The Benefits of Joining a Chamber for New Businesses
Every new business is looking to establish itself in its industry. Not only do they want to turn a profit, but they also want to become a respected member of their community. Joining your local chamber of commerce is one of the best ways to not only improve your bottom line but also establish yourself as a source of local inspiration.
While it's true that joining a chamber of commerce can cost you some time and a small membership fee, the benefits are monumental. This post will briefly go over the benefits that a chamber of commerce can provide a new business or one that has struggled to get going.
Network and make Business Contacts
Joining your local chamber is one of the easiest ways to meet other successful business owners in your area. Not only can other business owners help you increase your professional savvy, but they also provide a network that drives customers to you. One of the best ways to get new customers and clients is through word of mouth. If you are close allies with other business owners in the area, they will either use your service themselves or else direct their business contacts to you.
Increase Business Exposure and Gain Revenue
The best way to increase business is by being visible in your community. When you join your local chamber, your name and business will appear in their newsletter and on their website. Customers looking for businesses backed by their local chamber of commerce will be able to readily find your business. According to chambercoalition.org, businesses in their local chamber of commerce enjoy a 57% increase in local reputation and a 63% chance increase that customers will patronize their business in the future.
Receive Chamber Newsletters
As a member of your local chamber of commerce, you will have access to their regular newsletter. Some put out a newsletter weekly, others monthly. The chamber of commerce newsletter will promote significant legislation, feature local businesses, give special deals and discounts, and put out any other local business news. A chamber of commerce newsletter is one of the best ways to stay involved in your community.
Bring Credibility to your Business
When you join your local chamber, you establish yourself as an area authority. Other business owners and consumers see you as someone who takes their business and community seriously. Through your local chamber of commerce, you can host seminars, Q&As, and other workshops. Hosting events that help other business owners and locals will establish you as a trusted source of information and allow you to better your community.
Gain a Voice in Local Government
Joining a chamber not only allows you to gain a foothold in the local business scene but also provides you with important political connections to help your voice be heard. You can run for a position on the board of the chamber of commerce to directly influence the benefits that the chamber gives local businesses. Or you can use your connections to run for local office, letting you make changes to the community at large.
Watch your Business Flourish under SOCA
Joining your local chamber of commerce is a clear sign to consumers that not only are you serious about improving your business, but also the community at large. Creating a strong network of business owners allows local businesses to stand strong against international corporations and keep the local economy booming.
The Southern Ohio Chamber of Commerce (SOCA) is one of the best in the state when it comes to putting local chambers of commerce first. We represent more than 100 chambers of commerce throughout Ohio, including tens of thousands of businesses all over the state. If your local chamber of commerce hasn't joined SOCA yet, you're losing important buying power that could take your business to the next level. Tell your local chamber to join SOCA today.