Are you a member of chamber of Commerce ?

[cevans34]

I was just wandering if any of you are members of your local chamber. I was thinking of attending the Black Country chamber of commerce first friday lunch in dudley.

[SenditOver]

i am planning to join the black country chamber as soon as cash flow allows!

[MikeH]

Member of Cov & Warks. Joined to get some discounts on services. Do not really use them for anything else.

[Jenni384]

I'm contemplating joining, but not really sure if it's worth it.
I know I can never get up early enough for their breakfasts!! :redface:

[Mat_D]

I've just enquired about joining the Herefordshire & Worcestershire CoC.

Can anyone tell me what format the networking meets take on, and who generally attends them?

[MAllenDesign]

To be honest im heard different things about the chambers.

I was and am still thinking about if i should join or not.

Some people say that its gets you business and access useful information, but others say that unless that its just a very expensive breakfast.

I would ask around, see what they have for you, is there anyone in the chanber who will be interested in you product/services? And what other competitors are a member of the same Chamber.

Its a shame they done do a months trial like a taster. That would be useful for new members to see what they get for the money.

Like i say ask around and make your own discussion.

Keep us informed also.

[Mat_D]

My industry is all about networking and finding clients. As anyone who owns a business is a potential client, it sounds as though it's worth a shot.

Having said that, I sent an email enquiry about joining two days ago and have yet to receive a reply.

[MAllenDesign]

Yes same with my business; all about networking and developing relationships.

But i suggest try and find out whats out there for free, because theres nothing worst than paying for something and its not benefiting you.

but if you feel it will benefit you, then rightly so, go for it!

I'm a Graphic / Website Designer and i go to a networking meeting at millienum Point in birmingham for free and when ever i go i get at least a new contact that are interested in my work and 9 times out of 10 leads to me doing Graphic Designing or Website Website designing for the client.

[Birmingham]

i was previous with a member organisation of birmingham chamber... and there were a few luctures about business startup but i didn't really see much value in the membership. i guess for the lively networkers it would be worth it tho

[ginantonic]

If you are a new business (under 12 months) you can get free Chamber membership for a year in some areas. I'm in Leicester and did it, got a nice certificate, and a mention in their monthly mag. That's about it, really, as I found the events far too expensive (average £40pp for a "golf breakfast" etc) and not very relevant, even for networking. I imagine it's the same "old boys network" that attend them, anyway. Works for some, but not for me, I wouldn't pay the £300-odd for a year's membership.

[The Panda]

I got the free membership for a year but dont get much out of it. For peice of mind against a tax investigation its probably good value and also leagle help but like others have said, cant make the breakfast clubs as I have to drop kids off at school so a 7.45 am breakfast is out for me. Probably wont renew membership next year but thats due to low sales income this year and tightening of the old trouser belts.

[essentialmarketer]

Essential Marketer Ltd is a member of the Birmingham Chamber...we have been along to a few events, they can be good for networking and meeting new local businesses who are in need of your services.