If you’re like many of our members, face to face networking opportunities are one of the things that drove you to membership.
As an organization, networking is a major part of our mission and one of the most engaging parts of our member services. But, it’s not all we’re about.
Even before we were all forced to pivot, reimagine, and adjust to running a business during a pandemic, we at the Chamber were working diligently to provide services, support and opportunities to our members that went above and beyond the traditional networking event.
From smaller, more intimate networking opportunities like our Lunch Exchanges to the formation of various task forces to help provide support and advocacy for our businesses throughout the pandemic, our efforts have consistently revolved around producing and providing resources and opportunities to our members that help them achieve their goals before, during and after COVID-19.
As we head into 2021 and a year we hope sees more of a return to normalcy, there are still plenty of actions you, as members, can take to ensure your Chamber membership continues to work for you now and into the future.
Beyond Networking: Making the Most of Your Chamber Membership During COVID-19
Embrace virtual networking.
It’s not the same – truly, nothing can replace face to face interactions – but it’s what we can do safely during this time and it actually can be beneficial in other ways too. Embracing virtual networking options, from organized networking events to self-initiated actions like connecting with people on LinkedIn, will allow you to continue to make connections with people in a time when you otherwise may not be able to do so at all.
One other great thing about virtual networking is that it opens up the opportunity to connect with people who may not have been able to attend before. Individuals with work schedules or family commitments that don’t always align with evening networking events can participate more easily, giving you a wider circle to connect with.
Also, like so many other things we’ve implemented since things were forced into the digital arena this year, virtual events are a thing we can anticipate will stick around in some capacity well after meeting restrictions and social distancing requirements are lifted. Adjusting them to them now will save you time in the future.
Sign up for this week’s multi-Chamber event and enjoy some festive networking with members from the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber: Register for Mingle Bells
Ge to know the Chamber staff.
Our entire staff of five is always willing and able to assist our members in various ways. Whether you have an advocacy issue you want support on or can’t seem to figure out how to register for an event we’re hosting, you can reach out to our team for guidance and assistance.
We encourage you to connect, introduce yourself, and learn about how what we do at the Chamber can support what you do in your business.
You can learn more about our staff and connect with us here: Chamber Staff
Open our newsletters.
One of the easiest ways to stay informed about and involved with the Chamber and the various opportunities and events we have upcoming is to open our weekly newsletters. We often put exclusive information about calls for features and event announcements in them, and many of these opportunities reach capacity or sell out before non-newsletter readers have an opportunity to take advantage of them.
Spoiler alert: Tomorrows e-news will include a big feature opportunity request for 2021 – don’t miss out!
Join our Facebook groups.
This is another place we often post about opportunities. If you’re a current member in good standing, send us a request to join here. Note: Be sure to answer the questions or you won’t be accepted.
Get to know how your member portal.
It is where you can update your Chamber listing and learn more about how impactful your membership has been when it comes to sending people to your website. Be sure to periodically login and check out you referral report. It can give you information about leads and impressions just being a member has sent your way.
Log into the member portal here: Chamber member portal
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.