Identify Gaps In Your Chamber’s Unique Value Propositions
An honest gap analysis can help your team to identify opportunities for new programs, products and services.
At your annual strategic plan retreat, or staff meeting, consider discussion on these questions. Use these questions to spark an honest conversation about gaps in service offerings from your chamber of commerce and identify new opportunities to better meet member expectations:
Direct Return: What specific resources does the chamber provide to deliver a direct return on investment for its members' dues/non-dues investment?
Reports: How does the chamber ensure that the information it offers to its members is unique, timely, and exclusive? Can you provide examples of the types of information sources available?
Policy Development: In what ways does the chamber take positions and lead on important initiatives and issues? How does it actively involve its members in shaping policies and decisions?
Advocacy Campaigns: Can you elaborate on how the chamber empowers its members to have influence and affect outcomes that are beneficial to their businesses? What mechanisms or opportunities are in place to facilitate this?
Impact Stats and Stories: How does the chamber measure and demonstrate the impact of its initiatives on the businesses of its members? Can you provide specific examples of positive consequences resulting from chamber-led initiatives?
Connection Stories: What strategies or programs does the chamber have in place to facilitate introductions between its members and mentors, customers, and peers? Can you share success stories of businesses that have benefited from these connections?
Engagement and Collaboration: How does the chamber foster positive experiences and quality conversations among its members? Can you provide examples of interactive platforms or events that encourage engagement and collaboration?
Innovation: In what ways does the chamber support and promote innovation among its members? Are there specific programs or initiatives aimed at fostering cutting-edge ideas and technological advancements?
Skill Development: How does the chamber provide instruction and facilitate skill development for its members? Can you provide examples of educational programs or workshops that have helped businesses acquire new skills or applications?
Trend Awareness: How does the chamber ensure that its members have access to new awareness, understanding, and knowledge relevant to their industries? Are there specific channels or resources that provide intelligence and keep members informed?
Success Stories: Can you share some insights or lessons learned from businesses that have been part of the chamber? What breakthroughs or successes have they experienced as a result of their involvement?
Thought Leadership: How does the chamber support its members in integrating ideas and strategies into their businesses effectively? Are there specific resources or support systems in place to assist with implementation?
Hopefully, discussion of these questions will help deepen your team’s understanding of the unique value propositions that your chamber of commerce offers to its members and the gaps in perceiving, promoting, communicating or delivering on those services. My next blog focusses on the core benefits members can find at a chamber and how a dialogue with members and prospects can lead to valuable discoveries about your chamber.
