I am considering joining my local chamber of commerce. Those of you who are business owners, or part of a business with a membership in a chamber, have you found it to be a good resource or a waste of money? Of course anything is what you make of it and if I do join mine I will be working hard to get my money's worth out of it and the most exposure possible without throwing tons of additional $$ their way for extra special advertising and exposure.

The membership at my level is $295/yr. which includes basic exposure like having my info in the circular they send out to all the homes in the area once per year, displaying my company's info in the chamber office etc... Any additional things like bigger ad in the circular or sponsoring events range in price from $120 - $1800. My main concern out of everything is that there are already about 25 financial professionals in the chamber out of the 400-500 members...I dont want to be in a diluted environment ya know?

Anyone have good/bad experience or good tips to share regarding your chamber experience?

This really depends on your area, and your knowledge of the politics in your area.

As I am becoming more politically entrenched in the development and construction business here in the Orlando and Orange County area, I've learned that joining the CoC in this particular locality means little to your average business owner or community power-player, other than having access to others like yourself.

Move 35 miles to the south into Osceola County (which is my future territory) and being a part of the CoC means everything - Osceola County operates on a "good ol' boy" system and a rather closed and carefully controlled social circle of power-players. In Orlando it's somewhat moot - but I'm not saying membership is not without its merits, of course. But your survival in business just 35 miles south of here depends on being a part of their social and political system. Knowing those who control those things can be crucial to success.

I'd ask other people in your area since I've come to see, at least here, its solely a function of where you live and the political and social climate of the area. For a scant $295, I'd simply buy a membership for the year and see what comes of it. If nothing, next year you simply don't renew. $295 isn't a major investment for what could quite possibly become a sizeable return.

-R

Thanks Roger,

I have figured that at least 1-3 pieces of decent business will come from my association there over the course of the first year, which will far outweigh the small membership investment.

You are right on regarding the social and political aspect...that is my main concern. Alot of these members have been members for decades sit on various boards around town and seem to have some manner of control of the majority. I am not so meek in my business mind as to think that I could not develop a similar role over time though and make a difference based on what I hold as my business/social/political ideals within the community.

Thanks for the input, it helped! :tu:

This really depends on your area, and your knowledge of the politics in your area.

As I am becoming more politically entrenched in the development and construction business here in the Orlando and Orange County area, I've learned that joining the CoC in this particular locality means little to your average business owner or community power-player, other than having access to others like yourself.

Move 35 miles to the south into Osceola County (which is my future territory) and being a part of the CoC means everything - Osceola County operates on a "good ol' boy" system and a rather closed and carefully controlled social circle of power-players. In Orlando it's somewhat moot - but I'm not saying membership is not without its merits, of course. But your survival in business just 35 miles south of here depends on being a part of their social and political system. Knowing those who control those things can be crucial to success.

I'd ask other people in your area since I've come to see, at least here, its solely a function of where you live and the political and social climate of the area. For a scant $295, I'd simply buy a membership for the year and see what comes of it. If nothing, next year you simply don't renew. $295 isn't a major investment for what could quite possibly become a sizeable return.

-R

Yep, I'd join for $295. Roger is right.

Thanks Roger,

I have figured that at least 1-3 pieces of decent business will come from my association there over the course of the first year, which will far outweigh the small membership investment.

You are right on regarding the social and political aspect...that is my main concern. A lot of these members have been members for decades sit on various boards around town and seem to have some manner of control of the majority. I am not so meek in my business mind as to think that I could not develop a similar role over time though and make a difference based on what I hold as my business/social/political ideals within the community.

Thanks for the input, it helped! :tu:

I would think the networking aspect alone would be enough of an incentive to join your chamber. These organizations are most times set up to advocate for local business and politics. They are a true, non bias business organization that will get involved with the many decisions that local government act on.

In my opinion it's money well spent. And who knows, someday you might be elected to become a chairman of the board of your chamber of commerce.

I am pretty certain I am going to join...I think like you all said it is definitely worth the cost of admission. I guess I was mainly (to re-phrase) if anyone also had any good pointers or thoughts on how to make the most of a chamber membership, since it will be new to me. I plan to make it a key part of my business and attend as many functions as I can for the networking aspect.

I guess I was mainly (to re-phrase) if anyone also had any good pointers or thoughts on how to make the most of a chamber membership, since it will be new to me. I plan to make it a key part of my business and attend as many functions as I can for the networking aspect.

You're familiar with the 80/20 rule. This applies to this organization as well. 20% of the members are truly involved with the chamber. 80% join for the benefits of being a member. i.e. healthcare, dental, etc.

Voulenteer for a committee that interests you and you will make new contacts that are there for the very same reason, to make a difference. You can't go wrong being involved locally especially if it's where you live.