I met with the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce last week to discuss Social Media with them. It’s no surprise that similar organizations across the U.S. are quickly joining this technology meets marketing and customer service revolution. A Google 
Search for Chamber of Commerce’s on Facebook and Twitter confirmed this.
If you’re affiliated with a Chamber here are my ideas and thoughts to get the conversation going.
Social Media provides your Chamber with an unequalled opportunity to advance its value to members:
- Positions Chamber as focal point of business leadership in the community. You’re leading the discussion instead of following.
- Expands membership through greatly increased exposure. Your posts are shared with each member’s social network.
- Provides member benefit of added networking. Members can comment on what you’ve written which can be viewed publicly.
- Redefines Chamber as influencer, insider and news generator. Social Media is the leading edge and you’re helping members see the advantages for their own company.
Tools of greatest importance to Chambers of Commerce:
Blogs Should be the Center of Chamber Communication.
- They are better than email in communicating with members.
- Visitors subscribe to your content in Email or RSS, and share it with their friends and associates.
- Easy publishing of new, valuable content unlike with traditional websites.
- Search engine ranking increases with more frequent posting.
- Members participate through comments and guest writing.
Facebook Delivers When Used Effectively.
- Customize your fan page, or hire someone, to promote your Facebook presence.
- Fans (members) share your content within their social network, expanding your reach.
- Great for legislative updates, events, photos/videos, business tips, member discounts, surveys and more.
Twitter is easier than Facebook but the audience is less engaged.
- Great place to listen for conversations relevant to your Chamber by searching for topics.
- Useful for reminders, news updates, promotions, events, polls and more.
Suggestions from Techspokes:
- Develop a well thought out plan, but start slowly and build from there.
- If you’re new, consider starting with just one Social Media point of presence.
- Demonstrate quality, presentation skills, uniqueness. Learn the tools and use them expertly.
- Work your plan: don’t slow down or stop before you achieve success. Patience is a virtue.
- Listen and learn: follow Chambers and others to see what works and what doesn’t.
- Content is King: be sure what you write is of interest, and is easy to follow.
- Measure and analyze your results and that of others to know just how you’re doing.