Every Chamber pro has been there—the member who just keeps pushing. They want more visibility than their membership tier allows. They ask for special favors, personal introductions, or free access to paid opportunities. They press for something that feels small in the moment but big in its implications. Saying yes can backfire, setting a precedent […]
The Complete Guide to Creating Effective Chamber Annual Reports
Creating a compelling annual report is one of the most important ways your chamber can showcase its value, attract new members, and demonstrate accountability to stakeholders. But the thought of compiling one can be exhausting to most of us. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide to walk you through the essential components and best […]
How to Answer “What Have You Done For Me?”
Turning the Year-End Review Into a Chamber’s Most Valuable Marketing Tool You’ve worked tirelessly throughout the year—advocating at city hall, celebrating ribbon cuttings, launching new programs, and answering countless “quick questions” from members. Yet when renewal time rolls around, someone inevitably asks: “What has the chamber done for me lately?” You probably offer a rehearsed one-size-fits-all […]
How Women’s Groups Drive Revenue and Retention for Chambers
Why are there women’s business or leaders groups? Can’t men and women be in the same business group? Why do some people market themselves as “women’s speakers”? Can’t they speak in front of men too? Does this line of questioning sound familiar? If you have a women’s group at your chamber, maybe you’ve been asked […]
Chamber Strategies for Deeper Engagement
Tell us if this sounds familiar. At a recent chamber networking breakfast the executive director (or president/CEO) watched about thirty business leaders as they sat around tables, half were checking phones, a quarter appeared to be mentally planning their next meeting, and only a handful seemed fully engaged in the conversation happening right in front […]
The Visibility Playbook: 5 Steps to Amplify Your Chamber’s Visibility
You’ve posted your event to social media. You’ve added it to the newsletter. And yet… crickets. Days later, when you post event pics, people tell you they didn’t know about it and said they would’ve gone had they know. After all your hard work, it’s one of the most frustrating things a member can say. […]
Speed Networking: Fast-Tracking Business Connections
Speed networking is the professional cousin of speed dating, minus the awkward small talk about your ex and plus a whole lot of business card exchanges. It’s a fast-paced, highly structured way to meet new contacts in a short amount of time, and it’s extremely popular because it’s a powerful tool to grow networks, build […]
How to Boost Retention with Industry-Specific Chamber Events
We’ve all heard it: “I didn’t renew because I didn’t get my money’s worth” or “I’m sorry but we have to cut back.” Ouch. But what those things really mean is that they didn’t see the value in what they were paying. Sure, you can name all the benefits of the chamber but if they […]
