Associations, clubs, city initiatives, Chamber...opinions wanted.

[Cathy Coggins]

Been doing some thinking about Chamber of Commerce, Guilds, clubs, stuff like that.

During the great telemarketing outreach SE did for Frame Fest, I spoke with a frame shop owner who said he owed a lot of his success to his being in a Rotary Club. Some shops do well with Guilds, and Clubs, I have no experience with them. I am embarrassed to say that I do not know what the Rotary club does. And my limited contact with my Chamber has been underwhelming.

Well, my local city (via an 800 number) just contacted me about an advertising mappy thing they are doing. I normally say no and move on. However, my association with THIS association has done wonders for me and my business...perhaps I am being hasty.
My business is retail and framing, and my clientele is local and abroad, am I short changing myself and my community by not playing in that sandbox? Thoughts?

Anyone in Rotary? Or Chamber of Commerce? Or whatever and it is good for ya?

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

It is like a lot of things; it depends on where you are. Where I am Rotary is everything. Rotary is a business org whose primary mission has been eradicating polio worldwide, but is a group of business owners who refer to each other, do business with each other, etc.

Lions focus on eyesight; Kiwanis or children; but in terms of function they are pretty much interchangeable most places. In some communities it is the chamber, but often not. You just have to visit a few and find out. Most, if you go to a meeting as a guest, they buy your meal.

When you get the the right one, you will know because you will be looking at all the bank presidents, managing partners of law firms and presidents of the biggest business in your town. The other you will be seeing vice presidents and middle managers, with as few small business owners.

This is a sweeping generalization, but a quick and dirty method of identifying the one you want. Unless the big members are supporting a map project like that, they are usually a bad deal. They only get distributed to visitors and members. The only advantage I ever found to them to was curry favor with someone in the organization. I have known a couple of framers that entered into deals where they were going to distribute the maps with hope of getting framing. Most of the time the quality isn't that great and they only hang around for a year or so, so they don't get framed. One of the framers I know pretty well said at best it was a break-even proposition, and the only benefit was making the other members happy. She said except for a couple of frames, the only sales she made were for low end gift items.

 

[Susan Gittlen MCPF]

Great topic Cathy,
Way back in the 80's and 90's when all you needed to do was put a sign out and you were successful, I did not see much of a need for those organizations. Now I think that it plays an important part in driving business to your shop. I belong to my local Chamber of Commerce. Yes, there is a bit of dues to pay. Just belonging and paying the dues won't do a thing. I guess that the same with PPFA. You have to go to meetings on a regular basis. You also need to join a committee or two and get working. Results don't happen quickly. You are making relationships and it takes years. In my opinion, it is worth the investment.

I've tried many of the groups out there, but our Chamber has so many different possibilities that don't conflict with my hours at the shop. One group will be a good fit.

 

[Cliff Wilson MCPF]

I have tried MANY groups.
I was Chairman of our Local First organization for about 5 years.
I am a Chamber Member and go to as many events as I can.

Rotary, Lions and other service Groups are organized to "give back" in some way or another. Business comes from time commitment and long term relationship building.

Chamber, Local First Organizations are "somewhat give back," but primarily business focused. The biggest drawback here is that everyone is trying to get your business at the same time. So, while you are selling, they're trying to sell to you. But, long term they are also relationship building and can help a lot. I have seem framers join Chambers that were NO HELP at all.

A group (eg. The Chamber) that works well in one city/town may have poor management and results in another.

The "Pay to Play" groups like BNI are even harder to establish an ROI. They require a big time commitment and money. Some framers have had great luck with them and others have had little or no luck. With them, the makeup of the group is critical.

Yes, you should get out there and get involved. But where is a challenge and unfortunately, no one can know which local group will work for you.

 

[Wally Fay CPF]

Unsolicited opinion: There are other things that you can spend your time, money, and energy on that will build your business better than affiliation with any local business/eleemosynary group. You need to look at your community and see what they support and don't support and what long term goals and aspirations are in the mix. Like Greg said only in a less metaphoric manner, if you are going to hitch your wagon to a star, make sure it's a bright one.

 

[Susan Gittlen MCPF]

Another way to go about it is being really active in your religious house of worship, animal shelter, running club, gym, charity....whatever you are passionate about. I meet a lot of people at the gym and it pays for the membership and more. It's a pretty high end gym, the third largest in the country, but I see a lot of my customers there.