Trade Organizations, Chambers, Clubs, Oh My!

When you are the owner of a small business, the salesmanship from every type of vendor never seems to stop. How best to decide which align closest with your firm?

There are many reasons to join professional organizations that will benefit your company. Start with Trade Assiciations. If you make a particular product or provide a specific service, join that Trade Association. It is a great way to keep on top of trends impacting your industry and an effective means to learn what the competition is up to, literally.

If you do not join, you may be at a great disadvantage. Staying connected and on top of your industry is essential to moving forward and continuing to be profitable.

Local Chambers of Commerce are another way to stay connected. They may offer benefits your firm could really utilize, such as insurances, executive exchanges, and sales referral groups. At a minimum, they should keep you up to date on political influences that may impact your company. Most have an advocacy arm speaking up on behalf of businesses. Become involved in your local Chamber and stay alert as laws or regulations change that affect your community and its ability to continue to move your business forward.

Professional and Social Clubs are another venue to market your brand, meet other centers of influence, and stay in the know. Clubs range from country clubs to social clubs to boating clubs to tennis clubs to Women’s clubs. Many offer reduced or waived initiation fees now, Pandemic related, so investigate your options now. Identify those which you have an interest in or a friend or colleague who belongs. Most require Sponsors so start by asking your friends, neighbors, or Circle of Trust. Likely you will find at least one that peaks your interest.

Belonging to the right Pack is important to our dog friends. Look for like-minded colleagues, friends who share common interests, and people who won’t pick a bone with you! Sometimes, joining more then one organization is needed, other times, just one foots the bill.

Like dogs, we are social by nature. Get out there and network and make sure, like our featured dogs of the week, you find fun, common interest, and comfort in the company you keep!

Be well.