There was a recent question posed on the Chamber Pros Facebook Group that stirred up a lot of responses. The question was “Given today’s political climate, how is your chamber preparing for the potential of many membership drops?” As you can imagine, there were some people who responded based on predictions of recession on the horizon and there were others who saw only opportunity for chambers.
These are divided times.
How do you lead and act as the voice of business when things are so divided? Are you using this time to inspire or console?
You’re facing unique challenges that require fresh approaches to leadership, advocacy, and member recruitment. If these are challenging times, rest assured that good things will come from it. After every major societal obstacle, there has been a time of renaissance and those who can see the opportunities rise above.
While highlighting advocacy and the chamber’s mission are essential, chambers must now also focus on adaptability, inclusivity, and collaborative leadership to thrive during uncertain times.
Embracing Adaptability
Chambers that demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to rapidly changing business conditions become invaluable. By providing agile programming that directly addresses immediate business concerns—such as navigating policy changes or supply chain disruptions—chambers prove their relevance.
Offering quick-response webinars, podcasts with timely topics, or real-time forums can significantly enhance value for members who seek guidance and practical solutions.
As Chamber Pro Barry Wilfahrt offered, “Chambers always do well in uncertain times. People double down on community involvement and membership. Adjust your programing to help businesses prepare for and deal with this uncertainty. This can be the best time to grow a business and find new opportunities.”
Prioritizing Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives
In a polarized political climate, chambers have the unique opportunity to position themselves as inclusive, nonpartisan entities dedicated solely to community and economic success. Promoting diversity within chamber leadership and membership helps attract businesses seeking inclusive spaces to collaborate. Emphasizing stories of how diverse perspectives strengthen decision-making and economic outcomes can make a compelling case for membership. Remember, the common denominator is business success.
Collaborative Leadership
During difficult times, businesses appreciate collective approaches that amplify their voice and reduce isolation. Chambers can innovate by facilitating collaborative leadership groups, task forces, or industry-specific councils that empower members to lead initiatives, solve community-wide issues, and advocate jointly. This approach shares the leadership load, amplifies voices, and strengthens community bonds.
Chambers are also in a unique position to bring both private and public sectors together for effective communication. Chambers pros needn’t worry about getting reelected, yet they are able to impact change like an elected representative because those in office respect the power of the chamber and its united voice.
Practical Benefits Redefined
To provide value during tough economic periods, chambers need to redefine practical benefits, emphasizing immediate ROI. Practical offerings could include resource pooling programs, bulk purchasing discounts, shared professional development opportunities, or marketing co-ops that directly impact members’ bottom lines. Highlighting these tangible, financial advantages can shift the narrative from membership as an expense to membership as an essential strategic investment.
Cultivating Young Professionals
Another fresh approach to divided times involves proactively engaging younger professionals, who often view chambers as traditional entities disconnected from their career goals or values. Developing mentorship programs, young professional groups, and networking events that integrate emerging leaders into chamber activities not only invigorates membership but also secures long-term engagement and sustainability.
Younger generations have strong cohorts/peer groups. Once a chamber starts winning over the hearts and minds of some younger professionals, others will follow. They are wonderful word-of-mouth marketers once they understand the value of membership. To do that, a chamber needs to be where they are and produce content that helps them understand the role of the chamber in their professional lives. Chambers also need to break the stereotype of the organization as a “group of old people.”
Getting Creative with Sponsorship Dollars
When sponsorship revenue declines, chambers must get creative with alternative funding streams. Innovative fundraising methods, such as community crowdfunding campaigns, digital sponsorships (webinars, podcasts, newsletters), or developing smaller-scale, targeted sponsorship opportunities that require less financial commitment can attract new supporters.
Explore grant funding, partnerships with local governments or nonprofits, and creating specialized, exclusive benefits that motivate members to step into sponsorship roles previously occupied by larger sponsors.
Glass Half Full Mentality
Steel is forged in fire. Iron sharpens iron. There are many platitudes about how bad times create growth and strength. It’s not time to circle the wagons yet. Even when indicators show tough times ahead, some chambers are thriving. Jennifer Swaney-Buchanan shared, “Economic uncertainty is always a consideration, but we are seeing remarkable growth in our area and our Chamber membership—our highest numbers since pre-COVID. We are experiencing significant expansion, with new businesses opening, and a substantial increase in tourism on Route 66 coming. Our infrastructure and highways are being upgraded and enhanced, and investment in our region is increasing dramatically. Rather than preparing for decline, we are experiencing increased engagement of businesses and community. Oklahoma recently faced raging tornadoes and fires. We will continue to stand beside our businesses and community, no matter what challenges come our way. We have already proven that we can survive a catastrophe that brings the world to a standstill with COVID. Today, we are not just in a good place—we are in a better place, a stronger place, and a place built to last.” What a story to be able to tell your members.
It's easy to let worry mar your view and if you’re experiencing significant drops in membership and sponsorship, it’s hard to put on a happy face. But leading through adversity is what we’re called to do. Even if your choice is in the White House, your community may face natural disasters or the closing of a large employer.
Agility and attitude were the game changers during COVID and still are today.
Even during trying times, chambers can create compelling stories that resonate deeply, attract diverse membership, and establish chambers as indispensable community pillars in challenging economic times.
Join the conversation here.
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