Is a chamber membership worth it? There are many ways you can use it to grow your business. In this article we cover several of them.

Is your business not quite where you want it to be? Do you have big growth plans but are unsure how to achieve them?

You’re not alone. Many business pros feel this way. And it can be a very lonely place to be. Your friends and family who don’t have their own businesses don’t have the same experiences and pressures you do.

You need someone who understands. You need the Chamber.

The Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance can help you create business contacts, increase credibility, expand your network, provide resources, and support professional development.

Whether you are considering joining the Chamber or are already a member but not using the benefits, let’s look at five ways the Alameda Chamber can benefit your business and maximize your resources.

Chamber Membership Benefits 

So, just what do you get out of membership? There are both active and passive benefits of becoming a member. The Chamber:

• Helps you make business contacts. When you decide to join the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance, you open your business to a network of potential partnerships. Business contacts from the chamber could become a supportive community you turn to one day for assistance. In addition, your new business contacts may be the people who serve as your sounding board for new ideas, come up with solutions to internal business problems, and even partner with you on a new endeavor.

• Increases your credibility. Joining the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance could give you more credibility with potential customers. One study found that 63% of customers have a higher opinion of businesses that are chamber members. As your business’s positive perception increases, so will your profits as you establish credibility and brand recognition within your industry. Your membership dues could pay for themselves, thanks to the influx in your consumer base.

• Increases your visibility. As the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance grows, so will your visibility in the community. The chamber hosts many networking opportunities, including Business After Hours, Business Power Lunches, Women Leaders meetings, and other events that allow you to meet other professionals in the area. While the types of events vary, each will enable you to make new connections and gain exposure for your business. The chamber also provides additional marketing opportunities by highlighting your company (and its events) in our newsletter, on our website, or on social media platforms. If you want to get the word out, let us know.

• Provides key business resources. The Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance offers several resources to its members. We share information about low-cost loans or grants. Some members offer discounts to our membership. We also advocate for our businesses. If you need help or someone to speak up for you at the next council meeting, let us know.

• It supports your professional development. In addition to networking events, the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance often holds events and training sessions focusing on professional development. These opportunities are affordable ways to improve your skills and increase your knowledge. The chamber’s professional development opportunities will help your business make necessary changes and share its expertise with others.

How to Join the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance

Visit the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance website to fill out an application form. Then we’ll contact you. It’s that easy.

How to Maximize Your Chamber Membership

Your chamber membership is its most valuable when you take advantage of all the benefits it has to offer. Sure, we advocate for businesses even when you never make it to an event. But it’s a lot more fun and profitable when you get involved.

Here are four ways you can maximize your membership:

• Know why you joined: Be clear on what you hope to get from your Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance membership. Do you want to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, or do you want more visibility for your business? Understanding your primary motivation will help you determine which events and resources to take advantage of (or ask us about).

• Bring your employees: Your membership is a company membership, which means your staff can take advantage of the benefits too. Including your staff is a great way to boost employee morale and offer new professional development opportunities. For example, we hosted two seminars on AI and implementing it in your business recently. Some employers sent multiple employees. That way they didn’t have to choose one to represent the company. Everyone could benefit.

• Take advantage of every marketing opportunity: After joining the Alameda Chamber and Economic Alliance, take advantage of every opportunity you can find to promote your business through chamber membership. We offer different ways to market your company and generate new leads for your business and we’re happy to discuss them with you.

• Participate regularly: Finally, attend events. Get to know other members. If you attend only one event, make sure it’s a Chamber Connections event that will help you better understand ways in which we can work together to build your business. You might also consider volunteering for a committee or sponsoring an event the chamber is hosting. We have several committees targeted around specific industries, interests, or geographic locations to help them with the unique challenges they’re facing and protecting those interests.

At the Alameda Chamber, we don’t want you to sign the check and walk away until next year. We want you to be involved in this vibrant business community. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. Contact us today to learn more about chamber membership.