Building Mental Fortitude
Decision-making in a chaotic environment can sometimes be paralyzing. It can feel like you're stuck in PERMAFROST—well, that’s this post’s acronym. An acronym for becoming more mentally fit for the demands of running a modern chamber of commerce.
What can you do to help yourself, your staff, and your volunteers become more resilient?
Overcoming Member Objections: Part 2
This posting is Part 2 of an article exploring responses to common objections given by business owners that don’t fully appreciate or understand the value of membership in a chamber of commerce.
Overcoming Member Objections: Part 1
In some parts of the world, governments have passed law making chamber membership mandatory. For the rest of us, articulating chamber value and matching the needs of prospective business members is a big part of leading a successful chamber. This posting is part one of two examining the most common objections and most appropriate responses to secure membership.
What Now?: Leadership in Uncertain Times
Tough times test your leadership. Creating a sense of stability that inspires others despite the chaos around them takes leadership with purpose, persistence and a plan. This posting offers a leadership strategy to help you navigate and adapt to adversity, uncertainty and other crises that may come your way.
Countdown to Greatness: 2025 World Chambers Competition
The 2025 World Chambers Competition is open for submissions, and the deadline to apply is March 7, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to put your chamber’s achievements on the world stage! Finalists will be invited to present their programs at the 14th World Chambers Congress, taking place in Melbourne, Australia, from September 2-4, 2025.
Essential Qualities For Today’s CHAMBER Leader
Being trusted to leader a chamber of commerce is quite an honour. It comes with expectations, both explicit and implicit, and from a wide variety of community stakeholders. This issue of Letts Talk explores seven essential qualities of today’s chamber leader.
It’s Time To Celebrate
Local chamber leaders, mark your calendars! Ontario Chamber will co-Host the 2027 World Chambers Congress, September 8-10, 2027 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Themed, “Prosperity with Purpose: Building Inclusive, Sustainable Economies”, over the next three years, chambers from across the country will be contributing ideas that will make this Congress one of the world’s best.
Mick Fleming: Legendary Leader
Mick Fleming is a legend. As CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives from 2001-2017, Mick was a mentor to me and many. In this post, I share a remembrance of Mick and encourage us to learn from his example.
Busy Season for World Chambers Federation
This article provides an update of the initiatives of the International Chamber of Commerce’s World Chambers Federation (WCF). The WCF, now representing 3800 chambers of commerce worldwide has launched many new initiatives this fall including is Click-One service, the Chamber Pulse global survey report, expansion of the Women’s Council, launch of the 2025 World Chamber Competition and the voting process to select the location of the 2027 World Chambers Congress.
Teamwork Needs Teamwords: Updating Our Language for Inclusivity
In addition to a wonderful mosaic of cultures in today’s workplace, many also have staff and volunteers that have been born in up to five different decades. This diversity of ages, backgrounds and experiences is a strength for our chambers, if the language we use is supportive of teamwork and high performance. Language shapes how we think and interact with the world. This article demonstrates that by replacing outdated idioms with inclusive alternatives, or retiring them altogether, we demonstrate respect for the diverse experiences of others.
Build Member Profiles in STAGeS
Chamber success has always been dependent on how well we know, and how well we serve our members. In this issue, the helpful STAGes framework is presented. The article also presents helpful questions to start conversations with members and prospects. By implementing the STAGes framework, chamber leaders develop a more fullsome assessment of a business person’s needs and preferences, which makes it easer to match chamber services.
Chamber Wisdom: Guidance To Get a Banker to Say Yes
Everyday business owners contact our chamber teams seeking business guidance. So, why don’t we put more effort into marketing our advisory services? Referrals, insights, acting as a sounding board, mentoring or providing that all important encouraging word – these are just a few of the services that business communities everywhere seek from their chamber. This issue shares an example of guidance given to business owners seeking a loan from their bank.
ACCE Horizon 2.0 Shares Trends For The Next Decade
ACCE - the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives asked delegates at their recent Elevate Conference in Dallas to consider ten trends and forces that will have the most impact on your chamber in the next decade. Specifically, delegates were asked to choose the top 4 most dominant trends. This posting shares the ten trends identified and encourages chamber leaders to explore more of the thought-provoking initiatives of ACCE.
Success For Generations
By understanding the unique traits and preferences of each generation, chamber leaders can tailor services, programs, and communications to better meet the needs of their diverse membership base. This article shares strategies to help chambers attract and engage members from all generations to foster a vibrant and inclusive business community.
Learning: How does your chamber fill this need?
Millennial and Gen Z business owners, the largest cohorts in North America (i.e. your biggest pool of members and prospective members), expect convenient and relevant learning opportunities. That’s why many chambers are collaborating on Learning Management Systems to fill this member need. This article features the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’ recent foray into online business learning.
Plans For 2025 World Congress Underway
Chamber leaders world-wide are excited to learn more about plans for the 14th World Chambers Congress. This bi-annual conference will be hosted by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Melbourne, Australia, September 2nd-4th, 2025. This article highlights some of the wonderful experiences and amenities awaiting delegates.
FUNTASTIC Event Planner: A Back-to-Basics Checklist
Details. Details. A successful chamber event requires thoughtful planning. Despite lots of promotion, some event registrations you could always count on, now seem less predictable than ever before. What more can chamber leaders do to keep events fresh, boost attendance and event registrations? This issue provides a fun mnemonic to help you re-think assumptions, generate new ideas and focus on the many variables that will make your next event a big hit.
Governance Synergy: Concepts for Success
Governance often gets a bad rap, conjuring up images of tedious by-law reviews and unclear definitions that leave both directors and staff scratching their heads. This article introduces a robust governance model that, when properly implemented, can be vital to the success of your chamber. With trust, leadership and communication driving an effective board, the article outlines 7 concepts that make up the TLC Synergistic Governance Model. From adhering to clear roles and responsibilities, working collaboratively and keeping promises, to finding the courage to lead and cultivating a culture of courteous, two-way communication, this article summarizes key concepts for success.
Eurochambres: Unlocking Opportunities For Canadian Trade with Europe
Bilateral trade agreements are pivotal in reducing trade barriers, fostering economic cooperation, and opening up new markets. Chamber leaders advocate for trade-friendly policies with most nations including those in Europe. For Canadian companies, agreements such as CETA, the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, provides a structured framework to access European markets with reduced tariffs, simplified customs procedures, and mutual recognition of standards. Chamber leaders should consider attending the upcoming Eurochambres Congress, June 12-14 in Antwerp, Belgium, to gain insights and build relationships that can help facilitate international trade.
Key Metrics To Track Performance
Performance tracking systems will vary from chamber to chamber. This article encourages the use of metrics that are meaningful to your team and directly relevant to improving the experience of your chamber member. Tracking account growth, member engagement, advocacy impact and financial sustainability is a good place to start. Keep in mind that you don’t have to track everything. Focus on a handful in each strategic area and adjust upon quarterly review.