Being a member of the Chamber can provide invaluable opportunities for your business, but many entrepreneurs and small business owners often find themselves wondering how to fully leverage the benefits that come with it. Here are five key ways to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Chamber membership and driving growth for your business.

1. Networking.

One of the greatest benefits of Chamber membership is access to a wide network of business professionals, local leaders, and potential customers. The Chamber hosts five signature events throughout the year, that draws over 2,000 attendees from almost every industry along with local government leaders. In addition, you can also attend events hosted by other chambers and organizations as a lot of our members actively participate in other groups. Chamber member Jobin Kuruvilla has this piece of advice: “Don’t just show up — engage!”

2. Utilize educational resources and workshops.

The chamber, and its participating member companies, hosts a variety of seminars, webinars, and workshops on a wide range of topics – on everything from tax planning for your small business to digital marketing. Fellow participants are members just like you, and sometimes you can get great tips from someone sitting on your table attending the event. Chamber member Lisa Anderson says she’s learned more from one chamber event than days of research and phone calls trying to find solutions on which business entity designation is the best for her business.

3. Promote your business through Chamber platforms.

Do you know your chamber membership comes with a wide variety of benefits such as exposure for your business on the Chamber’s 4,000-subscriber newsletter, it’s website, and social media accounts? While certain tiers of membership provide the most benefits, you can still maximize exposure by simple things like being actively engaged with the Chamber on its social platforms, or inquiring on how to get featured on its website or newsletter on a rotating basis. Chamber member Sapna Radhakrishnan says she was very pleased her business got spotlighted on the Chamber’s Members page.

4. Leverage advocacy and government relations.

We are an advocate for local businesses, working to influence policies and legislation that can positively impact your industry. By staying informed about local government initiatives and engaging in advocacy efforts, you can help shape the business environment in your area. In addition, the Chamber plays an active role connecting local businesses with its Indian peers as well as government officials from India and Indian consulates.

5. Build partnerships and collaborate with fellow members.

The Chamber is home to a variety of businesses, many of which may offer complementary services to your own. Collaborating with fellow members is a fantastic way to expand your reach and grow your business.

Being a part of the Chamber offers much more than just a membership card. By taking full advantage of networking events, educational resources, promotional tools, advocacy, and collaboration opportunities, you can significantly enhance your business’s visibility, growth, and long-term success. So, take a proactive approach to your Chamber membership — your business and community will reap the rewards!