I just received an interesting question from a client and thought it was important enough to use as a blog post, so here goes:

Question: Should I write and distribute a press release when I join my local Chamber of Commerce this week?

Answer:  Congratulations on identifying and joining an organization that will help you in your business! It’s so important to surround yourself with people and organizations that provide you with opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise.

If you were appointed to the board, the media would be interested in running that in their version of “People on the Move.”  But they can’t run something on every new member of every organization in town so I wouldn’t waste your time in sending out a press release.

However, I do have ideas on how to maximize your new membership:

1. If you have a “press” tab on your web site, add a short blurb about joining the chamber there. 
2. Add their logo to your home page. This is a credibility piece that you now have in your portfolio. Proud member of:  LOGO GOES HERE.  Add all of your membership organizations.
3. In a similar fashion, you can add the logo to the bottom of your next enewsletter. People like to associate w/ others who also invest in themselves and their businesses.  In lieu of adding it as a permanent part of your enewsletter, just mention it in your opening paragraph about what you’re up to.
4. Does the chamber offer any special new member announcements to other members of the chamber?  Be sure to use the free promotional opportunities they provide.  Some are substantial.  My membership in a local chamber afforded me to be published in their newsletter nearly every month, just by sending them updates, information on upcoming teleclasses and workshops.  Most members don’t take full advantage of benefits.