Networking During A Pandemic

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The pandemic has changed the way most do business. Networking and expanding one’s business network have been a struggle for many business owners with in-person gathering and travel restrictions. As a result, many businesses are turning to their local Chamber of Commerce as a critical vehicle for fueling prospect opportunities.

“The role of a Chamber of Commerce has never been more essential”, said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation. “One’s chamber is an advocate to their affected members: providing information and guidance on timely matters that aid in fueling economic growth.”

Hunscher shares seven ways your local Chamber of Commerce is uniquely well-positioned to help businesses with what matters most:

1. Though networking is important, running your business may make justifying time away from your desk difficult. Many chambers, like the Morris County Chamber, offer hybrid models (virtual and in-person) to help accommodate schedules, life demands and health concerns.
2. Chambers offer countless programs to boost owner and employee education. This aids with amplifying service offerings, identifying new skills to meet changing client demands, and more.
3. A surprise to many is that chambers like the Morris County Chamber of Commerce have a membership representing a vast diversity in industry verticals and organization size: from startup to Fortune 500.
4. Chamber membership typically comes with the benefit of discounts on various products and services that ease operations, such as insurance, office supplies, shipping, payroll services, and more.
5. Chamber publicity opportunities amplify business exposure in within a community of like-minded businesses.
6. Chambers offer business owners the flexibility of reach with opportunities to connect with local, county, regional, and state communities
7. Local and county laws affect business owners. The Chamber offers business owners a platform to reach the ear of government decision-makers and help shape policies that impact their business.

Private sector leadership is essential to economic recovery. Local chambers are providing resources and powerful advocacy that help businesses find a path to economic growth.

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