I had the pleasure of attending the Central OC luncheon, an annual luncheon with the Orange, Anaheim and Santa Ana Chambers of Commerce. The topic stuck out as I find many companies don’t know how to really benefit from chamber memberships or memberships in other organizations.
The event was packed! They expected 60 and at least double showed up. I met some good contacts but wanted to learn from three Chamber presidents how to make our membership count.
The first thing I noticed was the importance of how a certain individual carried himself. He went table to table and thanked people for coming. It struck me as most people fall into a few networking event camps. By no means complete and none of them are meant to be negative, just different impressions.
- Chamber attendee: Been around and just talking to friends
- Newbie: Deer in the headlights and trying to fit in
- Socializer: Quick to say hi, find out what you do and move on. Very social.
- Shy: They have been there before but are noticeably uncomfortable
- Professional: Nice, polite and careful with their time. Similar to the greeter but looking to qualify you in depth.
- That guy/girl. Don’t be them. Loud, quick, in your face.
His approach came off as a Community Leader. This approach was a way to say hi and meet people, while establishing yourself as a connector for the organization. Later he was introduced as “a relationship builder and a connector of people”. That introduction stands out.
After brief introductions, the presidents covered Five Topics that the Chambers were focused on. It was a little different than what I expected from the title but I can see their point. If you know what the Chambers are focused on you can choose to fit right in.
1. Build a Strong Local Economy
- The Orange Chamber is helping to start a Manufacturers council, which I happened to be apart of. An initiative to help a specific industry learn and grow together through industry speakers and networking. (Event is January 18th, contact me for specifics)
- Property owners in downtown Orange to discuss regulations
- Another focus brought up was the need for an educated workforce. Businesses need skilled employees and future leaders. One way this is happening is for the chambers and business to connect with local high school and offer internships and skill sessions. This benefits both parties.
- Some chambers have CEO round tables; opportunities for local business owners to connect with one another.
2. Promote and brand the community
Discussed the chambers efforts to strengthen the city image as a whole. Anaheim for example gets 60-70% of the business through tourist related activities. A need to keep things easy, clean and business/tourist friendly
3. Networking
- How do you connect people and companies. Who do you know and more importantly who knows you? Who do they think of when your type of services presents itself. made me think of how to I meet people AND stay top of mind with them. Also how can I refer business to other people so that I am helping others grow their business while helping my connections achieve their goals.
- Be out and hustle. Sales gets paid to get out and meet people and not hang out in the office.
- Art of networking: Plan your calendar and then plan to follow up. Make sure you know what the upcoming events are and schedule time afterwards to follow up and connect with people.
- The chambers purpose: Create an environment to network. How do we create connections? Put people together. Before I arrive, who am I look to meet? When I get there: who are others looking to meet and how can I facilitate that.
- Support your other chamber members. Give them a shot to earn your business. Look for ways to promote their business to your contacts.
- Like a gym membership: If you don’t go, you don’t get strong. Having a membership does you no good by itself.
4. Government
- Labor is well represented in government. They have their issues and deep pockets. The chamber is there to advocated for business.
- Understand regulations. Regulations are very Important to SMBs but most SMBs don’t take the time to learn about them until it hits them head on.
- Squeaky wheel: Write letters to officials, they pay attention. Roughly 70% of taxes come from local businesses, not residents
- Chambers often host Candidate forums so that you can learn what they think and share your thoughts
5. Political action
Chambers are 501c6, not c3. They can take positions on issues or form PACs to back candidates. The chamber itself can offer advice, PACs can offer money. All the chambers have multiple PACs now.
Wrapping Up.
I stood up to ask: what advice would they offer members how to get the most out of their membership? I found that I can lose rhythm with my chamber depending on my day to day activities. They had some great advice
- Think through: what do you want/ need? Who do you need to meet.
- Your business comes first. The chamber is one avenue to grow your business.
- View calendar, plan events, build connections and follow up. Repeat.
- Be generous. what your time, with your network. Don’t be foolish but make sure you know that those who give, get.
I would add: Make sure you ask for help. Most of the time people are willing to help you IF YOU ASK.
Love to get your thoughts.
Jason Mills
714.634.4697
