I believe that any local business can increase their sales dramatically by (1) becoming a member of the Fort Worth Chamber and then (2) focusing on the Chamber events that will produce results for that specific business.

My company, Our Fort Worth.com, targets local businesses providing them with website design, marketing and hosting services while showing business owners how their website can save them time & money. What sets us apart from our competition is our extensive marketing expertise and “how-to” we share with our clients.

Originally, I felt the Chamber would be a good connection to meet local businesses and maybe find a few new clients to pay for the cost of our membership. Little did I know what a big payoff Chamber membership would be!

It’s impossible to participate in everything the Chamber schedules. Each month I take the Chamber calendar of events and mark the activities that are targeted to my companay's needs. My focus is to meet as many people face to face as possible with each event I attend.

Originally, I joined a Chamber Leads/Networking Group* that was being formed. I immediately attended a Leads Explosion, New Member Orientation (now called Getting to Know Your Chamber) and my first Chamber After Hours. I made a point of spending all my time at these events meeting people and finding out about their businesses. In return, these new business acquaintances would ask me about my business.

After attending these specific events and realizing the huge number of business contacts I could make at each event, I made the decision to attend every Leads Explosion, Chamber After Hours, Lunch and Learn, and Getting to Know Your Chamber in addition to my weekly leads group luncheon. This would get me face to face with a large number of new business contacts every month with very little investment of time on my part. It also served to build relationships with other Chamber members as I saw them regularly at events.

After a few months, my schedule allowed me to become a Chamber Action Ambassador volunteer. This is a very firm monthly time commitment. But, it was the next step in my plan.

Today, I can say for certain, the results of active Chamber involvement are very impressive. I find that I am marketing my company’s services almost exclusively through the Chamber and other word of mouth referrals. I also find that some members who are not prospects for my services are still very important because we have referred other business to each other.

The most important thing I have learned is that every contact I get to know is valuable. You have no idea who that person will talk to. But, I know they will remember me when an opportunity to give me a referral arises. I have received many sales leads from individuals whose companies are competitors of sorts or who are not prospects for my services. Build your circle of influence and expect nothing in return. You will be amazed at the fantastic rewards that come back to you!

For me, the key to actively getting results from my Chamber membership is to integrate several events the Chamber offers and make them a priority. If I had to rely on “working events in,” they would never happen! As soon as event dates are released, I make a reservation, mark them on my calendar and then make a concentrated effort to work everything else around them.

Maureen Sullivan


*I have been leading a Chamber Leads/Networking Group since October, 2002.

3148 Marys Lane, Fort Worth, TX 76116

817.731.0343 Fax 214.853.4128

email: maureen@ourfortworth.com

www.OurFortWorth.com