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Okay, so maybe your parents never told you anything about chamber memberships but we’re sure between one of your parents you learned the following lessons. And you might be surprised how they apply to chamber memberships. 

You Are the Company You Keep 

Do you remember this one? Your parents likely told you to be careful who you associate with because people assume certain things about you based on your peer group. So, let’s see. If you hang out with business-focused, civic-minded people at the chamber, what does that mean for your business? Only good things. Your parents were right. The company you keep says a lot about you. 

One Day You’ll Thank Me 

This saying was usually uttered after life had taught you a tough lesson. Your parents knew it wasn’t something you wanted but, rather, something you needed. So, they tried to impart their wisdom in telling you that someday you’d look back and this challenge, this extra work you had to do would be a good thing and you’d thank them.

The day you join the chamber, you’ll be exposed to a lot of incredible knowledge through member connections and a deep resource within the chamber and its programming. But the information doesn’t find its way into your brain through osmosis. You need to meet the people who can help your business succeed and attend the programming or watch the videos. If you do, your business and network will grow and you’ll thank the chamber one day. 

If All Your Friends Jumped off of a Bridge, Would You? 

Ahhh, the dangers of doing what everyone else does without distinguishing yourself can cause many problems for you. That’s why your parents likely tried to encourage you to be your own person. We want the same from you when you join the chamber.

We aren’t a cookie-cutter organization offering a one-size solution to your business problems. It’s not an equation of this plus this equals this every time. That would be boring!

The help you find at the chamber is personalized to your business. It’s not about following the crowd unless you consider personalized best practices or listening to experts in your field as following the crowd.  

Manners Don’t Cost a Dime 

Manners don’t cost a dime and neither does making the most of your chamber membership. When your parents gave you this advice, they were telling you it doesn’t matter what you have in the bank. You can still treat people with dignity and respect.

Chamber benefits have a membership fee associated with them but whether you maximize that investment to use everything you can for the betterment of your business, or you do nothing, the cost is the same. So, what do you say? Why not get involved as much as possible or use those resources to maximum advantage? You have everything to gain and nothing more to spend. 

Watch the Other Guy 

Keeping an eye on the competition is important. But in today’s global economy, it shouldn’t be just your competition that you keep an eye on. Many successful business people become that way by applying a business’ success in another industry to their own. Seeing those possibilities and connections can help you grow in a way your competition isn’t. The chamber can assist you in keeping an eye on the other guy but will also help you discover valuable lessons from other business professionals, things that may just help you solve a challenge in your own business. 

Life Is Better When You Have a Good Time—and Bring Others Along for the Ride 

The Alameda Chamber & Economic Alliance isn’t a stodgy business group as some people who don’t know us might believe. We’re a group of professionals who want to achieve business success and help the community along the way. We advocate for pro-business legislation and bring innovative ideas to the town. We can also throw one heck of an event (the Alameda Economic Forecast Event is coming up in September and you don’t want to miss it) and we love bringing people along for the ride. 

While today’s chamber is not your dad’s–or even your mom’s–chamber it still benefits your business. While our programs and offerings have changed with the times, our value is as beneficial as your parents’ advice. You may ignore it at first, but ultimately it leads to your growth.