Opinion: Why Anne Arundel Businesses Join Chamber Of Commerce

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — The local chamber of commerce thinks marketing is the key for businesses to recover from the coronavirus pandemic. The chamber said it can help.

Patch recently partnered with several local organizations to bring you their latest news. This guest contribution comes from the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Here's what President and CEO Mark Kleinschmidt wrote about why companies should join the chamber:

"You are just getting back into the swing of things as your business is re-opening and moving into the post COVID-19 economy. After 15 months of operating restrictions and lots of mask wearing it’s time to figure out a new marketing strategy to bring back your regular customers and attract new ones.

In an effort to make up some of the lost revenue caused by the “COVID crush”, a small business has to take the time to create a new marketing plan. It will cost some money for advertising, but this is a good investment as you re-establish your business in the new normal of the post COVID world.

During challenging economic times, one of the first [things] that gets cut is the marketing budget. But as the economy starts to heat up and consumers are ready to purchase products and services once again, it is vitally important that a small business get the word out that they are still here and open for business.

With a limited budget, a small business must spend its money wisely to communicate with existing customers and reach out to new customers. A good marketing plan will use multiple digital channels along with more traditional media like print ads, TV, and radio. It has always been hard to determine which marketing tool is providing the best ROI.

With all the high-tech advantages of social media[,] is it worth joining something old-school like the Chamber of Commerce. The answer is simple: [ABSOLUTELY].

Chambers are dynamic organizations that have evolved over time to help local business not only survive but thrive. The Chamber consists of local businesses that have joined together to improve their value, visibility, establish credibility, share news, ideas, and best practices and become better connected with the markets they serve and the resources they need to serve them.

An effective marketing program in the post-pandemic economy should include a membership and involvement with the Chamber of Commerce. Membership is a very cost-effective investment that will provide a big ROI. Here are some of the direct benefits:

Credibility.

A national survey by the Schapiro Groups found that when a business is a Chamber of Commerce member, consumers are 63% more likely to purchase goods or services from the business. A Chamber membership can increase your profits because customers view your business more favorably.

Marketing

No one is going to know you exist if you do not put yourself out there. The Chamber offers free marketing, advertising and public relations tools [that] are part of your membership. The Chamber can help you position your business in the regional marketplace and delivery your message directly to thousands of potential customers through our e-weekly newsletter. In addition, we have many other marketing venues, including our website, social media posts and special events.

Networking

When you join the Chamber, you can network with other member businesses. By networking, you get to know others in your community, develop partnerships, and support other businesses. If your business is ever in need, you’ll have a community of business owners to turn to for help and we saw a lot of that during the pandemic. When you attend one of [our] mixers or special events, you are going to mix, mingle, and rub elbows with other members of the professional community. This will build your network and can lead to opportunities you never imagined.

Advocacy

We look out for the interests of our members when it comes to legislation and government regulations. The Chamber provides a voice for the members about important legislation and regulatory issues at the State, County and City governments. We have been in constant contact with government officials throughout the pandemic to advocate for the interests of small business and provide our members the most accurate information about the ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions. We also worked with the government organizations to help members secure Payroll Protection Program funding and other financial support.

Business Seminars

It can be a challenge to keep up with the latest trends and best business practices when you are running your business. The Chamber provides free access to seminars about digital marketing, workforce development, technology to help run your business and information about important trends in the local and regional economy. These opportunities help you learn or improve upon skills that are essential to thrive in the post pandemic economy. Most of these seminars are free so they will not break your budget.

Whether you are a business with no employees or have employees in the thousands, you can enjoy an exceptional return on investment by leveraging the marketing, advocacy, and networking benefits that are offered by the Chamber. When you get involved with the Chamber, you will become better connected to your community and will become more aware of community and business issues. You will have an expanded network of prospects which bring more business your way.

Click here to learn more about the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce. Make the Chamber part of your marketing strategy. Why Join Campaign Video - YouTube

Mark Kleinschmidt is the President/CEO of the Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce located in Annapolis, MD. "

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