Chamber of Commerce - Yes/No?

davisautodetail

davisautodetail

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I was curious about folks that have joined their local chambers, and if it's led to business? I noticed in our area, which is about 60000 people, there are no detailers on the list.

The investment for the low-end membership is about $325, so not terrible, but I don't want to throw money out the window.

Anyone have any advice?
 
Join!

I did it and It has led to so much new business. Chambers only recommend members business to each other (seriously crazy) But they will use you as they arent suppose to use non members for alot of business. Unless its target or something of that nature.

Anyways.. As with all other avenues of detailing.. A few positive recommendations from one or two members will net you a pretty large amount of new referrals.

If it doesn't work as well as you anticipated.. Your only paying for 1 year.. 300 bucks is alot but def worth the gamble as it is a great avenue to new potential clients that couldnt use you otherwise and your the only detailing guy on the List.

For chamber events if you want you can offer a free detail to a winner at one of the social meetings they do.. Good way to get your business talked about :xyxthumbs:
 
Never done before and sure how it would lead to more business. I don't care is a business is a part of it.
 
Look at it as a way to network and find new customers. It might lead to a few jobs among the members. Same as if you join the Masons, Elks, Lions or any other club.

Your ordinary person on the street won't care if you're a member or not.
 
The good thing I guess is that the only other detailer is the local Audi dealer, so no competition. I guess even at $325, it doesn't take many new clients to break even. Joining up!
 
Definitely interested in your feedback over the next year. I've seen very engaged and successful chamber organizations, and I've seen ones that reflect very little of what's important or valued within the community. Likewise, much of this will depend on how you market as a member business. If you have a dedicated shop location, there can definitely be value in the directory listing and having the plaque for potential customers to peek at when visiting. Good luck.
 
VroomVroom said:
Definitely interested in your feedback over the next year. I've seen very engaged and successful chamber organizations, and I've seen ones that reflect very little of what's important or valued within the community. Likewise, much of this will depend on how you market as a member business. If you have a dedicated shop location, there can definitely be value in the directory listing and having the plaque for potential customers to peek at when visiting. Good luck.
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I'll let you know. I live in a small town outside of a larger town about 10 miles away. They both have chambers and the smaller one is pretty terrible. The bigger town, though, appears to be pretty active, and that would be part of my bigger market. I just need to get out there and go to the after hours things, meetings, leads groups, etc.
 
I just checked mine, $175 for home based and $25 application fee. No detailers listed and only one car wash which sucks. I think I'm going to give it a go.
 
I would suggest going straight to CC President and offer to detail his/her auto in exchange for introducing you to 10 key(Business Owners) in your area who are well connected.Other than that it seems just a social club and gatherings Remember people who are go getters(Your customer base) dont have time to attend CC meetings to busy making money.JMO
 
I also live in a city of just 60,000 residents. Our chambers is very active and help out other members. When I had my photo studio my business tripled as shortly after becoming a member. Every year they have a business extravaganza and it's a perfect time to donate GC for a detail as raffle prizes.
 
I have looked into it but have not yet joined. I'm not sure if it is worth getting involved with.
 
rustytruck said:
I have looked into it but have not yet joined. I'm not sure if it is worth getting involved with.
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It probably depends on the chamber. The one in Bozeman (the bigger city) appears to be pretty active. I've been familiar with them for a while since I've lived here. I'd think it wouldn't be that hard to get a sense of them.
 
Mine costs $225 a year to join, but includes a link in their online member directory, referrals (they ONLY refer members), the ability to put marketing materials in the main office, as well as the luncheons and network opportunities.

I'm going to join as soon as I can. It would be crazy not to. Why miss all of those networking opportunities? You can also buy the member mailing list for $30 for direct mailing opportunities. I would pay $30 for the mailing address of over 650 influential, successful business owners and individuals in a heartbeat.
 
VP Mark said:
Mine costs $225 a year to join, but includes a link in their online member directory, referrals (they ONLY refer members), the ability to put marketing materials in the main office, as well as the luncheons and network opportunities.

I'm going to join as soon as I can. It would be crazy not to. Why miss all of those networking opportunities? You can also buy the member mailing list for $30 for direct mailing opportunities. I would pay $30 for the mailing address of over 650 influential, successful business owners and individuals in a heartbeat.
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Very great point. It is also important to know that when marketing, don't be afraid to try new things. Everything won't work, but hey one new contact could lead to a major contract.
 
Joined today. The membership director was actually pretty happy, they don't have any detailers currently in that category. She put me in a few extra categories and keywords as well, so it should work out well for me, I hope.
 
davisautodetail said:
Joined today. The membership director was actually pretty happy, they don't have any detailers currently in that category. She put me in a few extra categories and keywords as well, so it should work out well for me, I hope.
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Keep us updated! I'm going to be joining mine in the next few weeks. Seems like a very affordable way to network with both local business leaders and potential customers.
 
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