When you get involved with the local Chamber, you get a chance to get to know businesspeople, like you, who are in your local community. Now, I don’t know about you, but if I get the chance to shop local instead of padding the pocket of an overseas corporation, I will choose the former. The same is true for many people, but when it comes to finding a specialty service provider, such as a writer, potential clients might not know where to look. For that reason, when I advertise on Craigslist, I always emphasize that I am a local writer because people want someone they can connect with.
By cultivating connections through your local Chamber of Commerce, you are showing your community that there are local options, and giving people a chance to get to know you. Attending local Chamber meetings is a great way to meet new people.
While your efforts might not pay off immediately in terms of work, you will be getting to know people, establishing relationships and enjoying the benefits of being involved in a community. So before you find yourself in need of work, head on down to your local Chamber of Commerce and get involved.