Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

danchez · **Chamber of Commerce -** 09-16-2011, 05:43 PM

just curious how many togs are members of their Chamber of Commerce. If you are or are not, can you explain why. What are the benefits or cons?

Ernst-Ulrich Schafer · 11:27 AM

Dan, Networking anywhere is a huge benifit towards your business. The more you put your face in front of folks the more they will request your services or hopefully remember you in the future. Right now I'm not a member of my Chamber and the reason is that our director has acted way to unprofessional for me to keep my membership.

Redneck · 09-17-2011, 11:18 AM

I've been a member in the past but not anymore. It didn't bring anything to me although I have to admit that I never made it to the monthly chamber meetings which were all scheduled at lunch time.

brad · 09-17-2011, 02:43 PM

A chamber is like any other advertising or networking... you get out of it what you put into it... if you put yourself out there, attend events, etc.. you should get business out of it. If you just pay your dues and nothing else, you won't get much.

Steelsun · 09-17-2011, 10:09 PM

Chambers are also a bit pricey, depending on where you are. The ones in the Houston area (there are about 6 or so in the Houston city limits) go for $300-400 or more a year and seem to compete against each other and have limited meetings. They also just don't promote businesses like they used to.
Other networking groups might be a better option.

You would have to do a cost/benefit analysis of the chamber(s) and the service they offer for your area.

pbyd · 09-18-2011, 09:50 PM

Well, I must make a comment here, I have been a member of my local Chamber of Commerce for many years now, along with being a member of the Better Business Bureau. I will agree that no membership will help you in anyway if you do not get involved. I have been in the business of photography for many years and I have found that business memberships help me build my business much more than spending my time and money belonging to photography groups, and I must add that I was in the PPA, WPPI, TPPA and our local Guild for many years and was very involved. Joining photography groups is a great way to get to know other photographers, but the Chamber has given me a way to get to know people that will spend money with me, and that helps me stay in business.
Just saying,
Wayne
Photography by Design