us
3. Arranged to meet with CoC key staff to introduce myself properly: a 15 minute meeting lead to proposed co-hosted marketing workshops and a monthly business drop in day. Meeting within the next few weeks to finalise the details.
It's often not the marketing idea itself (networking through the CoC) but the implementation (being more proactive and working to a plan) that gets results. I just wish I'd done this a few years ago.
