The Business Benefits of Joining the Local Chamber of Commerce

When you open a business in your neighborhood, you get a sense of accomplishment. And you cannot wait for customers to start trickling in.

However, starting the business is just the beginning. Soon after, you start thinking of a way to get more customers. The internet is at your disposal, and you can use social media to reach more clients.

But there are other traditional ways of increasing traffic to your business. Joining the Local Chamber of Commerce is a smart business move.

If you are not sure of the benefits of joining the local Chamber of commerce, keep reading to find out.

What is the Local Chamber of Commerce?

It is an association that promotes and protects businesses in a community. A group of business owners forms the membership of this organization.

The members are at liberty to choose their leaders and representatives. They also discuss various issues affecting their businesses. And champion policies that protect and grow their businesses.

The Chamber is not a government entity. But it works closely with the government. It not only drives the agenda of local businesses but also those of the community.

The Chamber of Commerce has a rich history. The first one was known as the Charleston Chamber of Commerce. It was formed in 1773. But it wasn’t until 1912 when President Taft requested a meeting with several trade organizations.

It was in this meeting that the Chamber of Commerce as we know it was formally formed. Today, most communities have their Local Chambers of Commerce. Suzanne Clark is currently at the helm of the US Chamber of Commerce.

Benefits of Joining Local Chamber of Commerce

So, what does a small business owner gain by joining the local chamber of commerce? Here are some key benefits;

Business Exposure

When you open a business within your neighborhood, it takes time to attract customers. Your family and friends may know about your business, but you will need more than that to sustain it.

To garner more clientele and boost your sales, you will need to put your business out there. Joining the Local Chamber of Commerce can give the kind of exposure your business needs. When the Chamber posts your enterprise on its website, attract more quality links.

The links improve your business ranking on Google. People moving to your neighborhood come to you for a particular product or service. And this fosters your business growth.

Appearing in the Chambers list of businesses opens your enterprise to the larger community. The association may also highlight your business in other publications. Putting your business in the limelight translates to more customers.

Networking Opportunities

Networking opens new opportunities for small businesses. The local Chamber of Commerce holds meetings and other events frequently. Attending these gatherings allow you to interact and connect with other professionals.

You may even get more invitations to conventions and expos. Both within and beyond your community. Joining the Local Chamber of Commerce increases your business reach through networking.

It opens the door for you to interact and partner with other like-minded business owners.

In events that the Chamber organizes, meet different people. These include local bank managers, insurers, and people who work with business regulatory bodies. Connecting with these stakeholders is instrumental for your business growth.

If your enterprise ever gets into any problems, you can count on the help of other members of the Chamber.

The Chamber of Commerce also acts as a point of business referrals. Many people call the association offices hoping to get information on local businesses. The Chamber refers these individuals or businesses to you.

Marketing Opportunities and Business Credibility

When you first join the Local Chamber of Commerce, it helps you promote your enterprise. The Chamber boasts of numerous business promotion avenues.

You could leverage the association’s website, print advertising, social media, and community events.

Also, it takes time for people to take your business seriously. Potential customers might be skeptical of your trade at the beginning. Becoming a member of the Chamber gives your business much-needed credibility.

Research shows that customers trust businesses that are part of the Chamber, more. 49% of consumers are more confident in their dealings with such enterprises.

People are 40% more likely to eat from a restaurant whose owner sits at the board of the Local Chamber of commerce.

The Local Chamber of Commerce gives your business a competitive advantage against non-members. You can put the association’s logo on your marketing materials and website. And your business will appear more credible than that of a non-member.

Most Chambers keep a list of all members. The information is a part of the association’s directory. Non-members and members have access to this list.

When you want the contact of a person with purchasing power, you can get it from the Chamber’s directory.

Improves Your Business’s Likability Factor

Consumers tend to buy more from the businesses they like. If you are well-loved within the community, most people will want to do business with you. Participating in the Chamber of commerce builds your likability factor.

People get to learn about you more through interactions at the Chamber. And they begin to like you based on your commitment and participation in the chamber. Soon, you become a respected member, and a lot more business starts coming your way.

Participating in mentorship programs and providing solving problems makes your business more likable.

Access to Business Funding

Business ownership requires funding sometimes. Getting the funds for your enterprise is not always easy. The Chamber can help you get the funding you need.

The Chamber of Commerce has a wide network. It works with the government and educational agencies. Be it funding or pertinent legislation, the chamber provides the information you need.

You can leverage this information to get the necessary funding and grow your enterprise. The Chamber is one of the best support systems for your enterprise.

Receiving Newsletters

As a new community member operating a local business, you need to learn the ropes. Receiving newsletters from the chambers helps you to understand the business community.

The Chamber newsletters can provide tips about running a business within the locale. And this information helps you make better business decisions.

Advocacy

In every community, some factors affect certain businesses. Voicing issues affecting your business without the right platform is futile.

The Chamber provides a platform for advocacy. It takes on crucial issues such as unfair taxation and new regulations. The Chamber uses its resources to push for the agenda of small businesses like yours.

These are resources and time that you may not have. And it is much easier for the government to issues that the chamber raises seriously.

Invaluable Business Resource

The Chamber provides invaluable insight for local businesses and their owners. When you attend its events you are likely to learn something new. It could be a business operation or smart management.

Whatever you learn in these events improves your business acumen. It brings about fresh ideas that can help take your business to new heights. The Chambers educational training programs help to refine business skills.

The Chamber also keeps you updated on new business trends. It provides expertise in social media marketing, and so on. The workshop organizes for its members helps to grow their businesses.

The Local Chamber of Commerce may also provide facilities for business owners. If you want to run a sensitization program for your business, the chamber can provide a meeting hall for the event. The facilities may not be free, but you will get them at affordable rates.

Access to Inexpensive Business Promotional Tools

Businesses require publicity and promotions to grow. You need money for advertising and ribbon-cutting events. The Chamber offers these packages to members at affordable prices.

Motivation and Encouragement

In the world of business, you face many hurdles. Some of the challenges your business is facing may seem insurmountable.

The Local Chamber of Commerce allows interacting with other business owners. From these conversations, you can find the motivation to improve your business. And overcome common challenges.

Other Business Benefits of Joining the Local Chamber of Commerce

Employee referrals from this association can help you recruit hardworking and trustworthy personnel. The Chamber is also a formidable resource in business compliance. If your business is facing regulatory issues, you can count on the chamber.

Small businesses face various cyber and physical threats. The association may offer consultation and guidance regarding business security issues.

Join your local Chamber of Commerce

The business benefits of joining the Local Chamber of Commerce are indisputable. Do not miss out on these perks. They could be what your business is missing to get to the next level.

Learn More About the Association

Would you like to learn more about the Chamber of Commerce? Information on how this association functions and how you can join it is available. You only need to find the right resources.

For more informative on the business benefits of joining your local chamber of commerce, keep reading from our website.