If you’ve joined your local Chamber of Commerce and are wondering how to market your business effectively, you’re not alone. Many business owners hesitate to get involved because they don’t want to come off as pushy (or worse, cringeworthy). The truth is, the Chamber is an incredible platform to build connections, generate leads, and increase community awareness of your business—but only if you approach it the right way.
This post will walk you through five creative, non-cringe ways to promote your small business using your Chamber membership.
1. Host Events That Add Value
Don’t just set up a boring booth and hope people come to you. Instead, host events that provide real value to the community. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, host a “DIY Branding for Startups” workshop. If you own a fitness studio, consider doing a free outdoor yoga session at a Chamber-sponsored event.
The key is to position yourself as someone offering solutions, not someone just trying to sell. Events like these attract genuinely interested potential clients, making your marketing feel natural and authentic.
Tip: Collaborate with other Chamber members to make your event bigger and more engaging. Partnerships always boost credibility.
2. Join Chamber Committees
Chamber committees are an underused gateway for marketing your business. Join a committee related to your industry, skills, or passion. For instance, if you’re a tech startup owner, volunteer for the Chamber’s technology or innovation committee.
Not only does this establish your expertise, but it also puts you in front of other decision-makers in your community. These relationships can organically lead to referrals and new business opportunities.
Tip: Don’t sell yourself during committee meetings. Instead, focus on adding value to projects, and over time, others will naturally start seeking your expertise.
3. Get Social (Online and Offline)
Your Chamber likely organizes regular networking events, but are you taking full advantage of them? Rather than attending events and handing out business cards to anyone who’ll take them, focus on building relationships.
Introduce yourself, ask meaningful questions, and be genuinely curious about other business owners. Follow-up is key too. Find them on LinkedIn (or Instagram if that fits their vibe) and connect after the event.
Additionally, if your Chamber has a strong social media presence, make sure to engage regularly by liking, commenting, and sharing posts. Many Chambers also feature their members on social platforms or in newsletters, so make sure to provide them with quality updates about your business they can share.
4. Leverage Sponsored Opportunities
Most Chambers offer sponsorship options like event partnerships, newsletter ads, or website banners. Pick opportunities that align directly with your audience. For example, sponsoring a local Chamber event attended by families might make sense if you own a children’s bookstore.
Sponsorships often include chances to speak at events or get your logo on email campaigns and social materials, adding visibility to your brand. Done right, they feel less like promotion and more like support for the community.
Tip: Look into paying for a booth or giving away branded freebies, but ensure anything with your name on it feels high-quality and memorable.
5. Share Your Expertise Through Content
Chambers often provide platforms for members to share their expertise, like writing blogs or speaking at events. Create content that addresses your community’s pain points while showcasing your skills.
For instance, if your business is in digital marketing, a blog titled “5 Free Tools to Boost Local SEO for Small Businesses” not only positions you as a thought leader but also targets an audience likely interested in your services.
Tip: Make sure any content you provide the Chamber links back to your website or social media to drive traffic and leads.
Marketing Through the Chamber Doesn’t Have to Be Cringe
When done correctly, marketing through your Chamber of Commerce can be an organic and highly effective way to grow your business. Focus on building connections, providing value, and aligning with the community’s needs, and you’ll see the rewards roll in—with none of the awkwardness.
About The Pomona Chamber of Commerce
At the Pomona Chamber of Commerce, our mission is to keep you up to date with the most relevant developments in business management and administration so you and your company can take advantage of new opportunities.
Contact us by email (info@pomonachamber.org) telephone (909-622-1256), social media, or click on this link to join and start enjoying the benefits of membership today.
