Chamber Pros: this is a template to help with your ambassadors group. From addressing questions from interested individuals, to onboarding, to fun activities for your loyal, established ambassadors, we have you covered for every stage of your ambassadors program. Customize this template with your individual perks, process, etc.
Ambassadors are the best way to stretch your powers, short of cloning yourself. They are there to represent the organization at events, engage new members, and serve as enthusiastic liaisons between the business community and the Chamber. But recruiting and retaining good ones is essential and that starts with the very first inquiry.
This guide will help clarify and communicate expectations and highlight ways to make their service more rewarding and fun.
The following section is a customizable template for curious potential volunteers. The most critical part of this step is establishing expectations. Without those, you may attract the wrong type of person. This can be an unpleasant experience for everyone. Again, this template is a start.
Use it on your website, break it up into an email campaign for those who showed interest, use pieces of it to send to someone you’re identified as a great fit, or create a brochure or landing page from it. However you decide to use it, it should be customized to your individual program.
Thinking About Becoming a Chamber Ambassador?
Thanks for your inquiry! We’re thrilled you’re considering this unique leadership and engagement opportunity.
Chamber Ambassadors are volunteers who serve as frontline representatives of the Chamber. They’re often described as the “heart” of our Chamber because they play a crucial role in supporting membership growth, retention, and engagement.
Becoming an ambassador gives you the chance to:
- Build lasting relationships with business and community leaders
- Develop leadership and public speaking skills
- Gain exposure for your own business
- Help strengthen the local business community
What’s Expected of a Chamber Ambassador?
Our ambassadors are a special group. As part of their service they agree to:
- Attend monthly ambassador meetings
- Participate in ribbon cuttings, mixers, and Chamber events
- Welcome new members and help onboard them
- Encourage businesses to attend events and utilize their benefits
- Wear their ambassador badge or lanyard at events
- Submit periodic reports or updates on member contacts
- Represent the Chamber proudly
You don’t have to be a professional networker to be great at this! Just bring your enthusiasm, friendliness, and commitment to supporting our business community.
If you’re ready to grow your connections, give back, and become a more visible part of our local economy, the ambassador program is a great place to start.
The following section is a customizable template for new ambassadors. The most critical part of this step is making them feel welcome and excited to be a part of your important program. This is the honeymoon stage. Tell them how much their work means to the Chamber. Again, this template is a start and should be customized to your program.
Welcome Aboard, New Ambassador!
Congratulations and welcome to the Chamber Ambassador Team! You’re joining a dynamic group of professionals who are passionate about promoting local business and enhancing our Chamber’s impact.
Orientation Checklist
Here’s what you can expect in your first few months:
1. Attend Orientation
We’ll walk you through our Chamber’s mission, structure, key contacts, and ambassador roles. You’ll also receive your official badge or lanyard, as well as an updated calendar of upcoming events.
2. Meet the Team
Get to know your fellow ambassadors! They’re your teammates and your support crew. We host periodic ambassador lunches, coffee meetups, or happy hours—be sure to join in.
3. Shadow a Seasoned Ambassador
Your first ribbon cutting or mixer can be a little overwhelming, so we’ll pair you with an experienced ambassador for your first few events.
4. Make Your First Member Contact
We’ll assign you one or two new members to welcome. You can call, email, or even schedule a short coffee meeting. Your job is to learn about their business and let them know what Chamber resources are available.
Quick Tips for Success
We know you’re going to be great at this and here are a few ways to excel:
- Be approachable. New members may be shy—your smile and greeting go a long way.
- Stay informed. Read the Chamber newsletter, follow us on social media, and stay current on event info.
- Promote your involvement. Share your ambassador role on LinkedIn or with your customers—this boosts the Chamber’s visibility and enhances your personal brand.
- Think of your existing network. Know someone whose business could benefit from Chamber membership? Contact them and invite them to coffee. Share what you love about the Chamber and what problem it helped you solve in your business.
Remember, this is your leadership opportunity. Your energy helps set the tone at every event and touchpoint.
The following section is a customizable template for long time volunteers. The most critical part of this step is continued engagement. They must understand how important their role is and what value it brings to their business. If they’re not feeling those things, they may leave. Then they’ll have to be replaced—that means training and time.
Meet with your loyal ambassadors periodically and give them new challenges and opportunities. That’s what’s behind this list. Again, this template is a start. Brainstorm and include your own ideas.
Fun Things for Ambassadors to Do
Thank you for your time and energy. Your continued involvement makes a tremendous difference in the livelihood or our Chamber and the business community. <Insert stats here such as new member growth over the time they’ve been an ambassador, retention numbers, etc.>
Here’s a list of fun and meaningful ways to stay engaged and expand your impact:
Advanced Engagement Ideas
- Attend a New Member Meet & Greet: Be a part of our quarterly coffee (or host a virtual session) to connect new members with each other.
- Lead an Event Check-in Table: Be the first face members see when they arrive. You’ll meet everyone and set the welcoming tone.
- Start an Ambassador Social Media Challenge with the Other Ambassadors: Who can post the best event selfie (or other challenge)? Tag the Chamber and win bragging rights or small prizes.
- Mentor a New Ambassador: Help someone else find their ambassador groove just like someone helped you.
- Create an Ambassador Spotlight: Feature one ambassador per month in the Chamber’s newsletter or social feed. It’s a great way to celebrate service and promote each person’s business.
- Volunteer at a signature event or festival booth.
- Help us plan Ambassador Appreciation Month.
- Send handwritten notes to top-engaged members or ones who are not participating.
- Nominate a fellow ambassador for a Chamber award.
- Serve on a subcommittee for events, membership, or outreach.
You don’t have to do everything—just pick a couple of things that bring you joy and reinforce your commitment to the mission.
Our ambassadors represent the best of our Chamber and help our local business community feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
You are essential to our Chamber. Thank you for showing up, for saying hello, for making new members feel at home, for checking on existing members, and for continuing to invest in your leadership growth through service.
If you have any questions or suggestions, reach out to the Chamber staff or your ambassador chair—we’re here to help.
