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Answers to Frequenty Asked Questions
- If my company is a member, does that mean I am a member too?
- What does the Chamber's board of directors do? How can I get on the board?
- Who are Chamber members?
- How can the Chamber help me save money?
- How can I use the Chamber to market my business?
- What is the best way to use the Chamber to build my business network?
- How can the Chamber help me build my professional skills?
- How can I help shape Chamber activities and programs?
- How do I find out about speaking at Chamber events?
- How do I use the Chamber for business leads and referrals?
- If my company is a member, does that mean I am a member too?
Yes! When a company becomes a Chamber member, all employees of that company's local branch/offices are considered Chamber members and have full access to our programs and benefits.
The only exceptions are when an employee of a Company joins as an individual. These are typically sales persons of large out of state corporations.
- What does the Chamber's board of directors do? How can I get on the board?
The board of directors is a valuable asset. Our directors bring with them a sophisticated level of experience and expertise. They set the strategic direction of the Chamber and oversee the finances of the organization. The board serves as a sounding board for ideas and policies, and reflects the thinking of a broad spectrum of businesses in Novato.
A board committee first nominates new board members; a recommendation is then made to the full board for final approval. The board Committee actively seeks people who are successful in their businesses, represent the diversity of Novato, have demonstrated leadership skills and have an interest in helping guide the Chamber for a minimum of 3 years.
- Who are Chamber members?
The Novato Chamber has a membership of more than 650 companies, representing Novato and North Bay businesses of all sizes, from the largest multinational firms to growing mid-size companies and micro-businesses.
- How can the Chamber help me save money?
Through professional partnerships, the Chamber is able to offer members several bottom-line benefits. Our membership department will help you learn more about our value-added benefits that can save you money.
- How can I use the Chamber to market my business?
The Chamber offers comprehensive marketing-benefit packages through our publications, website, programs and special events that can help your company achieve multiple objectives. These include increasing your visibility and exposure within the Chamber membership and the North Bay business community, standing out from your competition through exclusive sponsorship opportunities, using promotions and merchandising opportunities, entertaining valued clients at prestigious events and driving sales.
Through the Chamber, you will reach Novato businesses of all sizes and from every industry group. Depending on your company's target audience, you can choose those events, programs and publications that reach identified segments, such as bio-tech, hi-tech companies, small businesses, mid-market firms, international companies and large corporations. Through our well-established partnerships with the leading business media and other professional organizations, our programs are widely promoted to increase your reach.
- What is the best way to use the Chamber to build my business network?
Your Chamber membership is similar to a gym membership: The more you put into it, the more you will get out of it. The best way to build your business network is to develop relationships with other Chamber members. All Chamber programs are designed to give you an opportunity to make new contacts and strengthen existing relationships. The more events you attend and the more actively you participate, the faster and deeper your network will grow.
We produce a number of events that are specifically designed for networking, such as bi-monthly mixers which attracts more than 125 people to each event, the Chamber's Networking Alliance to share leads, and the new Business-to-Business Breakfast Program. Another way to build your network is through volunteering for the Chamber by joining a planning committee, or even chairing a committee. This is an opportunity to increase your visibility and demonstrate your professionalism and expertise to a wide audience.
- How can the Chamber help me build my professional skills?
The Chamber has a number of programs to help you develop the skills you need to excel in business. For example, the Business Education Committee and Women In Business programs are for business people looking for valuable ideas they can use to develop their businesses and improve their bottom lines. Leadership Novato is Marin's premier leadership program that runs from October through June. We are in our 15th year. We are constantly designing new programs that are tailored to our members' needs, and we want to hear from you about what you would like to see in the way of new offerings.
- How can I help shape Chamber activities and programs?
Most of the Chamber's professional-development series have planning committees that help create the content of the programs. You can contribute as a member of the committee or, depending on your level of expertise and experience, as a committee chair. For more information on how to join a committee, call the chamber.
- How do I find out about speaking at Chamber events?
The Chamber is always looking for good speakers and workshop leaders. We book speakers on topics that are relevant to our ongoing series, and we always look first to our membership. Contact the Chamber and send an outline of your proposed presentation, a profile of your target audience and an overview of your speaking experience, including references.
- How do I use the Chamber for business leads and referrals?
As you attend Chamber events and programs and expand your network, you will have access to people who are in a position to provide you with business leads. As you get to know them and they gain trust in your professionalism, your fellow Chamber members can become an important source of referrals for your business.
If you are looking for leads, be sure to check out Networking Alliance, the Chamber's leads-exchange program. We have two leads groups that meet twice a month, giving you the structure and the time to develop relationships that will directly result in business leads.
Each week, the Chamber receives more than 200 calls from all over the area looking for referrals on businesses or services in the North Bay Area. Our staff will refer ONLY Chamber members.
Finally, you (as a member) can get a copy of our Membership Directory and/or labels at a minimal costs to contact members.
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