Being an Ambassador in your community

This week I celebrated my four year anniversary of moving to Rancho Cordova, California. One of the first things I did upon moving here (a new city where I only had ONE friend!), was to seek out opportunities to meet people quickly, in order to get to know my community.

The first thing I did was join the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce, and shortly thereafter I became an Ambassador.

If you’re not familiar with an Ambassador program, this is an elite position as a volunteer with a Chamber of Commerce which affords you an opportunity to serve as a liaison between Chamber members and the Chamber of Commerce. In most cases, that means you are in the front line of contact with businesses as soon as they join the Chamber, and you have the ability to meet them often times before the rest of the membership does.

Common Ambassador activities include: visiting new members and delivering a membership plaque, attending new business ribbon cuttings and grand openings, calling on current members to be sure they are taking advantage of their member benefits, and greeting business professionals at luncheons, mixers and functions.

What do you think is the one common marketing tool that you can use at all of these types of activities? Your introduction/networking commercial/elevator pitch! Being an Ambassador affords the opportunity to not only spend time in the community, but it also provides a reason to knock on the door of a business to introduce yourself.

And I’ve done just that! Since 2004, I’ve met a HUGE majority of the businesses in Rancho Cordova – something that I may not have been able to do so efficiently without being an Ambassador. I’ve built some fantastic business relationships as a result, and I love walking into a restaurant or business and KNOWING the people inside. Plus, I’ve made wonderful friends and business partners with my fellow Ambassadors!

If you’d like an opportunity to serve your local Chamber of Commerce and get to know your business community, be sure to contact your local Chamber of Commerce for information.

As Chair of the Rancho Corodva Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Program, I can certainly give you an idea of the time commitment and benefits involved in our local program, just contact me!

(c) 2008 Barbara Beal-Lopez, “The Elevator Pitch Coach” with Brightfarm Productions, helps business professionals introduce themselves with high impact. Everything in business starts with an introduction. If you’re ready to learn how to introduce yourself and your business professionally and comfortably, visit Barbara at www.brightfarm.com and sign up for free weekly tips.