By Carol Smullen
Orange Chamber of Commerce
Carol Smullen
There are many reasons why social media cannot replace Chamber of Commerce memberships. People think a chamber membership is only about networking and they perceive it as being out of touch. They think they can just meet other businesspeople online and it’s not necessary to join the chamber.
That perception will not help their business growth.
Saying that participating in social media programs for business replaces the need for a chamber membership is like placing a nickel in your coin jar and claiming to have a retirement plan. Sure, the two are kind of similar but you’ll never get the same amount of return from that social media as you will from a chamber membership.
Chamber participation ensures you will have a connection with the community and a marketable designation. The chamber is a well-respected community organization. Most people see it as comparable to the Better Business Bureau. Your membership lets customers know that you intend to be stay in the community for a long time. Being a member of a social media group is not a reputation builder.
Chambers will hold ribbon cuttings when you launch a new business, open a new location for your business, celebrate a milestone anniversary or some other accomplishment. The chamber will be there with a social media mention, perhaps an article, help on a press release, and draw attention to your business venture.
The chamber also provides opportunities for business leaders to meet and have a dialogue with state legislators. Many businesses forget this valuable opportunity. Most businesses can’t afford their own lobbyists, but membership in the chamber is affordable.
Social media programs can be extremely helpful with your marketing to the general public. However, they will never cover everything your chamber can do for your business. There really is no need to choose between them. A comprehensive approach is the best one for business growth. Multiple tools and expenditures are required, and chamber membership is an excellent investment.