Scale Up Strategies: The Business Podcast for Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers
We're your hosts and Business Coaching experts Mary Fain Brandt and Laura Bashore
We’re sharing all our mistakes and insider tips from our 20+ years in business and
how we successfully scaled up our businesses without losing our minds or our husbands.
Sure you can piece it together and try to DIY your way to success
OR
you can listen to us every week and learn the shortcuts because we promise there
are some.
Scale Up Strategies: The Business Podcast for Coaches, Consultants, and Speakers
Explore the Impact of Chambers on Local Economies - And Why You Should Join!
Unlock the secrets of Chambers of Commerce as we explore their rich history and modern-day impact on business growth and community engagement. Imagine doubling your business connections by understanding the true power of these networks, which have been pivotal since medieval times. Our journey through this episode promises insights into how chambers have transformed from simple trade associations to dynamic engines for local economic development. We share our own stories of finding the right chamber, emphasizing the importance of building a local reputation and fostering genuine business connectivity. Whether you're a newcomer or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to expand, this episode offers strategies to harness chamber membership for valuable relationships and resources.
Get ready to maximize your chamber membership benefits with practical advice and personal anecdotes that illustrate the rewards of active participation. From joining influential committees to staying updated on local policy developments, we reveal how to navigate complex business landscapes effectively. Learn the proactive approaches needed to leverage chamber resources, from seeking introductions to industry connections to asking the right questions. With a focus on community engagement and motivation (and fueled by a good cup of coffee), we encourage you to share this episode with fellow entrepreneurs and keep the conversation going on social media. Join us next time for more enriching discussions that inspire and connect.
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And joining a chamber really helped you grow your business. I think that most people sit on one side or the other of this topic that we're going to be discussing today, but the origins trace back to medieval merchant guides who sought protection and standardization from the trade practices through collective action. Basically it's strength in numbers for businesses but I thought that was pretty funny that it dates all the way back to medieval times. But today, chambers continue to play a vital role in promoting our local businesses. Chambers continue to play a vital role in promoting our local businesses, organizing network events. They provide educational resources and they engage with government officials advocating for, in favor of the small business, and that's probably one of the things that I love, Laura. Like I'm not involved too much on the political side, but I love that I have this organization fighting the good fight for the small business owner right.
Speaker 2:Yeah, well, I will look forward to diving into this because I think it's a really important topic.
Speaker 1:You're listening to Scale Up Strategies, the business growth podcast for coaches, consultants and speakers. We're your hosts and business coach experts Mary Fane Grant and Laura Bay Shore.
Speaker 2:We're sharing all our insider tips from 20 plus years in business, including how we successfully scaled our businesses without losing our minds or our husbands.
Speaker 1:Sure, you can piece it together and try to DIY your way to success. Or you can listen to us and try to DIY your way to success. Or you can listen to us every week and learn the shortcuts, because we promise they're really awesome.
Speaker 2:So grab your favorite cup of coffee, tune in and let's start the show.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and Laura and I are both members of Chambers and we'll discuss or share with you guys how we went about finding our Chambers and our experiences. But we just want to remind you kind of what the role of a chamber is. The role of the chamber is not to say here, join, and we're going to give you clients and customers. I mean, everybody thinks that there's actually a way to do that. That someone in San Diego, our friend, richard Marks, told me when I was joining chambers, so I'll share that. But the Chambers of Commerce are really about fostering local economic development, connecting businesses and providing resources to members. They kind of act like a hub right For advocacy, marketing, training and learning. And then I added in there that many of them let you promote your own business. So yeah.
Speaker 1:I love that part, right I mean for your membership you should get something. It's a plus um. So I wanted. We Laura and I love our numbers, we love our stats, so we always like to throw a stat in when we can. So, according to the American Chamber of Commerce executives, businesses that are a member of a chamber of commerce see a 19% increase in consumer favorability and a 68% increase in local reputation. Now that's really important our local reputation, right Well that I mean.
Speaker 2:that is one of the reasons why you join the chamber. When you think of what is the benefit of a chamber, you are looking for that local foothold or that brand awareness within the community. And it's worth pointing out and I know we're going to dive into this that there, depending on where you live, there can be a lot of chambers. Depending on where you live, there can be a lot of chambers, and so it's really important that you go through and take a look at them. But understanding the role of a chamber is first and foremost because you can't judge what's going to be a good chamber for you if you don't understand what their role is. So it's basically a spot for you to build local awareness and get connected with other local business owners who are looking to expand in one way or another.
