Are you fully using the dynamic potential of your Chamber Ambassadors? While the concept of Ambassador programs isn’t new, the transformative impact they can have on your chamber and community might surprise you. Beyond the traditional role of Ambassador as “official greeter,” you can find ways to do more with your Chamber Ambassadors. These dedicated individuals can become the heartbeat of your chamber, driving engagement, fostering relationships, and amplifying your impact in ways you never imagined.
But first, make sure they’re up to the task.
Recruiting the Right Chamber Ambassadors
Most of your chamber members aren’t suited for this kind of work. And that’s okay. The success of your Chamber Ambassador’s program relies on your ability to recruit and empower the right people for the job. Before you consider upskilling your program, you must ensure you have the ideal people in these important roles.
Read our resources on the topic:
What Do Chamber Ambassadors Do
Doing More with Your Chamber Ambassadors
Once you have the right team of Chamber Ambassadors, it’s time to explore a few innovative strategies to harness their energy and enthusiasm for the greater good. There are many ways to use your team above and beyond making phone calls to new members.
Ambassadors as Community Catalysts
Chamber Ambassadors are more than just chamber representatives; they’re community catalysts. Encourage your Ambassadors to get involved in the community. Whether it’s attending community events, volunteering for local causes, or simply being visible advocates, Ambassadors can amplify your chamber’s presence and strengthen community ties.
Note of caution: make sure your Ambassadors have a deep understanding of what they should and shouldn’t be doing. While you don’t want to douse their enthusiasm, you also don’t want them taking on the role of chamber PR in the community. Yes, they’re doing amazing things. Those accomplishments and activities reflect well on the chamber. However, make sure they understand their opinions do not reflect the opinions of your chamber and shouldn’t be presented as such. Give them the tools and the training to direct all chamber policy questions and calls for opinions to the President/CEO or other appointed person.
Empowering Ambassadors as Brand Advocates
Your Ambassadors are walking, talking embodiments of your chamber’s brand. This goes back to empowering them with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to effectively represent your organization. From comprehensive training sessions to exclusive access to chamber updates and initiatives, ensure your Ambassadors are equipped to be powerful brand advocates both online and offline.
Take a cue from businesses here and how they treat brand ambassadors. People who are selected as brand ambassadors feel honored for the privilege. Part of that is because they feel valued by the business. You want your Chamber Ambassadors to feel the same.
Ambassadors as Networking Ninjas
Networking is the lifeblood of any chamber, and Ambassadors can take it to the next level. Encourage them to connect with members, prospects, and community leaders, fostering meaningful relationships beyond formal events and mixers. By leveraging their diverse networks and natural rapport-building skills, Ambassadors can exponentially expand your chamber’s reach and influence.
Recognizing and Rewarding Excellence
Appreciation goes a long way in fueling Ambassador engagement and enthusiasm. Establish a robust recognition program that celebrates the achievements and contributions of your Ambassadors. Whether it’s spotlight features in newsletters, exclusive events, or tangible rewards using a point system (like the Derby Chamber does), make sure your Ambassadors feel valued and motivated to continue their outstanding work.
Innovative Ambassador Initiatives
Get creative when it comes to Ambassador initiatives. Encourage them to spearhead innovative projects and campaigns that align with your chamber’s goals and values. Whether launching a community cleanup drive, organizing a business mentoring program, or hosting industry-specific networking events, empower your Ambassadors to drive positive change and innovation within your chamber and community.
Many times, Ambassadors think they’re just there to shake hands and welcome people. While that’s a start, there are so many other things they could do. Consider how the Greek system at the university level rushes new students. The more interaction upperclassmen Greeks have with potential pledges outside of formal Rush activities (like in classes and sports), the more likely they are to be successful in recruitment.
People tend to want to join organizations where they know people. It’s easier to build a strong relationship when working together on a meaningful project than by simply attending a mixer. That type of familiarity with the Ambassador is also more likely to aid in retention as well.
Harnessing Digital Dynamics
Don’t underestimate the power of online platforms. Leverage digital channels to amplify the reach and impact of your Ambassador program. From social media takeovers (of your channels for the day) to live-streaming chamber events, encourage Ambassadors to harness the full potential of digital platforms to engage with members, prospects, and the broader community.
Some chambers choose to have Social Media Ambassadors in addition to Chamber Ambassadors as they see a difference between the skills of someone performing in-person networking and reach-outs and online connection building. It’s okay to create a subset of your Ambassador group that handles social media. Just make sure that you are not excluding someone who wants to be involved in social media. Don’t assume an older Ambassador doesn’t have social media skills. Instead, make it open to all who are interested. However, it’s important to provide training and communicate expectations. You want your Ambassadors to be empowered to be their most effective.
Chamber Ambassadors have the potential to be a driving force behind your chamber’s success, elevating engagement, impact, and community connection. By unleashing their energy, passion, and creativity, you can transform your program from a mere formality into a dynamic engine of growth and influence. Together, you can achieve extraordinary things!
