5 Ways to Get More Value From Your Chamber Membership

Joining the Chamber is an investment in your business. Like any investment, the value you receive depends on how you use it. The businesses that see the greatest return are the ones that consistently take advantage of the opportunities available throughout the year.

Whether you are a new member or have been with the Metroport Chamber for years, these five tips can help you maximize your membership and make the most of your investment.

1. Show Up Consistently

You don't have to attend every event, but attending regularly helps build familiarity and trust within our business community. You'll find a variety of networking opportunities throughout the month, each designed to fit different schedules, industries, and networking styles.

Consistency builds familiarity, and familiarity builds trust. The more often members see you, the more likely they are to remember your business when opportunities arise. Our main networking events every month include Business Builder, Networking@Noon, and Metroport Mixer. These are more intimate networking opportunities where you get to meet and connect with new businesses and members one-on-one without a program to interfere.

Quarterly, we host a Membership Luncheon, this is on a much larger scale than our monthly networking events. Ranging from both small and large companies it's a great place to see the range of members we have while enjoying Chamber updates and a featured speaker.

This month, register for one networking event you've never attended before.

2. Take Advantage of Promotional Opportunities

Metroport Chamber membership is not just about attending events. One of the biggest advantages of Chamber membership is increased visibility. Whether you're looking for free promotional opportunities or year-round sponsorship exposure, there are options to fit every business.

Every member is listed in our online directory linked on our website. This listing is completely customizable, kind of like a mini website. Add in links to your social medias, photos, videos, and so much more.

Social media is a great source of free promotion. Within our Facebook we created a members-only group free for all our members to ask questions, promote events, or services that they provide.

If you're looking for an extra piece of visibility beyond the free opportunities, becoming an event partner through event sponsorships is a great way to secure year-long promotion in our weekly newsletter and on our website.

Have a grand opening, anniversary, relocation, or major milestone? Let us help you celebrate and share your story with a ribbon cutting ceremony!

Review your online directory listing and make sure it's up to date.

3. Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts

The strongest business relationships are built over time, not in a single conversation.

For every business card you collect or new member you meet, make an effort to follow up with them after an event.

Imagine you meet three new business owners at Networking@Noon. A quick email or LinkedIn connection the next day can turn a brief introduction into a lasting business relationship.

If you're interested in a deeper level of involvement, think about becoming a Chamber Ambassador. Help the Chamber staff with introducing and educating potential new members on the possibilities and opportunities a chamber of commerce can provide.

After your next networking event, reach out to at least one connection you made.

4. Stay Informed

Every Monday morning, we send out our weekly newsletter with all of the most relevant information for the upcoming events, programs, and promotional opportunities. It's a great way to enjoy your morning coffee and read through the weekly chamber news.

Also its good to keep up to date with any social media or website updates to stay informed of any upcoming events or changes to the calendar.

Members who stay informed are less likely to miss networking opportunities, educational programs, or announcements that could benefit their business.

Check to see if you're following the Metroport Chamber on all social accounts

5. Ask Questions and Use the Chamber Team

We are here as a helping hand and your biggest resource when needing information about membership. The Chamber staff is here to help you connect with the right people, answer questions about benefits, or point you towards upcoming opportunities.

Looking for referrals? Wondering which event fits your goals? Need help promoting a milestone? Reach out to a member on our team and we would be happy to sit down to explain all of your available resources.

Chamber membership is an investment that grows through participation. By putting these five tips into practice, you can make the most of your membership and take advantage of everything it has to offer.

Chamber membership isn't something you simply have, it's something you use. Every event you attend, relationship you build, and opportunity you take advantage of helps strengthen your business and your connection to the Metroport community. Start with one step this month, stay engaged, and you'll discover just how valuable your membership can be.