Speaker 2:There are definitely advantages to this. So I know you and I have both experienced this, Mary, where it's like you will walk into a chamber and maybe the vibe is off, Maybe it feels very awkward. So one of the advantages is access to networking. But you have to remember that you are going to get out of this what you put into it, so you can't expect that everyone else knows how to network, like you do. Likewise, if you're newer to networking, you can't expect that someone else is going to just show you the way. So that's something is that you get networking access, but you've got to understand how to network. You need to focus in on that.
Speaker 2:And then a lot of business resources. So a lot of times people are like I'm on this directory right, Like, and I'm in this directory and that's going to be good for your SEO, depending on what the chamber puts into it. But you have to go beyond the directory and like listing your events. So when you're thinking about that, you need to take advantage of the different opportunities that are there. And I know you're going to talk about this, but, like joining committees, you know, figuring out how you find out about policy and what's going on there locally that's going to affect your business and or your clients. So those are just some of the advantages to having a membership with the chamber.
Speaker 1:Yeah, thank you for that Very well Um overview. I love that. Thank you, um. So I wanted to add, when you said build brand awareness, you know, four years ago I moved from San Diego to Arizona. My network was kicking in San Diego like and I'm not saying that to pat myself on the back, but literally people knew my name and they knew what I did and if I needed something for an event I'd be like email or call, like, hey, I'm looking for this, no problem, we got you, mary.
Speaker 1:And then I moved to Arizona during the pandemic, where I know like two people and I felt like I was starting my business over here and I did. You know, people said join a chamber, join a chamber. And I did go to two different chamber meetings and what you said about the vibe, and I walked into this one and the vibe it was just, it was like being in a hospital. It was cold and sterile, it wasn't warm and friendly, it was just all these people in suits and it just wasn't the right vibe for me. So I put off joining a chamber for about another six months and then I went to the Glendale chamber, which I have been a member of over two years now and the vibe I just like to say it's like my people. They're friendly, they're fun, everyone's welcoming. People do business with each other in that chamber. I do business and I wanted to read another stat that a study by the I know right Stat stat time.
Speaker 2:We need to like a little thing that says stat time, stat time, yeah, little pop-ups. I like that, a little pop-up a little bell that rings, little pop-ups.
Speaker 1:I like that A little pop-up, a little bell that rings. Anyways, a study by the Shapiro group shows that consumers are 63% more likely to buy from a business that is a member of the local chamber. So just by joining the right chamber, your credibility goes up, your visibility goes up, you have access to this huge network and, laura, I've got to say that just today for my chamber here, we do daily deals that are emailed out to our, to the email list, and I did a daily deal for Black Friday and I posted in their Facebook group. So we have a very active chamber. But they're not all like that.
Speaker 1:Like you said, you have to find the right chambers that are a good fit for you, and Arizona is a really big state. Do you know that, like I'm on this side, right on the West side, and there's chambers that are like in Mesa and that's an hour drive for me. So for me that doesn't make sense because I'm not going to drive an hour each way to go to a chamber. So when you're reviewing and checking out chambers, you know, do they have a good membership? Are they active, you know, are they on social media? Do they send out emails? Are the meetings fruitful? Do they have speakers, things like that, and will you actually go?
Speaker 2:Yes, I think that that's so important, like, are you actually going to use that membership or not? Because then you're just a number there and I'll tell you what, mary, I don't know if you knew this, but there are 33 chambers in San Diego County what? 33. In San Diego, in San Diego County, 33. So it's a lot to choose from and it's a lot to figure out, because you have, like, your ethnic chambers, you have your city based chambers, you have your region chambers. So you really need to figure out and take time to decide what's going to actually work for you and move your business forward. That's the whole goal. The whole goal. I've had the same thing where I've been to a few chambers where you know, I was there for about 15, 20 minutes and I was like, all right, that will be it, right, and that's another thing Laura and I are really good about leaving an event.
Speaker 1:We're good at leaving. We won't leave you, though, but no, we're really good. Like if we're at a conference, I'm sorry or an event, and we're there and 15 minutes in we're like, nope, I'm not feeling like this is going to provide value to me that I need. We will leave, and we want to encourage you to do the same.
Speaker 1:Like we just want to give you permission, Like if you're at a conference, or if you're at a chamber and you're there for a half an hour and you know no one's talking to you or the topic is off. Maybe they have a speaker that has. That will not benefit you today. Just know that your time is valuable and you have permission to walk out.
