Chamber Membership Effective Business Strategy

I received a survey today from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives showing the effects on consumers as to businesses belonging to a chamber of commerce.

• When consumers know that a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of the business and 80% more likely to purchase goods and service from the business in the future.
• If a company shows that it is highly involved in it local chamber, consumers are 10% more likely to think the business's products are better than their competitors.
• If a small business is a member of the local chamber of commerce the business enjoys a 49% increase in its consumer favorability rating, a 73% increase in consumer awareness a 68% increase in its local reputation.

Small business have to fight every day with the big box stores and chain accounts.  Membership in local chambers can certainly provide you some additional creditability.  If you take the step to join a chamber be sure you let your customers know since it is obvious from this survey they care, but also get involved with the chamber.  Go to networking events, volunteer, been seen and you will see some great rewards to your business.

Tom
www.RoanokeSmallBusiness.org