10 Ways Your Chamber of Commerce Can Help Your Craft Business
Grow
By Rena Klingenberg
Joining your area's Chamber of Commerce can be a smart move for
your jewelry or craft business. Because businesses that participate
in this group promote each other and work together, your own business
can grow and prosper quickly. Here are just a few ways you can
benefit by joining your local Chamber of Commerce:
- If you make it known that your jewelry or handcrafts
make great client or employee gifts, you could wind up with a very nice flow
of business from your fellow Chamber members.
- You may be able to line up some lunchtime sales or
parties featuring your products at local businesses to help employees
with gift shopping (especially at Christmas, Valentine's Day and
Mother's Day).
- You may qualify for less-expensive health insurance
and business insurance available to Chamber of Commerce members.
- You can find out about local events where you might
set up a booth and sell your handcrafted items.
- You'll meet good, reliable sources for products and
services like accounting, printing, computer support, etc.
- You'll be referred to other Chamber members' contacts.
- You have a good chance of meeting local retailers who
may be interested in carrying your work.
- You'll have an opportunity to do joint ventures with
other local businesses, such as cooperative advertising or trunk shows.
- Your business name can be associated with improving
your community, since Chambers of Commerce generally work on civic improvement,
legislation favoring local businesses, and economic development.
- You may have access to mentors who can help you develop
your business; or you may be able to serve as a mentor to someone else.
These are just a few of the many ways this valuable networking
and marketing system can help you grow your jewelry or craft business.
You can find your local Chamber of Commerce in the business listings
of your phone book. •
About the Author
Rena Klingenberg is a jewelry artist and small business owner.
Her Web sites, www.trade-show-booth-display.com and
www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com,
are filled with new success tips and articles to help other small businesses
market their products.
10/14/04
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