If you are a visitor to the SmallBizMentor.com blog, you already know that I believe strongly that the Chamber of Commerce is an excellent starting point for building your business network. This is especially true for women business owners. After all, who is better at creating networks, stepping in and volunteering and getting things done, than women? (No, gentlemen, I'm not saying you aren't capable of doing the same thing. This is an encouragement thing for my sisterhood here.)
If you're new to the business environment (perhaps choosing to begin a career or build a business now that your kids are grown, or returning to the workforce after a few years at home), let this serve as a reminder: if you can handle PTA meetings and you can juggle soccer practice, doctor's appointments and trips to the warehouse store all in one day, I bet you can handle your local Chamber.
After all, this is the place to meet and greet your fellow business owners, right there in your own community. You may even know some of them from those PTA meetings, actually! There's bound to be some politicking and the occasional soap opera going on if one person feels affronted by another, and there will be incredible friendships and alliances formed as well.
The Chamber of Commerce may well give you options for cross-promotion, publicity, and joint advertising ventures for your company. If you're working for someone else, be sure to ask if they mind you tagging along to the next CoC meeting. Some may be dull and boring, but you can spice them up. After all, you have intellect, insight, wit and wisdom to share. And you may see that doctor there minus the white coat too!
For a starter list of Chambers of Commerce across the USA, check out this directory at AdvancingWomen.com. It doesn't appear to be exhaustive, so be sure to check your phone book if you don't see your town listed!
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