If you recruit in your local area, participating in your Chamber of Commerce can be an excellent way to network your way to outstanding candidates. Here are ten ideas to turn your membership into a powerful recruiting and marketing tool.
- Join a committee or council. Here is your chance to strut your stuff. Pick a council or committee that will allow you to showcase your talents and abilities. As you work closely with other Chamber members, you will develop relationships that can turn into referrals.
- Attend networking events. Take your pick from a variety of business card exchanges, receptions, and programs. Take plenty of business cards, brochures, and any other giveaways that promote what you do (the more unique, the more likely you will be remembered). Make sure you ask for a business card from each person you meet.
- Write an article for the Chamber newsletter. What insights or information do you have that are of value to the business community? Getting your article published in your Chamber’s publication will immediately elevate you to a level of prominence and recognition.
- Attend the “12 @ 12.” Meet other business professionals and community leaders at this informal lunch setting held by many Chambers. Many companies have acquired new business as a result of this event. You may also have the opportunity to be heard regarding important community issues that have an impact on your business and personal life.
- Participate in business showcases and trade shows. Here is a great opportunity to show everyone what you do. Set up your booth, bring your business cards, show off those great testimonial letters, and have plenty of brochures and giveaways on hand. If you choose not to have a booth of your own, come anyway. These are still great events to attend to build your network.
- Attend luncheons and special events. Good food, excellent topics and speakers, and a fantastic networking opportunity. This is a great place to meet like-minded professionals since the topic that attracted you is also of interest to them.
- Follow up, follow up, follow up. Going to a chamber event and passing out your business card is like planting seeds. To make those seeds grow, you will need to “water” and “fertilize” with continued follow-up. Get a business card from everyone you meet and stay in contact.
- Build relationships. Good network + strong relationships = lots of referrals. The Chamber is a matchmaker. You go to events, meet other professionals, and then what? That is up to you. The more time and effort you put into the relationships you form at Chamber functions, the better and more frequent the referrals you may receive.
- Utilize the services of the business assistance program. This free service offered by many Chambers is designed to help you grow your business and be a resource to solve problems. If they do not have the answers, they know where to find them.
- You decide. Your local Chamber is there to serve you. Many of the current programs have come from people just like you who were willing to share their ideas. Your brainstorm could turn out to be the next winning event.
I encourage you to pick up the telephone and find out when your Chamber of Commerce is holding its next program. If your company is currently not a member, don’t let that stop you. Go as a guest and learn more about what this powerful organization may be able to do for your business, and your recruiting.