Chamber gym equipment

By MARILEE WALLACE

Coeur d’Alene Chamber

We’ve all heard “Joining a chamber is like joining a gym — you have to use it to get something out of it.” And the concept is a good one, but it’s incomplete.

The truth is, joining a chamber is like joining a gym but you must use it strategically to get results. If you buy a gym membership with the goal of getting your abs in shape and you go to the gym every day but only use leg equipment, you’re going to fall short of your goal. If your business invests in membership, but without a strategy, you might feel frustrated by the time and effort you’ve put in without achieving your desired results.

Every business has a different reason for joining the chamber. Whether you’ve just joined or you’ve been a member for years, make sure you’ve established your goals for your membership, as well as a strategic plan to achieve those goals.

The following process will allow you to identify your goals and establish a plan for your membership that is conducive to achieving your desired outcome. Here’s a sample of how to use our gym equipment:

First know what your benefits actually are. Membership investments cover a broad range of basic benefits such as networking events, online marketing, advocacy through public policy issues, credibility by association, continued education and workshop programs. Learn exactly what type of “equipment” the chamber offers so you can strategize how you wish to use your membership.

Then define your goals. Once you know your benefits, identify what you want to achieve from your chamber membership (e.g. connections, exposure, education). Then, align your goals with chamber offerings. Once you’ve established your goals, our team can help you approach your involvement specifically and strategically.

Marketing equipment: Check out the various marketing, advertising and sponsorship opportunities the chamber has to offer. With affordable opportunities for all businesses, the chamber has marketing options for everyone. We suggest you start by getting signed up for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber’s annual After Hours Business Fair on Feb. 19, 2019. This is THE BUSINESS FAIR event of the year and is always a sell-out. Vendor booth space is limited so put this on your to-do list for one of your first action items for your New Year’s Fitness regimen.

Information equipment: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in business by attending the chamber’s monthly Upbeat Breakfast and be sure to subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter.

Advocacy equipment: Have important issues you want to be heard? Attend the chamber’s Public Policy Committee. Bi-Monthly telephoned conference meetings are scheduled with legislators beginning in January and are held jointly with the Post Falls Chamber.

Educational equipment: Searching for professional development opportunities for yourself or your staff? Spread your reach in the chamber by getting your entire team involved. With programs like Leadership Coeur d’Alene, Advanced Leadership and Executive Roundtable, there’s something for everyone.

Communication equipment: It’s vital we stay connected, especially in today’s social media outlets, so keep in the loop on chamber and community news through the chamber’s weekly E-news, Events emails and Facebook. Contact the chamber if you would like to be added to our email list.

Our Team, Your Gym: We work for you. If your goal for your gym membership was to build your abs up, but your gym only offered leg equipment, it would be impossible for you to achieve your goal. If we are missing the mark on any of the programs and services we provide, let us know. Allow us to best serve you as a member of our chamber by providing us with feedback that will help us continue providing world class programs. And thank you for your engagement in 2019. Let’s get fit!

All this information, and more, can be found at www.cdachamber.com or call Marilee Wallace at 208-660-1557.

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Marilee Wallace is the vice president of membership for the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce.