In the past few weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with several Chambers of Commerce about building blog sites. Not just for their organization, but for the businesses they serve.
I’m a member of three Chambers in Iowa, and about to become a member of a few more. I don’t join a Chamber just because I believe I can get more business. If a Chamber can offer value to my business AND I believe I can add value to that business community, I become a member.
Spirit: Collaboration + Competition = Creativity
Can I add value just by being on the member list? I don’t think so.
A business leader’s active role in the business community is necessary for Chambers to really work well. A collaborative spirit. A competitive spirit. Together, they make for a creative spirit.
Who serves who?
If the mission of a Chamber of Commerce is to
- build awareness for the business climate,
- growth in professional development
- act as a resource for the business community
then it’s important that they throw away the politics and the practice of of disabling committees. Serve the members, and by doing so – they will become your evangelists.
On the other side of the coin, smart businesses will become active in the networking events and development opportunities that a Chamber provides. And if they aren’t adding value – politely and professionally let the folks at the Chamber know what would add value. Serve the Chamber, and by doing so – they will become your evangelists.
Like any conversation, like any dance…like any relationship, it takes a responsive and responsible commitment by both parties to add and gain value from the relationship.
I’ve been fortunate to witness these folks at work and serving their business communities well:
- Mary Bontrager, Meg Fitz, Amanda Steward at the GDMP
- Marjie Foster in Lamoni
- Shelby Kruse in Siouxland
- Linda Hulleman in West Des Moines
Are you involved in a Chamber of Commerce? How’s your relationship working out?
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Find Your Social Media ROI
I hear it from a lot of business owners: “Where is the ROI with all this Social Media?“ If this is a question you ask yourself, maybe we should work together a bit more. We can work together solo, or via a professional learning community. Find and increase your ROI. There is a “there” there.
