Mastering the Membership Maze with Glen Gould
Thinking about dropping your chamber of commerce membership? Better think again.
If you're like many small and mid-sized business owners you're likely seeking every possible way to trim the fat, cut costs, and draw maximum value out of every dollar you spend. And this is with good reason. Just listen to the conversations at the table next to you in any restaurant and within a moment or two you'll hear people talking about "this economy".
So it might stand to reason when you receive your chamber of commerce membership invoice that you'd think twice before sending the check. After all, this is one business expense you might be able to do without, right? And how can you tell if your chamber membership is really helping you? You'll likely do just as well without that expense, right? Well, not so fast.
In a study by The Schapiro Group and Market Street Services, consumers indicated that companies who are members of a chamber of commerce enjoy a 44% increase in consumer favorability, 51% increase in consumer awareness, and a 57% increase in their local reputation. It could take tens of thousands of dollars in advertising to receive such benefits, but for less than a thousand dollars in most communities (much less in many) you receive this and so much more.
That's a huge benefit for the investment. And there's more: Consumers report a 63% increase in the likelihood that they will patronize a business in the future when they know that business is a member of the chamber. Simply put, remaining a member of the chamber makes good business sense, now more than ever.
Once you renew your chamber membership, get involved in the chamber. Attend meetings regularly and network with business professionals and peers from across your community. You'll build your reputation even more; becoming known, liked and trusted, and being referred by your fellow members.
Chambers of Commerce provided the single best way to grow your business. Even in "this economy", being a member of your chamber of commerce just makes good business sense. If you're not a member, join your local chamber today.
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