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Fitting In at the Local Chamber...
nothinglikeit
subscriber Posts: 27
I`ve been to a few Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce meetings. I find it`s really cool to meet lots of like minded entreprenuers. But the impression I get is that 90 percent of them have been at it for years, whearas I`ve been trying to start up for a year now. I`m also not directly selling a product that would be beneficial to them (videogames).
I think the purpose of the Chamber is also to add value to the business community and participate. This is of course in addition to networking. So my question is this, what is the best way to participate with your local chamber of commerce when you`re the new guy on the block?
I think the purpose of the Chamber is also to add value to the business community and participate. This is of course in addition to networking. So my question is this, what is the best way to participate with your local chamber of commerce when you`re the new guy on the block?
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Comments
Your business doesn`t seem to be a very natural fit with the types of businesses you usually find in CofC all over the country. I don`t think it`s a matter of you trying to fit in because no matter what you do, the people involved in the Chamber are going to have trouble figuring out how they "link" to you or you link to them to develop more business for each other.
Rather than trying to fit in at the Chamber I think there are groups that might be more beneficial for your participation. Entrepeneur groups, technology groups, and other groups might be more appropriate for your needs.
Before I participate in any business group I ask myself whether or not the group includes people who would make good links for networking. If they don`t, I don`t need to participate or worry about fitting in. I don`t participate in CofC events because I`ve found them to be lacking in what I need for networking. Maybe you`ll discover the same thing I did and move onto other groups that are more productive for you.
In the future I plan on creating training games and games that advertise products. That again would be a viable service that the groups may need. But again, those are both future plans. For the present, I just went to check it out honestly. But I can`t seem to find any reason to join, except some of the business start up stuff I read said seek out your local chamber of commerce.
And you`re right Jennifer, they do seem to cater to large (fortune 500) companies. I was scratching my head wondering what about the "little guy?" I just can`t see why I`d need to join the group now that I look at it.
I guess the next best thing for me to do would be to examine my end customer, and start networking there. I like your idea about the facebook/myspace set nicole. Thanks again for your insight everyone.
I am sorry that this is soo long I got fired up by a response you got. And yes it makes perfect sense. You have you businesses best interest in mind. Some folks would open the doors and dry out waiting for the business. Others would look to immediate gratification or ROI. You are looking to be there for awhile and meet new people. GOOD FOR YOU! GOOD LUCK!