Speaker 2:Yeah, absolutely, because you know, whenever I'm doing a public speaking event and someone reads in my bio and they read in the other organizations I'm a part of and the things that I do, I you know, inevitably, when it gets down to what I do in my free time, you know everybody looks at me crazy and sometimes the person reading me and I was like, do you have free time? And it's like yes, because I pick and choose where I go. And it's like yes, because I pick and choose where I go. So really important when you're talking about chambers, because don't feel like you have to be there. It's about finding the one that's the right fit, so you want to be there.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and I always tell people attend a couple meetings. You can usually go to a chamber meeting for free if you know a guest. So figure out who's already a member of a couple different chambers in your area and go test them out, feel the vibe and make sure you're going. You know, I have to say in Arizona, like August is slow, right, the kids are going back to school, all of that it's hot, right, I know it's hot, kids are going back to school, people are taking their last vacation, so I I'm not going to bring a new guest in august, right? So pick, pick the right season. Um, find a couple people that are active in their chambers and ask them some clarifying questions. How many members? Do you have facebook? Or you know an email that goes out? What does that look like? Because I am attending one chamber right now. They have these free networking events. Lauren, I've been twice.
Speaker 1:I don't get a lot of emails from them. I don't see them on social. And then the chamber that I'm a part of, I get emails. They're on social, they're always posting and I have to just say they're very active on LinkedIn. Now I wonder how that happened.
Speaker 2:Oh, I don't think your influence had anything to do with it.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah, but just you know go to some some events prior to joining. You don't have to go and sign up, Don't feel pressured.
Speaker 2:Yeah, yeah, exactly. I mean so many people go in and out of chambers. That's not, it's not exactly and you just don't want to be somebody who continues to show up without joining, like go think, make a decision, you know, because whether or not you join, it's still reflective of you and you can still find some good relationships outside of that.
Speaker 1:Yeah, absolutely so. Do your research evaluate, go to a couple meetings. But, Laura, I just want to ask you a question. Do you and I know you're a member of two chambers and I'm a member of one when someone asks you, should I join a chamber? Has it helped you grow your business? Laura, has the chamber helped you grow your business?
Speaker 2:Yeah, yes, it has, and it is because I'm an active part of the chamber. Yeah, I get involved and I got involved initially. So I have a good friend and and she's someone you know too, uh, jenny, who she had shared with me. You know that she loved the chamber. But she asked me. She said, but do you get business from here? And I said yeah, all the time in fact. And she said what? I don't, I haven't gotten one from here. I don't know what to do. So I talked to her about some of the tips and things that I do and, lo and behold, now she's getting business from it. So I love that and, to your point, it's not just showing up to the networking, right, that is the bare minimum thing you can do. Join a committee.
Speaker 1:I'm on the marketing committee. I know that you're on committees.
Speaker 2:Yeah, I'm on the economic advisory committee. I know that you're on committees. Yeah, I'm on the economic advisory committee and so I did that strategically. As a business owner, I want to know what's going on and be there. When you mentioned about, you know advocacy and policies. That's exactly what we do on that committee, so I know of things when they're rolling out and you know it can get a little contentious in there because people have different viewpoints. But I get FaceTime with representatives of the city, but more so the county, because that's what my chamber is focused on so county, state and federal, and so that's one way.
Speaker 1:Yeah, our friend Richard Marks, you know he's in a chamber, or I forget, isn't he? Is he vice something he's?
Speaker 2:he's on the board chair for the Encinitas chamber. He's part of the North San Diego business chamber, which is where I'm a board of director. I met Richard through the chamber too. Just years after you did right, we just realized we both know him.
Speaker 1:He told me to join a chamber. But when you join Mary, get on a committee right away because you meet more people. Your name is out there, your name's listed on the website, so you know, just like you said, join a committee, and I love you know. I'm thinking maybe I want to join that committee here. Why not the Economic Business Development Committee? That would seem very interesting.
Speaker 2:It's a good one. You just know everything that's going on and and you get to vote on it, and then in my chamber we also put out an annual voters guide. So what happens is you're going to take stands on props, you're going to take stands on props. You're going to. So we don't do candidates, but we take stands on different props that are coming out, different laws that they're putting in and trying to pass, and so then we will also send a letter off to the representatives and let them know where our standing is.
