[Maria Elena Duron]

I'm in agreement with what's already been stated. I caution anyone becoming involved with a chamber to :

• Have a strategic plan on how you will utilize your chamber membership
• Determine if your target market or best referral contacts are active in the chamber
• Be specific on what success "looks like" in becoming a chamber member
• Determine the time investment you'll make - this far outweighs the financial membership dues cost

I feel strongly that not every chamber is a good fit and yet, a great strategic plan, with the right chamber can be a wonderful marketing tool for you and provide quality opportunities for others to sample your character and competence and for you to do the same.

My only caution is to do this homework upfront. Time passes quickly in any membership organization. And, it's easy for you to be approached as a luncheon sponsor, or a banner sponsor, or for the membership directory, and many other creative ways for you to spend your money -- and yet those networking events, committee meetings and leadership roles slip by virtually unnoticed. Before you know it, your year is up!

1. Ask for a list of committees and who is chairing them - even ask for the committee membership list to see "is this a good fit" for me to serve in this chamber committee
2. Ask for a listing of all upcoming membership events and special events
3. Ask for a list of annual sponsorship opportunities

Knowing WHO you would like to best connect with is key as well. It's futile, and way too time consuming, to want to connect with anybody, everybody and somebody! You don't have time for that.

The MEMBERSHIP SERVICES committee - typically decorate for events and are great at soliciting donations for door prizes. Typical, although not an exclusive list, of membership service members are - sales people, solo-preneurs.

The GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS committee - usually involved with government activities, "hill" visits, and new legislation are typically business owners, upper level managers, district managers. They want to know what is coming and what they can influence that might affect their business.

The CHAMBER AMBASSADORS - while a wonderful committee is an extremely TIME INTENSIVE group with strict guidelines for attendance. Granted, it's a great place to be known quickly, yet most chambers require that when you're serving as an ambassador you represent "the chamber" not your business. If you're shy about selling, the ambassadors will help you meet people by the sheer nature of the group.

The RETENTION AND EXPANSION COMMITTEE - usually has community leaders along with business leaders interested in the growth of industry and jobs in your area. They meet with business owners and boards of directors to find out - whose expanding, whose growing, whose looking.

The EDUCATION COMMITTEE - is usually focused on the quality of life in your community and realizes that education is a key factor for companies and individuals moving to your area. The connect mostly with teachers groups, education leaders, school district officials and school supply vendors.

There are a host of other committees within a chamber but hopefully this gives you some insight on the most common ones.