By Dallan Yoh, Director of Membership, GRCA
When people hear “chamber of commerce,” networking is often the first thing that comes to mind. And yes, at the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), networking is an important part of what we do.
But that is only scratching the surface.
One of the things I appreciate most about working at GRCA is how different every day can be. There really is no typical day. I may start my morning by helping a member find the right resource. Later, I may be exploring ways to promote a member’s business anniversary with a ribbon cutting, connecting a member with my team to discuss a sponsorship opportunity or looking for ways to help a brand reach a larger audience.
A lot of our work starts with listening.
We talk with businesses about their challenges and what they need from their chamber. Sometimes the answer is a program or training opportunity. Sometimes it is a connection to another business or organization. And sometimes, it is simply having someone who understands the local business community and can point them in the right direction.
But here is something important to understand: every business is different.
A small business looking to build its customer base may see value in networking and making connections. A larger company may be more focused on advocacy, workforce issues or employee development. Another member may be looking to promote its brand through advertising or sponsorship. Others may have a specific interest in programs such as Family Business Alliance or Women2Women.
There is no single definition of a successful chamber membership—and that is why understanding what is available is so important.
At GRCA, we offer a variety of opportunities, resources and programs. The key is identifying what aligns with your goals. If a business is focused on brand awareness, marketing and sponsorship opportunities may be the right fit. If the goal is business development, networking and relationship-building may provide the most value. If professional growth is the priority, training and educational programs may be the best resource.
And those needs can change. What a member needs from GRCA in year one of membership may be completely different from what they need in year 10.
That is why I believe a chamber membership should be viewed as a resource for those changing goals—and not as a single benefit.
At GRCA, we are constantly thinking about how to make membership meaningful. We ask ourselves: Are we reaching our members? Are we providing value? What can we do better? But members also have an important role to play.
Joining is step one. It is not the destination.
Joining a chamber is an investment in your business’s growth. That investment provides access to tools and opportunities that can help accomplish your goals. Members must understand what opportunities are available and how to engage with them. Like any investment, you must put it to work to see the return.
So, what does the GRCA really do?
We listen. We connect. We educate. We advocate. We create opportunities. We help businesses grow their brands.
But perhaps just as importantly, we help members find the resources and opportunities that fit their goals.
So, while networking may be the first thing people think of when they hear “chamber,” it is only one way a chamber can support a business. The real value of membership goes much deeper. It is about understanding what is available, finding the opportunities that fit your goals and putting those resources to work. At GRCA, we are excited to help our members do just that.