Someone asked me today, “Why did you join the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce?” and without hesitation I said, “Because of the opportunities to make connections and engage with people.” I went on to add that I can NOT measure any “Rate of Investment” on a spreadsheet with actual numbers of clients obtained and policies written but I know absolutely that membership has allowed me access and the opportunity to build relationships with people who readily refer to me on multiple levels in this community and beyond.
As I reflected on this a little more at various points throughout the day I realized that I have established true partnerships and friendships with leaders throughout the area. This has allowed me to be involved in many movements to promote or better our community. But it has also allowed me to meet mentors; have access to benefits beyond DACC; and giving me service opportunities that I may never have had the chance or even known they existed.
I actually found my church through the Chamber. I met Pastor Matt Hook of DUMC at a business breakfast at Foggy Bottom Coffee House. I have since become a member and had my four children baptized. I have been introduced to the Leadercast event that brings together WORLD leaders in business, life, and mentoring that impacts me annually, inspiring me to push on toward greatness and in my life, in my business, and to my community and world. I have since become a graduate and member of the elite business and leadership program EntreLeadership.
I have been given the chance to understand the true ripple effect of a new business to town; a visitor for the day; a new neighbor at home; and what an overnight stay at the hotel down the road truly means to the entire area.
I have had the pleasure to watch seeds that are planted become movements that transform an event or an area. Then in turn watching them evolve and become woven into the fabric of our community.
I have also experienced ideas and plans that were less successful or downright failures. In these times, I have been humbled by watching hard work and dedicated people do what it takes to rise above and have growth from it, at times even turning it into another opportunity for greatness.
I have so many things I can track through three, six, or more connections to a chamber involved function. I believe it is immeasurable. It is a “body in motion” with countless entries to plug in. It is worth as much as you invest..... not just dollars but by engaging.
Electricity is in every connected outlet.... but you get no performance unless you plug into it.
Even if someone is willing to do no more than pay dues and put the sticker on their door, they cannot measure the value of what that sticker says to each person coming through that door; or what the impact is to their online ratings and mentions by a basic listing on the website; or what it means on their “resume” when people are choosing whether or not to do business with them. Most, if not every, Fortune 500 has dedicated staff on their team to make sure they are part of their community’s team whether they have a brick-and-mortar or not.
I know when I first sent the check in for the dues I did it because that was what is expected to be done in a community of Dexter’s heritage and character. I could never have expected the level of impact it has had now. I expect remarkable things to continue through my relationship with the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
As I reflected on this a little more at various points throughout the day I realized that I have established true partnerships and friendships with leaders throughout the area. This has allowed me to be involved in many movements to promote or better our community. But it has also allowed me to meet mentors; have access to benefits beyond DACC; and giving me service opportunities that I may never have had the chance or even known they existed.
I actually found my church through the Chamber. I met Pastor Matt Hook of DUMC at a business breakfast at Foggy Bottom Coffee House. I have since become a member and had my four children baptized. I have been introduced to the Leadercast event that brings together WORLD leaders in business, life, and mentoring that impacts me annually, inspiring me to push on toward greatness and in my life, in my business, and to my community and world. I have since become a graduate and member of the elite business and leadership program EntreLeadership.
I have been given the chance to understand the true ripple effect of a new business to town; a visitor for the day; a new neighbor at home; and what an overnight stay at the hotel down the road truly means to the entire area.
I have had the pleasure to watch seeds that are planted become movements that transform an event or an area. Then in turn watching them evolve and become woven into the fabric of our community.
I have also experienced ideas and plans that were less successful or downright failures. In these times, I have been humbled by watching hard work and dedicated people do what it takes to rise above and have growth from it, at times even turning it into another opportunity for greatness.
I have so many things I can track through three, six, or more connections to a chamber involved function. I believe it is immeasurable. It is a “body in motion” with countless entries to plug in. It is worth as much as you invest..... not just dollars but by engaging.
Electricity is in every connected outlet.... but you get no performance unless you plug into it.
Even if someone is willing to do no more than pay dues and put the sticker on their door, they cannot measure the value of what that sticker says to each person coming through that door; or what the impact is to their online ratings and mentions by a basic listing on the website; or what it means on their “resume” when people are choosing whether or not to do business with them. Most, if not every, Fortune 500 has dedicated staff on their team to make sure they are part of their community’s team whether they have a brick-and-mortar or not.
I know when I first sent the check in for the dues I did it because that was what is expected to be done in a community of Dexter’s heritage and character. I could never have expected the level of impact it has had now. I expect remarkable things to continue through my relationship with the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce.
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