PROVIDING NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
4 Powerful Ways the Chamber Provides Solutions for Small Business Owners Contributed Article by Christina R. Green I n a recent survey by Daysmart Software, 54% of small business owners admitted to being worried about making enough money. Making money is a common concern because not only does it factor in bringing in enough clients or customers but also ensuring your products or services are priced right and negotiating any cash flow problems.
Controlling Costs While a chamber membership is an initial outlay of money, you can derive a lot of value from it. It can even help you control costs by introducing you to other business people who may be able to provide you with goods and services. In addition to meeting new business contacts that could save you money, check with your chamber to find out if they have a chamber “hot deals” program. These programs offer discounts from chamber members for chamber members. They can provide considerable cost savings to members. The exchange between members may also reveal how other small business owners manage their costs. While you can research that on the internet, sometimes having local advice can be invaluable. You can also get more for less by attending some of your chamber’s lunch and learn programs. Maybe you’ve been wondering how to incorporate Instagram into your business but don’t have the money to pay someone to teach you or do it for you. Many learning exchanges are free at the chamber and it’s likely they have a topic that interests you and can help you learn something new for your business without having to pay for it. Plus, chamber membership means any of your employees may attend.
Small business owners have lots of stressors as they follow their dreams. It might surprise you just how much the chamber can help with these concerns. According to the study, small business owners report they are most concerned about: • Making enough money • Controlling costs • Finding new customers • Marketing to prospective an/or current customers • Managing time The chamber and chamber membership can help address all of these common concerns and challenges. Put the Chamber to Work for Your Business If you’re like most small business owners, you can likely identify with these common business concerns but what you may not realize is how effectively a chamber membership can help you solve these problems. The solutions may take you getting involved and participating but chamber membership can act of business “gym” that you need to become stronger and begin making healthier choices for your business. Making Enough Money In the beginning of your business, it might not be about becoming a millionaire as much as it is simply making enough money to stay in operation. Making enough money means you’re factoring in what’s coming in and what’s going out. The chamber can help your efforts in making enough money in the following ways.
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The Business Review | February 2023
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