So I just joined the local county chamber of commerce - and it turns out that I’m the only window cleaner they have! There are a couple of larger companies I’ve seen in town and a few independents, so it was surprising to find out that I’d be the only one there.
I’ve heard from another guy (real estate investor/landlord) from town about how much success hes had with the connections made in the organization - he hardly has to reach outside the chamber anymore!
Has anyone else joined their local chambers? Why or why not?
I have no experience with the chamber but I have had a few barter for business establishments call me saying they have work for me. I just politely let them know I can’t keep up with the paying customers at this time, but thanks for your inquire. Funny how they won’t divulge any info regarding the prospective work after that.
I joined ours because they’re an independent organization and actually lobby our state for PRO business legislation. So I’m all about that. But the networking events are definitely worth it and if you get involved you could definitely work it.
joining the local chamber over here its a case of you scratch my back i must scratch your expensive back in return -from what i understand . i was invited a couple of years ago by a member . he got me to clean his windows quite cheaply while trying to persuade me to undertake a therapy course ran at his
home, at great expense
I have had good and bad experiences involved with different Chambers over the years. I have met some nice people and have picked up some business. You just have to remember that the Chamber will always put the perpetuity of the Chamber over the members.
I was involved with a Chamber once where the members had no say in the officers. The was a “committee,” a clique of members who made the decisions and the members didn’t even get a vote.
Here in Tallahassee, we have two chambers. One is the Tallahassee/Leon county and the Florida Chamber is also located here. Both are very expensive to join and both are supporting the mega-corporations and could care less about small businesses. It is all about the money. Unless you have tens of thousands of dollars to support programs that stifle small business but favor the big boys (pro-illegal immigration, firing american workers to replace with green card holders at cheaper wages, etc.,) you will have no voice.
I’m kicking around joining the one here in Austin, glad to hear others are benefitting from it around the country. Also looking into joining the builders association. I’d love to lock in new construction opportunities with both make-ready and post sale follow up work.
I’d love to hear about your experience! I’ll let you know how I’m doing with it as time goes on - right now I’m going to take advantage of a brochure/biz card room they have as well as a new comers introduction seminar. They also have a few groups within the chamber - the one I joined meets up and goes to a different business every time and allows everyone in the group to introduce themselves, pitch the business and, I assume, up-sell membership to the chamber - among other things.
the opportunities are endless! its all about execution!
