The Four “R’s” of Chamber Membership

RECOGNITION

Recognition!  Thanks are what we all want for our businesses!  “The higher my recognition, the more business I’ll generate,” we reason.   Recognition is probably the primary reason most business professionals initially join a Chamber of Commerce.  Their hope and expectation is that membership with the Chamber of Commerce will bring them more business, and more business equates to more dollars!

The Chamber of Commerce IS a great place to get recognition and promote your business.  Chamber members can promote their business at the monthly Chamber breakfasts, business card exchanges, business expos, via the annual Chamber directory, and with other business professionals in the community. 

There are many ways that the chamber provides recognition:

Member Benefits Recognition

• Listing in NL
• Breakfast self intros
• PR – stories in NL – Kudos in NL – Congrats in NL
• Ribbon Cuttings
• Committee Involvement – your name gets out there
• Awards programs
• Business Spotlight

Paid Recognition

• Sponsorships – you get PR
• Advertising
• Door Prizes

The Chamber of Commerce WILL provide businesses a great opportunity for significant exposure within the community.  However, recognition isn’t the only reason businesses should become members.

RESPONSIBILITY

“Responsibility” is another important reason to unite in membership with the Chamber of Commerce.  The Chamber of Commerce is far more than a vehicle for business advertisement.  The Chamber of Commerce provides thousands of people, who are transitioning into our community from other cities, states, and even countries, with vital information about our community.  The Chamber helps those moving into our community experience a smooth transition. 

The Chamber is also an important agent in promoting cultural diversity and cultural acceptance in our community.  Since South Florida is such a vastly diversified community, the Chamber of Commerce helps us all work together for the progress of our community. 

The Chamber is also the chief liaison between our businesses and our city, county, state and national government.  The Chamber has a strong voice in our community and is constantly reviewing proposed legislation that will impact our businesses.  The Chamber can lobby in our behalf, keep us advised as to pending legislation, and be our “eyes and ears” in local government overall.

For these reasons and many more, it is every business owner and/or operator’s responsibility to support our local Chamber of Commerce.  More specifically each member has responsibilty within their membership.  These may include corresponding in a timely manner on information changes within the business, keeping their accounts current, attendance to events, promoting the Chamber to others, follow through on their commitments, to name a few.      

The Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit organization that depends largely on the annual membership dues of its local businesses.  The annual membership dues of Chamber member businesses support all the Chamber services to all the people of our community.   A strong Chambers means a strong community!

RELATIONSHIP

Relationship is the “golden nugget” of Chamber membership.  Many new Chamber members do not understand the importance of relationship in experiencing long-term satisfaction and success as a Chamber member.  The initial “recognition” that Chamber membership provides its new business partners is not in itself enough to promote a surge of revenue for any business.  Many new Chamber members do not understand that “relationship” is really the key to increasing business within the local community.  In fact, when the initial “recognition” that Chamber membership provides doesn’t generate significant sales, many new Chamber members become discouraged and decide not to continue their relationship with the Chamber.  This is the worse thing new members can do!

Those who have stayed the course of Chamber membership over the years have generated increased business.  As Chamber members meet and interact with other Chamber members, strong bonds are forged.  Long term Chamber members are far more likely to “do business” with other long term Chamber members because friendships have been built and mutual trust has been cultivated.  In addition, long term Chamber members are far more likely to recommend to others the services of their long-term Chamber member business friends.  One hand really does wash the other in the Chamber community!  However, it takes time to cultivate such powerful business allies.

The key to building long-term Chamber alliances is involvement.  Serving on Chamber committees is a great way to build long-term business relationships that “pay-off” more and more every year.  Attendance at and participation in Chamber events also builds strong alliances.  The annual “Leadership Course” is another fantastic way to forge very intimate business friendships.  It’s just as true in business as it is in life, “He who shows himself to be friendly has many friends!”

REWARD

With a little patience and time, the true rewards of Chamber membership do materialize.   Just ask yourself, “Why are long-term Chamber members long-term Chamber members?”  The answer is, Chamber membership yields increasing dividends!  Those who have “been around” for awhile have discovered how to use the Chamber to increase awareness about their business within the community, which ultimately yields increased financial rewards. 

Our Chamber of Commerce plays an important role in our community for all its businesses and citizens.  The Miramar/Pembroke Pines Chamber of Commerce, in particular, is renown as one of the best Chambers in Broward County and even within the State of Florida. 

Recognition, Responsibility, Relationship, and Reward.  That’s what Chamber membership is really all about.  Get on board!  Be an impact “player” in our community!  If you’re not a Chamber member, join today.  If you are a Chamber member, stay the course.  Together, we can build a strong community that will benefit us all!