Some people think chambers of commerce work magic—and in many ways, they do. But to see real results and get the most from your membership, you need to be involved.
Joining the chamber is a smart move, but the true value comes when you actively engage.
10 Ways to Get the Most from Your Chamber Membership
If you’ve been wondering whether you’re making the most of your membership—or if you’re just starting out and you’re not sure how to get the most out of it—here are ten practical ways to tap into the value your chamber offers.
1. Show Up and Be Seen
The simplest way to maximize your membership is to attend events. Networking mixers, ribbon cuttings, educational workshops, and signature luncheons put you face-to-face with other members, community leaders, and potential customers.
Visibility builds trust, and trust builds business.
2. Introduce Yourself Online
We have a member directory that provides free listings for members. Take advantage of it! Ensure your business profile is up to date, includes a compelling description, and links to your website and social media.
We also have two weekly newsletters–one for business news and the other for events. If you have something you want to share with the community, let us know and we’ll add it free of charge.
3. Use Member-Only Marketing Perks
We also provide exclusive opportunities to advertise on our website, sponsor events, and be featured in business spotlights. These option are more far more affordable than traditional advertising. Plus, they directly reach your targeted local audience. Ask us about low-cost or free ways to get featured.
4. Host or Sponsor Events
Sponsorships aren’t just about logos on banners—they’re about association and visibility. Whether you sponsor a business speaker session, co-host a networking mixer, or provide space for a meeting, you position your organization as a local leader and supporter of the community.
Not into event sponsorships? There may be other opportunities such as naming conference rooms, sponsoring giveaways, or in-kind donations. We are doing some innovative and fun events with creative sponsorship opportunities. And we’re always open to suggestions if there’s something you’d like to be involved with.
5. Participate in Advocacy Efforts
We’re your voice at city hall and beyond. Stay informed about local legislation, zoning issues, and economic development initiatives that affect your business. Around election time, we host candidate forums, post legislative briefings and updates on our website, and have a policy committees so you can get involved in shaping the future of our local economy.
Additionally, you’re always welcome and we encourage you to voice your concerns and opinions so we know best how to advocate for you and your industry.
6. Leverage Learning Opportunities
From business planning to digital marketing to hiring best practices, we host how-cost (or free!) workshops, webinars, and panel discussions to keep you abreast of trends and best practices.
These sessions can save you hours of research—and sometimes thousands of dollars. Plus, you know the products, services, and companies presented in these learning ops are vetted and (usually) chamber members.
7. Connect with Other Members
The Alameda Chamber is a goldmine of potential partnerships. Need a CPA? Looking for a nonprofit to support? Want a trusted supplier? Look to your fellow members first. When you do business with others in the chamber, you contribute to a stronger, more connected local economy. These new partners may also send business your way.
8. Tell Your Story
People want to do business with those they know, like, and trust. Share your milestones, success stories, or community impact with us. We’re happy to highlight your achievements in newsletters or on social media—it’s great exposure and helps build your reputation.
Get personal. If we ask you for a new member writeup for your business, give it some thought. What do you want people to know most about you? How can you make them more curious about you so they’ll sample your offerings? Don’t just copy and paste your website’s about page. You want to give people moments where they feel connected to you. Ask yourself what is it about you and your business that people will identify with or find interesting.
9. Get Your Team Involved
Your chamber membership isn’t just for you—it’s for your whole team. Encourage staff to attend networking events, professional development events and leadership programs, (Leadership Alameda is now open to apply for this fall’s class) or industry roundtables. It can boost morale, expand your reach, and help with talent retention.
10. Ask Questions and Offer Ideas
Finally, know we are a member-driven organization. If you’re unsure how to plug in or have an idea for a new program or service, speak up. We are eager to help and love hearing member feedback. Your input could lead to new initiatives that benefit the whole community.
Your Chamber is a Partner, Not Just a Provider
An Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance membership benefits your business even if you don’t partake in all its offerings. However, you’ll get a lot more out of it if you’re an active member. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a nonprofit director, or the CEO of a growing company, we’re here to support your success. Get involved, build relationships, and use the tools available. You’ll not only grow your business—you’ll strengthen our community in the process.
Photo credit: Maurice Ramirez
