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A PROGRAM OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION
 

IOM Blog

May 23, 2014

Part 3: How Chambers Can Attract Small Businesses through Providing a Peer Network

NetworkingWe all know that joining a network of fellow business leaders is a worthwhile endeavor; sometimes there just isn’t the time to cultivate those relationships. So make it easy on your members! Find ways to bring the networking to them or host online conversations that members can participate in when they have the time. Here are a few ideas:

  • Ask long-term members to serve as ambassadors, welcoming new businesses to town.
  • Organize policy events where businesses can learn from other businesses.
  • Host happy hours at various small business members throughout the community.
  • Create a social media following by sharing practical information your businesses can use.

Find ways to get out in front of the community, and your business leaders as well, by setting up a table at a community fair or speaking on a panel. Establishing the chamber as an active participant in community affairs not only reaffirms the consumer trust statistics we saw above, but encourages businesses who aren’t participating to reconsider the role of the chamber.

Bottom line? Peer-to-peer networking equals value for your chamber and for your businesses.

View Part 1: How Chambers Can Attract the Attention of Small Businesses
View Part 2: How Chambers Can Attract the Attention of Small Businesses through Advocacy Support

Meredith King
Meredith King
Manager, Programs and Operations | Political Affairs and Federation Relations
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Meredith King is the manager of programs and operations in the Political Affairs and Federation Relations department of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In this role, Meredith is responsible for the U.S. Chamber’s small business platform and works closely with the federation membership. She manages the briefing program, federation partnership small business program, and supports the U.S. Chamber’s political activities. Prior to starting with the Chamber in September 2013, Meredith worked at the Association of Corporate Counsel and received her bachelor’s degree from American University.

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