Did some digging on the results of my membership in the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce to prepare for tomorrow’s podcast.
Joined March 2020 as one of the first 25 members and renewed a year later
Reason joined: Wanted to support the new chamber that was focused on supporting small businesses like mine. Of course, I wanted to meet new people, especially during Covid when virtual networking was the only option. This had an incredible online networking platform that made it so easy to interact with others.
Reason renewed: Have become too busy to participate as much but I wanted to continue to support the group and be professionally affiliated with the organization for credibility in the marketplace.
Estimated 300 new connections made based on entries into my CRM
Have made numerous referrals and connections of chamber members to others and know that two have resulted in signed contracts.
I’m an ongoing client of two chamber members: IT Consultant and a Bus Coach…ironically have never met either one in person only via video conferencing technology.
I have served two chamber members as my clients, one is a long-term high revenue client that has referred me to a $75M company that has become a big client.
My total investment in the chamber memberships, event registrations, and sponsorship fees has been $500
My total revenues from Chamber member clients is just under $10,000 to date (doesn’t include referrals to other organizations.)
That’s a return of 1,900% in less than 2 years. That’s better than any market investment I’ve ever made.
Have become personal friends and professional colleagues with several who have met through the Chamber.
I’m sure there will be many positive partnerships for years to come!
