Why join your local Chamber of Commerce?
Finding new business has always been essential for any thriving enterprise, but the way that you can obtain and develop your business is not always clear and differs for every business.
While the world of business is never predictable, joining your local Chamber of Commerce can help your business find more stable growth in the long term by finding new connections and leads that may help your business succeed.
We’ve come up with a handy list of why you should always consider joining your local chamber:
1) Networking and community opportunities at your local chamber
To capitalise on any opportunity, you need to be in the room (or on the Zoom) where it happens.
Finding like-minded people that may be interested in your business, be champions of your brand or just want to know what you are up to, why not take the time to speak to those who are already geared to hear what you have to say?
Connecting with your local community can reveal new leads and collaboration to help your business grow. Who knows where this may lead, new customers, routes to market, suppliers, even new products and processes that you may have never considered before.
2) Raise your profile in the business community and beyond…
Being a chamber member is not just about what you are going to get out of membership it is also about what you can give to it.
The saying ‘givers gain’ is always worth remembering; by helping your Chamber and its members you will soon find will be paid back as those you have helped become advocates of you and your business using their networks to spread the word about you.
3) Talking directly to the movers and shakers
Do you want local government to respond and pay attention to your business needs and concerns? There is strength in numbers and Chambers of Commerce are respected voices that work to change minds, lobby for change, advocate on behalf of members and even support charitable efforts in the local community.
4) Learn from others
A business can really benefit from new avenues of thought and planning, and Chambers usually have opportunities for businesses to develop their knowledge and learn from each other as well as hear and learn from a wide variety of guest speakers from many sectors. Even if not explicitly, attending meetings or subscribing to newsletters to find out what is going on locally will provide information and potentially present opportunities you may never have known or thought of.
5) Meet your competitors face to face
Knowing your competition is different from knowing who your competition is. Meeting and seeing how they promote and present their business can only help you and bring out your unique selling points to your future customers/clients.
Ana Christie of Sussex Chamber, which covers both East Sussex and West Sussex, said:
Sussex Chamber provides members access to an array of free and discounted business support services, with new services in mental health & wellbeing, green sustainability and a new skills agenda. Membership allows businesses to grow their reach and networks, develop people’s skills, explore new markets and influence policy. You can find out more on our website.
Whilst Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES), which connects chambers from across Sussex, said:
As a business network of all local town Chambers of Commerce, we represent over 4,000 local businesses. Collectively we offer major business networking events and conferences together with local support, we help businesses overcome barriers to business, boost the economy and work closely with local and national policy makers. You can find out more here.
Whether you live or work in the area, there are local chambers across East Sussex that can support your business, who work together as a part of the Alliance of Chambers in East Sussex (ACES) to represent the businesses of East Sussex as town chambers:
Crowborough & District Chamber of Commerce
Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce
Hailsham & District Chamber of Commerce
Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce
Heathfield Chamber of Commerce
Peacehaven & District Chamber of Commerce
Rye & District Chamber of Commerce
Many chambers welcome guests to show them what they are about and if it is right for their business, so why not see what events are coming up?
