Find Success in Your Chamber

A huge assumption that we find from new organizations to the Chamber is that “just joining” is enough to boost business. This assumption, unfortunately, never seems to be the truth. While we would love to be able to devote our time all 900-business members, it is humanly impossible to do so with a staff of eight. Here is an easy analogy to explain; it’s just like getting a membership at a gym and never walking through the door. You won’t get the results you want unless you put forth some of the effort. And while this saying has been said over and over, the credibility seems to remain.

We understand that every business is not the same size and each has a different budget, but we want the Chamber to work for EVERYONE, not just the members who can spend the most money. So below, I have listed just a few options to get involved, promote your organization, and make a few business connections—without spending a dime!

1.)   Attend a monthly Business After Hours. This is probably the most popular Chamber benefit we offer—and it’s FREE! They are held the third Thursday of every month at a different member’s location. It is a great opportunity to be in a casual business setting, enjoy free food, and pass out your business cards.

2.)   Write a business spotlight in The Circuit Magazine. Just write a short 150-word blurb about your business (can be anything from new employees, to a specific product) and submit an image. This is perfect for you if you love print advertising but didn’t leave enough room in your marketing budget for an ad.

3.)   Offer to speak at an IdeaCamp. These “think tank” sessions are a brand new concept to the Chamber and hosted by our IdeaWorks committee. Share your business insights in front of an audience of about 50 members. Intimate connections are perfect ways to share what your organization is capable of.

4.)   Use our Visitors Information Lobby. Drop off any business cards, brochures or flyers at our front desk and we will be happy to distribute them for you. Yes,
we have a lot of tourists walk through our doors, but our business members walk through them more!

5.)   Join a committee. This might be a more time consuming task, but it is extremely rewarding. Other than networking with committee members, you get to contribute your skills to a better cause. From education to young professionals, or small business to ambassadors, there is something for everyone.

6.)   Don’t forget to send your PR! Any special events, specials, or news that you would like FREE help promoting…we are there for you. Send us your PR and we will gladly add it to our website and our weekly e-newsletter—the Beach Buzz.

See, it doesn’t cost a lot of money to have the Chamber work for your benefit! We are here to help YOU succeed in whatever area of business you may be in. Taking care of business, YOUR business, is our job.