Chamber Chat: Why You Should Join Your Local Chamber Of Commerce

Chambers of Commerce have come a long way in recent times. Once the domain of white, middle-aged men, our members now include as many women as men, not for profit organisations, schools and people who don't even own a business.

There are three main reasons why business owners and others join our chamber.

CONNECTION AND COLLABORATION

One of the chamber's biggest roles is to create a space for like-minded people to come together and connect. Being in business can be a lonely journey and it can sometimes be tough to find someone who understands what you are going through.

People buy and make buying decisions based on the know, like and trust principle. Spending time connecting with someone in a social environment is natural way for relationships to develop, for people get to know like and trust each other and, thus, for business to occur.

EDUCATION ON BUSINESS

The skill-set needed to run a successful business is very different to the delivery of the product or service the business actually provides. This is one of the major reasons 80% of businesses fail in their first five years.

At our chamber meetings and events, we have speakers who are able to provide our members with street-smart skills and knowledge to meet their business goals, without needing to be a rocket scientist. Our members also learn from and help each other in this area.

ADVOCACY

The chamber of commerce is the voice of local businesses to all levels of government. We work closely with the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland (CCIQ), with a coordinated statewide focus, to apply greater leverage to the government of the day concerning what is best for small business.

The next event will be held on Tuesday 4 February from 6'8pm at the Mon Komo Hotel. To see what others say about Redcliffe Chamber of Commerce visit. www.redcliffepeninsulachamb...


HERE'S HOW YOU NETWORK EFFECTIVELY

Say the word 'networking' and most people cringe (extroverts are the exception), at the thought of having to push outside their comfort zone and go into a room full of strangers to try and have a conversation with someone, in the hope of finding business.

Here are some tips to help you overcome your fears and become a natural networker.

Be interested, not interesting. Get curious about the person you are talking to by being genuinely interested and ask some questions about them.

Pretend that you are the host. This isn't literal, but walk around and be interested in the people there as if they were guests at your party

Wait to be asked for your business card. There is nothing worse than coming home with a pocket full of business cards for people who you know are not your target. Relax, and enjoy the conversation; if you do meet someone you would like to catch up with or vice versa, get a card and follow up.