There are few emails more unsettling for a chamber pro than the one that says a major sponsor is out. It’s not just the lost revenue that creates the problem. A sponsor cancellation can affect signage, printed materials, digital promotions, event experience, vendor commitments, and internal confidence. If the sponsor held a prominent role, it […]
If Chambers Want Impact, Advocacy Must Be a Priority
Does this sound familiar? You bring up the need for increasing advocacy efforts on behalf of businesses and you hear something like this from your chamber board: “We don’t want to get political.” “We have members on both sides.” “We don’t want to alienate anyone.” On the surface, it feels like caution. In reality, it’s […]
Is It Time to Rethink Women in Business Programming?
For decades, “Women in Business” programming followed a predictable, if well-intentioned, (usually pink) template. There were the requisite luncheons with floral centerpieces, the panels on “having it all,” and perhaps a workshop on soft skills or networking etiquette. While these events provided much-needed community and have been wildly popular, they often inadvertently “pinned” women into […]
Curing Sponsor Fatigue: A New Model for Chamber Revenue
Drowning in events? It’s a common concern we hear on the Chamber Pros Facebook group. Chamber professionals are quietly admitting the same thing: the calendar feels relentless. Breakfast, luncheon, mixer, workshop, ribbon cutting, awards dinner, committee meeting. Repeat. Why so many events? Because they’ve become the default revenue strategy. When budgets tighten, the instinct is […]
The Chamber Pros Guide to Starting an Ambassador Program
Ambassadors work as an extension of your staff. That can be incredibly helpful in accomplishing more with less. But when they’re not chosen thoughtfully, when expectations aren’t outlines and ambassadors don’t know what’s expected of them, there can be a big disconnect. There’s a lot more to running a successful ambassador’s program than “finding better […]
Finally, a Smarter Way to Track Chamber Member Needs in Real Time
Traditional member surveys fail for one simple reason: they assume your members have the time, attention, interest, and emotional energy to help you run your chamber. They don’t. And before you think, “But our board wants data,” let’s break down what they really want and how you might accomplish that. Yes, data matters. But a […]
When a Disgruntled Former Insider Goes Public
Oprah once said, “Don’t get in the mud with the pigs. You’ll get dirty and they’ll love it.” Here’s the truth chamber professionals don’t say out loud often enough: when your job is built on relationships, reputation isn’t just part of the work. It is the work. That’s why a disgruntled former employee or board member taking […]
5 “New Year” Resolutions for Chamber Pros
Professional resolutions usually flop for one simple reason: they’re nebulous. “Be better at networking.” “Improve retention.” “Get more organized.” Then February hits, the needle hasn’t moved fast enough, and you lose sight of what you were actually trying to change. That’s why you need professional resolutions with impact, the kind you can execute on a […]
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