When I started an unrelated business five years ago, I was approached by a representative of the Chamber of Commerce to sign up for a membership. At the time, the cost was a hefty $300. Since then, I've heard mixed reviews at other forums. Some say that it's a waste because they spent more time being pitched at, which prevented them from building any solid business relationships. Others swear by the membership.

If any of you are members of this organization, will you share your experience?

Yes it is worth it. Forget the other networking groups, I'm thinking BNI, eWomen Network, etc. - been there, got the tee shirt and wore it out. Save your money. Those are profit making organizations for the founders and people at the top and middle management levels - our town's Chamber of Commerce is non-profit and reasonably priced (about $300 per year) and their networking events are either free or low cost - about $25-$30 for lunch events and the monthly breakfast is $15. It's an extremely reasonable costing networking organization. Also, The COC has the advantage that local businesses looking for suppliers tend to call the Chamber for referrals. One client actually called the Chamber to see if I was a member before they even called me.

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Julia

I would say it all depends on your particular Chamber.

I suggest you go to a few of the events your Chamber has....the breakfasts, networking cocktail parties, ets. Check them out before you pay to become a member. You will get a feel for how active they are, and if they would be a good fit for you.

I've just recently joined my Chamber. I'm of the mind that the more I get my name out there in front of people, the better off I will be in the long run.

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Kathy Harmacek, Your Virtual Aide
http://www.your-virtual-aide.com

Yes, check the COC out before plunking down the big bucks. I'm within driving distance of two COCs. One is very snooty and full of suits. The other more down-to-earth and open feeling. I joined the latter.

By being a member of that COC, I can be a presenter for a lunch-and-learn where I can help educate my communities on the value and point of VAs. I tend to use the term Virtual Administrative Service Providers, however. I am included in the directory and have opportunities to advertise/sponsor events.

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Robin A. Holstein
Robin's Desktop Virtual Administrative Services
My Blog

Julia: Thanks for the headsup about BNI and eWomen Network. I went to their websites, but instinct told me to wait before I signed up. Now, I'm glad I did.

Kathy: Great advice. Thank you.

Robin_Ann: You're right in that any organization is as good as its people. I'll also check out any county organizations to see what they have to offer.

I appreciate the comments on this. I'm planning to join my local one -- seems to make sense based on the fact I want to offer services to many of these local businesses. After reading this post, I will probably avoid the online networks as well.

Sharon

Another thing to consider when making a decision is to figure how much time you can devote to it. I found that the more you are actually involved with the Chamber, the more it is worth the money - at least in my experience. Ours is a hefty yearly fee, but if you are active, then it is a good investment and great exposure.

If you don't have much time to really dedicate, I'm sure that you can still get involved (maybe at a higher fee) in your local community events.

You have already gotten some great feedback. I'm sure you will make the right decision.

That's the key element right there, Michelle - time. I'll have to give this some thought and decide whether or not to make the investment.

I am new to all this. Would you suggest I have my business up and running before actually becoming a member of groups like the Chamber of Commerce? First things first... I need to figure out what my niche would be... I love data entry. How do I go about introducing myself with this time fo experience?
Toni from Louisiana

I'm a member of my Chamber. I'm in a big city (Phoenix), so every surrounding town also has a COC, and there are specialty demographic COCs. I chose the main city COC, because they have the most members and I actually live in the city. What I have found is that a lot of the activities have the same people attending. This is good, because we can build a relationship with each other and I'm the only VA who is a member, so I'm the one they'll think of first. I'm meeting a lot of people who know people who may need my services (financial planners, CPAs, insurance agents). Participation in the Chamber is how you will get the biggest benefit. People don't generally call off the directory listing, but the introductions are priceless, so I don't mind the expense (which is considerable, but most events are free to attend).

I didn't start seeing the value until I started being there. I found my 2 biggest assets by attending COC events - one is a RE agent who keeps me updated on networking events I might not know about, and the other has given me introductions to people looking for my services. I just became an Ambassador, which is kind of the greeting committee, so I am making connections that way also (and it's easier to enter a room full of people you don't know if you said hello to them at the door).

We also have an association for small businesses, where I not only make connections, but I also take advantage of their educational programs and I may get insurance (health) through them. They have a slightly different set of business owners and 5 VAs. Again, the value comes from the time you invest.

All of these associations are a way to get your name out there and to meet people. They are expensive if you just want the directory listing (although they do add a sense of legitimacy to your business if you sport the logo).