The Denver Metro Chamber has helped me in so many ways as I’ve grown my business, but with any investment you have to step back and think through if you are getting the most for your time and money. I am a raving fan of the Chamber and the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center (SBDC), and I’ll tell you why: ROI.
Yes, I mean return on investment. And when I say investment, I don’t just mean dues. I also mean the time you put in to getting involved. Because that’s worth something, isn’t it?
What I love most about the Chamber: There is something for everyone. Each and every one of us has an opportunity to grow as leaders and grow our businesses as a result of participating in Chamber events and trainings.
But we all have limited time, and it’s important to be strategic and focused with your time. You need to make sure you’re reaping the benefits. The best way to do that is to make sure you are taking advantage of the Chamber opportunities that are right for you. And what’s right for you may be very different than what’s right for the next entrepreneur.
At LifePoint Strategies, we help our clients make decisions about where and when to invest their money and their time. Here are five steps to take to ensure you’re getting the most out of your membership:
- Start with a S.M.A.R.T. goal. When you do this, you will focus on what you do want. An example of a S.M.A.R.T. goal is: Increase customer acquisition by 10 percent within three months.
- Know your strengths and weaknesses. If you are an introvert, networking could be difficult. Go with a friend or coworker! Check out the membership directory to find out what companies are Chamber members.
- Do your research. Slow down and research the many opportunities available. Take the time to figure out which events and trainings are best for you. Start with a Net90, look at Denver Metro SBDC trainings and ask others whose businesses are in the same stage as yours. Sponsoring a program is a great way to increase visibility with Chamber members, and for them to learn more about you and your business. This is an option I take advantage of; I am the presenting sponsor for the GMAP program. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
- Commit to at least six months. It takes time to know whether a leads group or networking opportunity is working. Most of the time it will come down to you following up with leads. Commit to spending enough time to know if what you’re doing is working or if you need to adjust.
- Measure and adjust. It’s so important to stay close to the return on each and every one of your investments. Here’s how you do it: Keep track of your clients. Make note of where they heard about you and how much they spend with you. This way, you’ll know what’s working and what isn’t; in other words, you’ll know the ROI of each of your efforts. At LifePoint, we created an ROI Spreadsheet. We’re happy to share it with you. This will provide you with information to make informed and smart decisions about where you spend your money and time.
The Chamber has a wealth of information and is staffed with people who are passionate about helping their members. It’s up to you to put intentionality behind your efforts to get the most out of it.
But, you don’t have to go it alone! Reach out to your membership representative. And remember, you have a network of 3,000 businesses with over 300,000 employees (including me) who have all been in your shoes and who want to help you make the most of your membership – you just have to ask!
Terri Starck is the GMAP Presenting Sponsor and an SBDC Board Advisor. She is also the founder of LifePoint Strategies, a consortium of Business Advisors who help small business owners maximize opportunities, so they can lead the lives they’re born to live. After all, a successful business makes it easier to live an ideal life!
