Whether you are a new start-up or the owner or representative of a well-established business most likely the first business organization you thought of joining was the Chamber of Commerce. It’s almost a reflex action for many local businesses to join because of the Chamber’s long history of business advocacy.

So, now you’re a Chamber member. What next? What does your local Chamber of Commerce offer that you can’t get through social media, teleconferencing, or the like? Why, the opportunity to actually meet and interact with other local business owners and representatives in your community.  Community involvement in your area makes your business visible and increases your brand awareness to those who could be your best sales people – your business neighbors.

Social media has presented us with the ability to spread our business propositions further and wider than ever before, but it has not and cannot replace a real human to human exchange. Just think about all the “friends” and “followers” you and/or your company have amassed. Which ones stand out and which ones elicit a “Who?” response in your mind? Your head shot, no matter how professional is still one dimensional.  Only human beings are capable of making a real connection with another person.

However you want to say it, call it karma, “you reap what you sow”, etc. , it really is true that you can expect a return proportionate to your investment. An active member, especially one who is interested in working with other businesses to give back to the community, is much more likely to be promoted by other businesses and the community in turn.

How can you make the most out of your membership in the Chamber? A good start would be registering for one of our events. Suppose you have decided to be proactive, to get involved with your local business community, and put a networking event on your calendar. What’s the next hurdle you need to get over? Perhaps you’re more of an introvert and crowds of strangers are not your forte or you’re just not sure of the best way to present yourself and your business in a networking environment. This blog series is meant to address some of these issues in hopes of aiding our members to get the most out of their Auburn Chamber of Commerce membership.

However you want to say it; call it karma, “you reap what you sow”, etc. , it really is true that you can expect a return proportionate to your investment. An active member, especially one who is interested in working with other businesses to give back to the community, is much more likely to be promoted by other businesses and the community in turn.

How can you make the most out of your membership in the Chamber? A good start would be registering for one of our events. Suppose you have decided to be proactive, to get involved with your local business community, and put a networking event on your calendar. What’s the next hurdle you need to get over? Perhaps you’re more of an introvert and crowds of strangers are not your forte or you’re just not sure of the best way to present yourself and your business in a networking environment. This blog series is meant to address some of these issues in hopes of aiding our members to get the most out of their Auburn Chamber of Commerce membership.