Chamber of Commerce

[allan]

Do you find that being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce is an effective advertising tool?

[Chicken]

I don't think it hurts. Cost isn't too much and shmoozing with other business owners and community leaders can't be a bad thing. After we move, I'm going to check out the locals...

[allan]

Originally posted by Chicken
I don't think it hurts. Cost isn't too much and shmoozing with other business owners and community leaders can't be a bad thing. After we move, I'm going to check out the locals...

Interesting -- when I was a member of the local chamber I found that I wound up giving out a lot of free advice, and helping out local businesses, but I didn't really get that much business from it. Most people still went to Earthlink, and the like, for their hosting.

[VoxKeysGtr]

I ended up doing a lot of speeches and presentations, and like Allan, not getting too much business. It's still a neccesary evil, though.

[beley]

We are members of our local Chamber of Commerce... have been for years with each of my businesses. You have to actually participate in chamber events... not just be a member... for it to be effective advertising.

If you get out to the early-bird breakfasts and after-work "coctail parties" (or whatever events your chamber has) and network with other business people you'll see a lot of word-of-mouth referrals come your way.

It opens the door, but doesn't push anyone through, you still have to go get them :D

[allan]

Originally posted by CDHost
We are members of our local Chamber of Commerce... have been for years with each of my businesses. You have to actually participate in chamber events... not just be a member... for it to be effective advertising.


I completely agree -- and when I joined I threw myself in wholeheartedly, but I found that people generally did not trust local technology businesses (except to do things like network their office, sell them toner, and fix their PCs).

Of course, our chamber was always a little bit clique'ish -- which may have had something to do with it :).

[markcw]

Another reason for the local chambers is that you might get alot of free publicity when first joining. I found it actually was better than buying paid ad in the local paper.

However, you really do need to get them as nobody comes breaking the door down. I also think web hosting and design are about as popular as lawyers with most. Many have already had a website and lost it due to bad news hosts and designers during the "free" era.

I would suggest trying to maximize your cost of membership by finding the largest local Chambers to join first. More members = more potential clients.

Does any one know where to find the membership totals for chambers in your area (besides emailing each of them)?

[Martie]

Its also pretty expensive to join, just like the BBB.:o:
In our area, both BBB and Chamber ran 300-$400 per year.
We didnt do either.

[Haddy]

Im getting ready too look into this...I always herd local advertising was the best next to word of mouth...One way to find out....If its extremely expensive I dout ill sign up with the chamber of commerce though..

[allan]

Originally posted by Haddy
Im getting ready too look into this...I always herd local advertising was the best next to word of mouth...One way to find out....If its extremely expensive I dout ill sign up with the chamber of commerce though..

Most Chambers of Commerce offer discounted rates to new businesses, with a single employee -- this is designed to entice you into their world :).

[markcw]

I totally agree with Alan since $400 seems high unless its a state wide chamber or more than 1,000 members.

For $1,000 I can join 6 local chambers and get one year posted in membership directories, probably a free article on myself as well as able to place inserts in the newsletters and web sites at cheap rates.

Local ads would blow thru that money in one month.

[dynamicnet]

Greetings:

"Do you find that being a member of your local Chamber of Commerce is an effective advertising tool?"

Yes, if you get involved and use it as a networking tool.

Thank you.