Getting the most out of a Chamber membership
July 24, 2023
Are you getting everything you want from your business? A Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce membership can help. A Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce membership is like a treadmill, it must be used daily to see the benefits to your business, service or product.
Successful Charlotte County Chamber members believe “networking” is the number-one strategy for increasing revenues. Don’t wait for business to come to you; if you do, you are going to stay hungry. After joining you must be proactive.
HOW? JOIN A COMMITTEE OR VOLUNTEER
Join the Ambassador Committee, or Christmas Parade Committee, or volunteer to assist with a Ribbon Cutting, 3rd Wednesday Coffee, or Networking at Noon Luncheon. Apply for the Leadership Charlotte program. These are great ways to “jump-start” your membership.
ALWAYS LOOK FOR NEW FACES AT CHAMBER EVENTS
Networking is more than handing out a business card. Sit at a different table every time you attend a luncheon or networking event. When you walk into the room, look around and ask yourself: Okay, where is a table where I do not know anyone?
SIGN UP FOR THE NEW MEMBER SHOWCASE
The Charlotte County Chamber holds a “New Member Showcase” once a quarter during a 3rd Wednesday Coffee. As a new member, you will have the opportunity to showcase your product or service with giveaways, information, and one-on-one conversations with dozens of Chamber members.
SEND AN EMAIL TO CHAMBER MEMBERS DAILY
Using a brief elevator statement, introduce yourself and your business with a quick “Hi, I am a new Charlotte County Chamber member! I would like to meet you at an upcoming Chamber event and find out more about your business.” Make sure that your email has your photo in the signature line.
TOOT YOUR OWN HORN AT A NETWORKING AT NOON LUNCHEON
Take advantage of a “Networking at Noon Luncheon” and “toot your own horn.” It’s a great time to share, with an average attendance of 50-60 Chamber members each month, what’s happening in your business.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHAMBER WEBSITE
Use the Charlotte County Chamber website to announce a “Hot Deal” or a “Member to Member” Deal. Use the Chamber website to announce a new product or service through a press release. A “mini-web profile page” on the Chamber website is designed to keep your business, service, or product, in front of thousands.
To find out more about a Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce membership and how it can help your business, contact Jami Joannes, Director of Business Development, at 941-627-2222.
Business Card Exchange (member event): 5–7 p.m., Thursday, July 27 at Neal Communities (Kings Gate), 1622 Royal Court, Port Charlotte. Bring a gift to promote your business and bring plenty of business cards. Registration is requested to make proper arrangements. To RSVP, visit charlottecountychamber.org.
Ribbon Cuttings
For all ribbon-cuttings, please go to charlottecountychamber.org and review the Events Calendar to register.
Steve Lineberry, owner of Premier Photographic Events, is the 2021-2023 president of the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. He has attended and photographed over 500 ribbon cuttings since joining the Chamber in 2010.