should I join the local chamber of commerce?

Just in case this matters, my photography covers a wide range of subjects, get to keep it interesting this way. Mostly I do portraits and Church directories, and I've done a ballet gig where I took pictures of all the dancers individually. I wouldnt mind getting some more weddings, and music gigs.

I am thinking of joining the local chamber of commerce, and I was wondering if it was really worth the time and money. Plus I live in one county, and my studio is in another county, so I dont know if I should I join both chamber of commerce's, or just one of them? The fee for the one I live in for a small business is $75 a year and for an individual is $50 a year. I guess the extra $25 is worth it so my name and number will be listed in their directory, but who really looks at this directory? I didnt until I just looked into it to see how much it would cost to join.

Im not a real social person, so this could be a good way to network with some of the business people in town.

What are the meetings generally like? Are they generally boring? How often are they generally? I realize that probably varies from county to county.

They do have a yearly golf thing which could be fun, but ive never played a real game of golf before, so I dont think I would be going to this years so I can get some practice in.

One thing I noticed is there was no listing for another photographer in the county I live in, that I saw.

Go for it, you only live once!

A lot of them have cool discounts and stuff like that, or know where to find good people to help you start up..or continue to run.

Insurance for medical and dental and stuff like that for small business owners...or advice on where to go to see if you're supplying the right docs to the gov't...or advice on where to find the people that know.

Stuff like that is what a CoC does, and generally is like a "guild of local businesses" where you can network, not particularly formatted any which way...not formal or anything like that so you can probably kick it and be yourself.

Also try a networking group. BNI or something like that.

Suggest you maybe take a look at the following UK photographers blog on networking.

http://dovecotetrainin​g.blogspot.com …ng-photographer-give.html

Networking really needs you to be able to socialise and talk with those who attend events otherwise you will get very little from them.

Zoe has a set of three blog atricles on this so far all written somewhat tongue in cheek but very true.

Hope you might find it useful and good luck!

I have done a seminar, which has become a video seminar, on Networking. There are lots out there. I would suggest you buy a couple. PM me if you want to know more. But networking is absolutely essential. It allowed me to take my main company nationwide in less than two years.

switching from the topic of networking, and back to the original topic of chamber of commerce...

has anyone here that has joined a chamber of commerce, did you get any work from it? additional portraits or gigs?

Networking is the whole point of joining a CoC.. that's what it's all about..networking..tha​t's what gets you work..if done correctly.

I would recommend you not waste your money joining the chamber of commerce if you have no interest in networking.

I have an interest in networking, but this thread is about the possibilities from joining a chamber of commerce and the networking there in, a few posts got off topic about networking elsewhere, not about c.o.c.'s. : )

So any suggestions on wither I should join the c.o.c. that I live in, or the one my studio is in, or both? : ) I emailed the one that is by my work about the price because the website doesnt mention any fee's, no word yet.

I've am on the mailing list of my local chamber of commerce, its usefulness really depends on how hard you want to pursue and whether or not your personality allows it.

I am not an outgoing person, therefore it is difficult for me to go to an event and having to chit chat with someone...

In terms of networking, this is a very good opportunity if used correctly. Most of the medium-large business do attend and is a great way to meet and talk about what you do, get your name out there in the local community.

Yes, you should join your Chamber of Commerce. In your case, the annual dues are next to nothing. Mine are $150/yr for my city, plus I'm a member of 4 other nearby chambers, for a total of almost $500/yr. In my area, the business owners who matter are members of the Chamber. I go to all of the Chamber mixers and coffees (about 1 a week because I belong to 5 groups). It is well worth it, especially if you're not well established in your community.

Everyone you meet is a potential client or sales associate for you. I often have people pass my business card on to someone they know. Attending the mixers is also a great way to learn about what's going on in town. Chamber members usually hear about new businesses or expanding businesses before the general public does.

As was mentioned before, the Chamber is all about networking. If you have an active Chamber, it will certainly pay for itself many times over every year.

As a side note, if you do attend these mixers, get a professional looking namebadge to wear on your suit or sportcoat. A nice professional embroidered logo on a polo shirt is good, too. In my home town, our mixers are more the suit-and-tie type. In the 4 smaller communities nearby, then mixers are more business casual. Not sure why, but it just worked out that way.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. : )

Still no word from the county that I work in, I guess Ill have to send another email to find out how much it is, etc.

msfvirginia wrote in post #9718847
Thanks for the feedback everyone. : )

Still no word from the county that I work in, I guess Ill have to send another email to find out how much it is, etc.

Maybe the answer is in their lack of reply?!