No business is an island. Businesses are affected by the politics and economy of the area in which they operate, and therefore what happens infrastructurally, politically and economically in those areas are of great importance. Joining a board of trade gives you and your business more prominence in your area, offers opportunities for expansion and success, and enables you to make a direct link with the decision-making bodies in your area.
But what is a Chamber of commerce?
A chamber of commerce is not a government body. It is a body, usually based in a particular area, made up of businesses that operate in that area. They exist to serve the needs of that business community — they provide networking and education opportunities, keep members alert of relevant local regulations and politics, and advocate for the business community on issues relevant to it. Chambers of Commerce are funded by advertising, sponsorships and contributions from their members, and thus retain a measure of independence. There are many, many benefits to belonging to a board of trade, and in this blog, we will look at ten.
Belonging to a Chamber of Commerce gives you a way into the political structure of your community
Chambers of Commerce have political clout — they represent the community’s business sphere. By joining a Chamber of Commerce, business owners can plug directly into the local government and potentially also the regional political structures that govern their community.
Chambers of Commerce give business owners a way to advocate on issues that affect your business and community
Because they are employers and create income for their communities, businesses have financial and social influence in those communities. And obviously, if things go wrong in a community, the businesses located there are affected. Joining a board of trade gives business owners, a way to be heard when it comes to the issues that affect them —Chambers of Commerce can advocate on issues as diverse as public transport, environmental problems, crime and social issues.
Belonging to a Chamber of Commerce makes you a lot more visible to customers and partners
By joining a Chamber of Commerce, a business becomes more visible. Being listed in local business directories and websites and attending Chamber of Commerce-organised events where you can see and be seen, boosts visibility, and this boosts your profile.
Chambers of Commerce allow you to make connections with other business owners and community stakeholders
By seeing and being seen at events and in directories, businesses belonging to Chambers of Commerce are in a very good position to foster connections with potential business partners, businesses in adjacent industries, and customers alike. Chambers of Commerce offer their members excellent opportunities for B2B networking, keeping you connected to the flow of information and news within your community.
Chamber of Commerce membership gives you extra credibility
Truly is it said: it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. By offering chances to get to know business leaders and having your profile grow as a result, belonging to a Chamber of Commerce pays dividends. It also looks good! Belonging to a Chamber of Commerce, especially when they brand themselves as such, is a great way to make it known that you are a serious member of the local business community.
They offer training and educational opportunities
Chambers of Commerce are invested in supporting their members — that’s why they exist in the first place. To do this, many Chambers of Commerce offer courses, seminars and other resources to boost staff and management development for their member companies.
They offer specialised marketing, training and consultancy services to their members
In keeping with their mission of supporting their members, Chambers of Commerce often also offer specialised business consultancy services, marketing services, labour consultation services, and skills development programmes to their members.
Members benefit from deals and discounts offered by Chamber members and the Chamber itself
The business world can be tough, and it is becoming ever more important to work with other businesses as partners in a collaborative spirit. Belonging to a Chamber of Commerce brings businesses together in such a way that they can partner up to ensure good outcomes and income from everyone.
Chambers of Commerce can give businesses a chance to give back to their communities
Because Chambers of Commerce are local, and they understand that the health of the community is the wealth of the community, they are often at the helm of community engagement efforts in their areas.
They allow members to effect positive change in their communities by promoting community growth and community service
Creating long-term positive change in South Africa is going to need all hands-on deck, and if Chambers of Commerce are already advocating on relevant community issues such as transport and governance, it makes sense that they would also have the potential to really drive development in other spheres as well.
To enjoy these benefits from a Chamber of Commerce all you need to do is get in contact with the East Rand Chamber of Commerce and we will gladly assist you. marketing@chamberlink.co.za 010 040 8328.