Speaker 1:So that's really kind of cool and that was really helpful to me, because my chamber does that too. And as I was filling out my ballot with my husband, I had like a couple numbers written down and then he was reading the prop to me and I'm like wait a minute, and it was about funding for community college and something else for small businesses. And so I was like wait, I'm going to text David Rush right now and ask him which way I'm supposed to vote on that, because I want to make sure I do it right. And I thought I knew it, but those props can get really confusing. So having someone that explains it, and you know, I just felt like that was a benefit of being on the chain in the chamber, Like I had access to someone that I could ask right away in the chamber. Like I had access to someone that I could ask right away. What does this mean?
Speaker 2:again, which way am I supposed to vote? Exactly, exactly, and I know. One of the things that we wanted to talk about is, before you even get really deep in there, how you're looking at choosing the right chamber. So some of these things that we're talking about really falls in line with that right, which is finding out what kind of events they do. It's talking about what kind of committees do they have, because not all chambers will have those committees. So it sounds like the chamber that you're in the Glendale one is also robust, and that's important for you and I and probably for most of our listeners, because, okay, we're gearing this towards speakers, coaches and consultants. We are telling you how we utilize this to scale our business, and this is how you can as well.
Speaker 2:But one thing to point out that I like that you pulled was this stat on the higher than average retention. Oh, yeah, and I think that's really important. So around 85% retention is what they're looking for for, like a healthy chamber. But did you know that's also one of the things that goes into their accreditation process? Oh no, I didn't. Yeah, so the chamber that I'm on is the only five-star accredited chamber in San Diego, and so we are hitting that stat and other ones as well. But yeah, so you can actually look up and see if anybody's hitting accreditation and so. But the 85% retention is is very important because it also lets you know how active people are. It's a good indicator, yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, you don't want a chamber that's low membership, inactive, doesn't have social media, doesn't email, doesn't allow you to do any, you know promotion of your business. They joined my chamber in October of 2022 and they reached out to me and I spoke at one of the breakfasts in January because they had someone drop out. So it was like normally it doesn't happen that quick, but you got to ask, like, if you join a chamber, one of the things that I learned is you need to ask how can I get the most out of my membership? Yeah, how can you help me grow my business? Who you know? Not just ask the questions, but, like I am looking to get in front of more hotels in the local area. Do you have connections that you can introduce me to?
Speaker 1:So I think a lot of people join and just expect like fireworks to happen. Right, like boom, it's going to blow up my business. Right. Like you actually have to put effort in by showing up and asking Talk to the business development person, talk to people on the committees. Like, hey, I need help with marketing or I'm looking to get in front of more hotels and hospitality industry. Are there any introductions you can make? I think that a lot of people don't ask.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and to your point, people aren't looking for you. I don't want to burst anyone's bubbles, but the chambers are typically a nonprofit or a not for profit, which means that the way that they are ran right I know I love that phrase, but what it means is that the way they are ran right. I know I love that phrase, but what it means is that the way they are ran is on a very lean staff, so if you don't do something to make yourself a known commodity, they're just not gonna know you. It's not being pushy, but nobody's going to see. Even like. Even if you buy a booth and you're a booth and you are at every single like event that they do and you've got a booth, that's not really getting known. This is about building relationships, and having a booth somewhere doesn't give you the relationship.
Speaker 1:What gives you the relationship?
Speaker 2:Exactly Like what gives you the relationship is going out and speaking with people and, just like you said, sharing something specific that you're looking for. So that person might not know it, but they'll remember you and then maybe they will know somebody who they can connect you to. That does have that connection.
Speaker 1:I am definitely remembered at the chamber because my tagline that I used to use all the time was I take you from boring to badass. On LinkedIn there's enough boring people. Well, that tagline everybody knows because I introduce myself at the chamber when I go every week and when I win a raffle prize, they'll say badass, miss Badass, just won. Come on up here and I just am like, oh my gosh be careful what you're remembered for Right.
Speaker 1:I am that, but you can be remembered. Don't be boring right. Stand out, share tips when you go. It shouldn't be always a self-promotion. Add value to the members there, add value online. Join a committee and you can join more than one chamber. A lot of people think, oh, I only need to join one. But there's different areas, different areas of focus. A lot of our members they're in other chambers here, so if I go, sometimes I'll see them. But that's okay, cause there's a whole bunch of new people too that I don't know. Sometimes I'll see them, but that's okay.
