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The short answer is maybe. The Chamber might be the right organization for building your business or it could be wrong for you but exactly right for the lawyer down the hall.

Any organization you join must meet three important criteria:

1. Is the organization aligned with your values?
2. Does the membership reflect your target market?
3. Does the organization provide opportunities to assume a leadership role?

The last question is especially important. Simply joining an organization that meets the first two criteria without becoming actively involved will significantly limit the value of your membership. A leadership role places you in the spotlight with the chance to show your skills and commitment to the success of the members. Whether you are a seasoned attorney or just starting out, plan on getting active right away in the organizations you choose. Volunteer for a committee and do more than you are asked. As you gain credibility, you will have the opportunity to increase your visibility, which can ultimately increase your profitability.

More on how to choose

One way to be sure you are targeting an organization that you can both serve and benefit from is to consider what organizations your best clients belong to. You might also consider community organizations, political groups, and groups that represent your religious affiliation. Emmet Bondurant, partner at Bondurant, Mixson and Elmore and recognized by the National Law Journal as one of America’s Top Ten Trial Lawyers told me when I was interviewing him for my book, Raising the Bar: Legendary Rainmakers Share Their Business Development Secrets that he chose one organization to join that was considered by some to be politically controversial but which was aligned with his philosophy and his practice and that has brought him much satisfaction and success.

So, should you join the Chamber? What do you think now? Will joining meet your goals? 

Until next time,

Robin