Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Chamber

Actor and director Clint Eastwood once said, “What you put into life is what you get out of it.” The same can be said for a chamber of commerce membership. It’s not enough to pay your annual dues. If you want your business to thrive, you must use the opportunities the CV Chamber affords. The chamber is essentially an organized, active network of like-minded people. It’s up to you to utilize that network. Here are five ways to get the most out of your chamber.

1.) Attend Chamber Events. In the words of another film director, Woody Allen, “Showing up is 80% of life.” Just showing up at our monthly mixers allows you the opportunity to shake hands with other friendly business owners in town.  Sponsoring and attending Chamber events like tomorrow’s Scholarship Golf Tournament and September’s Business Expo shows the community that you care.

2.) Speak Up. We offer mixer attendees the opportunity to do a one-minute “elevator pitch” about their business to the crowd. It’s a great way to get the word out to listeners eager to network with other business owners. Double-down on your company’s visibility by bringing a raffle prize donation to the mixer! A gift card, a certificate for free services, a bottle of wine – you decide what to donate and we’ll be sure you get name recognition.

3.) Submit Your News. Shoot us an email and tell us what’s new with your business.  Do you have an event or promotion you’d like to share with the Chamber community? We can put it in the next bi-weekly eBlast to our members.  Sending a flyer in pdf format is best. There’s no cost, but due to limited space, one or two mentions is all we can offer. And if you haven’t already, sign up for our Chamber eBlast (a.k.a. eNewsletter) online for invites to Chamber events and news about community events.

4.) Stay Up to Date. Every once in a while look yourself up on our Chamber website directory. Is all the information current? If not, let us know. People all over the country check our website daily for business referrals. Residents stop in to the Chamber office as well. Bring in your up-to-date literature and business cards for display. We regularly use this column to write about new and continuing business members so keep us up-to-date.

5.) Offer Discounts. Soon we’ll be launching a revitalized member-to-member discount program. Participating members will be given a window sticker declaring their Chamber membership and their willingness to offer other members a valuable discount on goods and/or services. Call the office for information.

It’s only $115 per year (for businesses with five employees or fewer) to be a Chamber member. Where else can you find advertising rates so low? You get a 24/7 listing on our website and in our Best Business Directory. Plus it aligns your business with others at the forefront of our community. Check out our website for more information: www.crescentavalleychamber.org.

  Lisa DUPUY