Are Chamber Events Good for Lead Generation?

The value received from your membership depends on your level of participation, which can be seen as a main "disadvantage" of joining chambers of commerce. Membership comes with a cost, and businesses that don't attend chamber networking events, connect with other professionals or take full advantage of available benefits may not see a meaningful return. 

What matters just as much is finding the right type of organization. When looking at the chamber of commerce vs. networking groups, each serve different purposes, which is why it's worth evaluating whether a chamber of commerce's resources and events, like chamber business networking, are the tools that make sense for your business' continued success. In the Lakewood Ranch region, the LWRBA is just that -- the area's premier chamber of commerce and go-to membership organization for companies of all sizes. 

There are a few ways to successfully accomplish chamber business networking. First, it's important to think of chamber networking events as opportunities to build relationships rather than collect business cards and contact information. Come prepared to explain what you do, but stay curious about the people you meet -- and look for ways to steer the conversation to be mutually valuable. 

• Set a Simple Goal: What do you want to accomplish with chamber business networking? Set goals before you head to the event, whether it's meeting three new people, learning more about a particular industry or finding a professional who can refer potential clients to your business. 
• Keep the Conversation Natural: There's no need to launch into a polished conversation about your business -- or start with a sales pitch. Keep the conversation natural and let it develop. Building relationships takes time, real effort and the results are worth it. 
• Ask Questions and Listen: Pay attention to not only what the other person does, but who they serve and what challenges they may be facing. Figuring out how your company can help is a common part of chamber business networking. 
• Get Outside Your Comfort Zone: Look beyond the usual circle you have conversations with speak with professionals from different industries and experience levels. At chamber networking events, odds are you'll discover powerful connections in places you wouldn't have considered previously. 
• Be Sure to Follow Up: Following chamber networking events, reach out to the professionals you shared conversations with. Reference something you discussed and try to move into the next step, whether it's planning a meeting over coffee or simply continuing the conversation you were having. 

Whether you're attending chamber business networking for the first time or have mingled at chamber networking events in the past, there's one goal worth remembering -- it's about making each interaction count. Chamber business networking, like the many events we host at the LWRBA, are valuable opportunities to not only shake hands with other members who are out and about in the community but make lasting connections that extend well beyond those few hours together. To prepare yourself for building relationships at chamber networking events, like ours, here are a few things to avoid:  

• Don't Treat Every Conversation Like a Sales Pitch: Chamber business networking is about building familiarity. If you spend the entirety of those few minutes talking about your business, you may miss the chance to learn what the other person does, what they need or how you might be able to help. 
• Don't Focus Only on the People You Know: It's naturally comfortable to stay with familiar faces. But you're limited the value of attending chamber business networking. Make a point of introducing yourself to someone new, especially outside of your industry or typical circle. 
• Don't Just Hand Out Business Cards: A business card is not a business relationship. At chamber networking events, before exchanging contact information, have a genuine conversation and look for a reason to follow up. A thoughtful introduction is more likely to lead somewhere than a than a stack of cards collected without context. 
• Don't Only Talk About Yourself and Your Business: Great chamber business networking relies on give-and-take. Ask questions, listen closely and show interest in the other person's work instead of immediately steering the conversation back to your own business. 
• Don't Have a Conversation and Fail to Follow Up: Chamber networking events are just Step One in building a business relationship. If you feel you had a worthwhile conversation, send a brief message afterward while the moment is still fresh. A simple follow-up can turn a promising introduction while chamber business networking into a connection that continues outside of the room.