Austin Chamber
 | Why Chambers of Commerce Continue to be Relevant
Austin Chamber of Commerce Chambers of commerce provide valuable resources and training. They're old school but still effective. Even more so on this "disconnected virtual world" many of us reside in. We crave human contact because we're social creatures by nature. Austin Chamber of Commerce Your Chamber offers built-in networking which is the lifeblood of many smaller businesses. For many local business owners networking will be the only way they know to drum up more business. For new owners with a technical skill but no business experience they're a life preserver within an ocean of fear. You could be more business savvy but chambers still provide a great deal of "juice" for your business. As well as for a somewhat low cost. A purchase is great since it means only serious business people that are dedicated to networking and business growth will probably be members. These are the basic people you'll be reaching. Look for a Local Chamber [ChamberofCommerce.com] This is actually the authority directory. Just type to the search box on top right your city, state or zipcode to find the nearest chambers. Then you can choose which to analyze. If you live near a sizable city there is likely a main Chamber of Commerce as well as many "satellite COC's" which serve the suburban areas. Join as many as you've time for you to attend. Also, you can aquire a free listing for the business. It's important to be for auction on power sites because Google sees your business as increasing numbers of important. Ensure you enter your entire info correctly. No typos. Be aware - you'll likely get offers to buy stuff. This really is section of the game each time a service is free so avoid getting mad. It's well worth the listing on this power site. Your business will improve off for this. Will i join? Most of your investment in any chamber will probably be your time and energy. When you're considering whether or not to enroll in a specific chamber, such as the Austin chamber [youtube link or embed code here], the first question you gotta response is whether you are going to put the time for you to attend most of the events as well as networking meetings. It will not work unless you push the button. It's only going to be well worth the small monetary investment if you are going to be present. A significant guideline is always to attend at least 50% of chamber events. Attending 80% or even more of the sponsored business events is even better. Should i attend? As the company owner you don't have to attend. You are able to send an employee to represent your business. Just do so the way I recommend so that you get maximum results. My recommendation As a local business owner choose one chamber to participate in in fully. Attend 80% or even more with the events. You're your company's ambassador to those chamber members. By turning up consistently to each and every event they see your face over and over. They become familiar with your face and associate you with your company. And so they remember what products or services you've got. What this means is when they overhear somebody who has the issue that the business can solve they'll recommend you. Your referrals skyrocket. Here is the major reason you are probably joining a Chamber of Commerce anyway. It comes down to more referrals, networking and growing your business. Sure, you have to care about the other business owners before they'll worry about your needs. Nevertheless the point is you care about your small business and all sorts of another members know this. It's okay because they care most regarding own home based business. So it is a really quid pro quo environment. Everyone understands the rules from the game so expectations are met. For your employees are going to your company's ambassador to 1 of the "satellite chambers" in your area. Assign an employee to some specific chamber and same thing goes. This employee attends 80% or maybe more with this chamber's events therefore the members their get acquainted with your employee's face. And they associate your employee using the solution your business provides. When a problem arises they recommend your business. True Networking "Business networking can be a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize, create, or solve work at home opportunities." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_networking] True networking isn't slimy "Have your people call my people". The reason you attend over 80% from the events is for meaningful conversations with a limited number other business owners. At one event you may only arrive at talk with Three or four fellow members. This is fine because the impact of these conversations is going to be much more than just circulating around saying "Hi". Don't be that annoying guy who just thrusts his business card within reach of everybody in the room. That guy does not get any company nor any respect. And without respect they won't refer you. It is a a bit more investment of your time but finding out first regarding their business and asking them some probing questions you can get far better results. And also, since you are going to almost all the events anyway you will see the folks you didn't reach speak to. You will have a chance on the next event to schedule an appointment A few new people. You can say "Hi" and obtain quick updates from the 3 major or 4 people you spoken with at the previous meeting. It's the on top of that worlds. Be active. Be there. Be engaged. You don't have to have a Half hour conversation with any particular owner. 5 to 10 minutes of truly engaged conversation goes a considerable ways. Bonus Tip "If 80% of success is simply turning up then 80% of networking success is simply staying in touch." - (paraphrase) from master networker Keith Ferrazzi Write down notes from the conversation about the back of the business card. Get those specific details about their business or problems they're having noted. And you can offer solutions or resources to assist them to the overnight. Or perhaps the next event the truth is them at. This can be so useful to them they'll remember you usually. Are going to compelled to touch on you every chance they get. And becoming referrals is the main reason you're investing all this time into your local Chamber of Commerce anyway. |
