Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

We've briefly covered how joining the local Chamber of Commerce can help you get started on the creation of a local professional network.  Getting involved with your CoC, whether at a local, county or state level, is an excellent way of meeting other business people who will mentor you, provide suggestions and feedback, and offer windows of opportunity for growth in your field.  These are your colleagues, oftentimes small- or home-based business owners themselves.  These are the people who will look first to their fellow Chamber members when they need a mechanic, attorney, CPA or chiropractor.  These are the people who will offer cross-promotion options and advertising partnerships, which are always worth considering as well.

Meeting up with the folks at the Chamber can lead to another opportunity as well: getting involved in your community at large.  Members of school boards and library advisory committees may also be members of your Chamber of Commerce.  Ditto for local charities and fund raising organizations.  Looking to support a cause near and dear to your own heart?  Touch base with the folks you meet at the next CoC luncheon or gala.  Ask if they know of anyone in the arena you want to delve into. 

Keep in mind that supporting charitable organizations doesn't necessarily require a lot of cold, hard cash.  The freelance writer can help the local Crisis Pregnancy Center with copy writing and grant efforts.  The veterinarian who has just opened the doors of his own clinic can assist the county animal shelter with vaccinations, low-cost spay/neuter programs, or cross-promotion efforts.  There are probably hundreds of ways to help out those in need even if you are just starting out yourself. 

If you don't have a specific cause in mind, the CoC is a great place to start gleaning wisdom for someone who could use your services.  Ask who is knocking on the doors of your colleagues requesting old office equipment or donations of building supplies.  Are you a contractor?  Perhaps you could share some sweat equity for Habitat for Humanity.  You won't know if they need help 'til you ask around.

Cause-related marketing comes in handy.  Joining forces to find a cure, (friend, solution, etc) or stamp out violence (illness, poverty, etc) isn't just something to do if you have money burning a hole in your pocket.  Folks will see right through it, especially at the local level.  They'll be watching you, so make sure the cause you select really does mean something to you.  Don't go around tooting your own horn and throwing press releases every which way.  But do choose something of importance and choose to make a difference.  It will lead to free publicity, potential tax deductions, possible business growth...and a darn good feeling in your heart at the end of the work day.