Speaker 2:Cause there's a whole bunch of new people too that I don't know. Yeah, yeah, and and that's the one thing when we're talking about um, talking about like red flags and what to look out for, right, yeah, so we've talked about what you should look for, but it's also very important to see what you should look out for. What are the red flags? To tell you that that's not going to be the chamber for you to your point of low attendance or declining membership. Right, if it's getting real sparse out there, if it's really easy for you to find someone that might not be the chamber for you, does that make sense? Like if, if there's a crowd but it's really easy for you to spot the person you're looking for, that might not enough people in the room Exactly, you know, like, if you're not where's Waldo, wing it a little bit, then it's on the decline, I would say. Then it's on the decline.
Speaker 1:I would say Okay, yeah, I think also you got to look at the leadership right. Yes, I think that's a big one. Are they active, are they involved, do they show up, or are they just a name and a person sitting in an office?
Speaker 2:Yeah, and to that point, board of directors, Ooh yeah.
Speaker 1:That's how.
Speaker 2:I made my decision. I mean, now it's me. But looking at who's on the board of directors, is that the right type of organizations there, the right mix and balance? So let's say you're a small business and the board of directors is heavily tech. You're a small business and the board of directors is heavily tech, unless your small business is consulting within the tech industry. If it is all skewed toward one industry, that might not be the chamber for you. You want it to have a good balance of philanthropic leadership, tech, health, strictly business business and then also small businesses sprinkled in there. Because if there's not, at least depending on the size. So I guess if the ratio is like you don't have like a like at least a 10 to 15 percent of small businesses on there, that's not going to be the chamber that moves for you, because there's nobody even higher, like 20, like our chamber is probably 40 small businesses.
Speaker 1:It's high I love it it's, it's high, it's 40, I would say 40 small businesses, and then the rest is industry specific. You know, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2:I mean hotels. I think also too, though, depending on what it is, so like our the chamber oracle. We have the safari park zoo, uh, sdg and e. So like companies that we have those big names we want to plug into we have amazon, but they don't show up like right, and that's the difference, right, like, are they active? Do they show up? In the one where I'm at?
Speaker 1:They show up and the decision makers show up like we have like Amazon and SRP and Southwest Airlines was a part, and but they're just kind of like sprinkled there to be there, and they're just names on the banner. Like we don't. We don't ever see anyone from there, so that's a little different. I mean, there are some key players in the Valley that do show up, but I think, yeah, you just got to look at it and make sure it's the right fit for you.
Speaker 2:So exactly, exactly, you know.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah. So just to wrap up, test out some chambers. Make sure that you you join the right chamber, get on a committee, introduce yourself, fill out the portal, do the profile, do all of that. That gets your name out there. Be aware of the red flags that we discussed. You want to make sure it has a low, low churn rate and you want to look at leadership. Make sure that the leadership is in line with what you're looking for, and I think the biggest mistake is people sign up and they don't go to the meetings.
Speaker 2:Right, how can you get anything from it if you don't go? So that's one of my things the newer chamber that I joined. I need to start getting more active with them things.
Speaker 1:the newer chamber that I joined. I need to start getting more active with them. Yeah, I always say attend the meetings and it doesn't happen overnight. Like Richard told me, Mare, that first year you're building relationships and it was probably six months and then business was coming in. So I think about six months, if you're consistent, you show up, you're building relationships, you're having coffee meetings, you're sharing valuable tips, I think that you will get business from it when you join the right chamber. So you guys go out and join a chamber and then let Lauren and I know what chamber you're in and make sure you tag them on social when you join. Don't forget, give them some love.
Speaker 2:And if you can't tag them on socials and get involved, if that's the chamber for you, and help them get there, because you do need to be found online and in person. And then if you have any struggles in making headways in your chamber, let us know, because we're pretty savvy when it comes to that we can help you out. So, absolutely, that's going to wrap it up for us today. We want to thank you guys for hanging out, listening to us, remember to share feedback, subscribe, share us out and, hey, if you know people who are on the fence about joining a chamber, maybe share this episode with them or share this on your social and tag Mary and I and our show and we'll see you at the next episode. So until then, here's to great conversations. Wait, what am?
Speaker 1:I saying here's to good coffee and great conversations. Obviously, laura needs more coffee today, so we're going to end this episode and go grab another cup of coffee. Ciao, ciao. If you enjoyed the podcast, show us some love. Please rate, review and subscribe to our podcast, and if you have any feedback, go ahead and share that with us too, because we want to hear from you. Until then, stay focused, stay motivated and stay caffeinated.
