What’s Wrong with My Local Chamber of Commerce?
Maybe nothing, probably everything.
Are you an SMB (Small and Medium Business) that has joined or is in the process of joining a chamber? Stop right there. First determine your purpose for joining. A social group, a peer group, a networking group (think sales referrals)? If you’re in the social/sales-referral category, read no further. This article is not for you. True leaders of SMBs need substantive peer groups, not social clubs or sales lists.
Consistent attendees of local chamber events come mainly from onesie-twosie operations, and independents (think CPAs, handymen, computer fix-it guys, insurance salespeople, investment planners, and the occasional banker). Every one of those people will be looking for one thing alone. To sell you their product. Period. Therefore if you want a true networking or peer group to grow your business, you are best served elsewhere. Try entrepreneurial associations or other business groups that spring from business schools. Try hand-picking a group of fellow business owners from your current network to start meeting with. Whatever you do, do not use groups like BNI, LeTip, and other similar lead-generation groups. These are squarely back in that independent, sales-lead arena. Your focus needs to stay on filling out your business, not simply getting a couple more sales leads. Hire a sales guy for that.
From time to time you may need lobby efforts or at least access to them. Staying informed of legislation impacting your industry and your ability to have a voice in it are critical. And while local chambers can certainly get the ear of the local politician and even some local media coverage, their effectiveness in bringing true lobby efforts to the small business owner may be marginal. Again, look within your peer group to find out who knows who. This is always your best starting point.
Finally, don’t overlook the need to build an effective advisory team. We hope you have this in place. Although if you’re just building the team now, that task will often lead to access of other business owners in need of just such a peer group. Some of your advisors may be involved with an existing peer group into which you could fit. If you’re finding difficulty in this step, contact us at Kenesco (http://kenesco.com). Our experience helps businesses attempting to fill some of these gaps.
In summary:
- Local chamber membership – don’t do it if it doesn’t fit. If you truly need to participate there, buy only a “friend-of” subscription or advertise with them on an as-needed basis.
- Find a better networking alternative through business schools or hand pick a small group of same-minded, growth, individuals. Stay away from sales-lead groups.
- If you haven’t already built your advisory board, start there. The process may yield you a catch of business owners that are looking for the same peer group experience. Having trouble putting your advisory team together? Contact Kenesco today (http://kenesco.com). We’re happy to help.
David Knea
CEO, Kenesco Computing LLC
http://kenesco.com
+1 (877) 218-1879