What Is Your Chamber’s Origin Story?
I’ve noticed that many chambers of commerce, have a history page on their website. The histories are quite interesting but can sometimes seem lengthy and are presented more as a recitation of facts. Increasingly so, chambers are making efforts to better communicate their purpose to better engage younger business leaders. In fact, many chambers have been turning to the examples set by the founder-world and start-up ecosystem to prepare origin stories. These are stories that help potential investors better connect with growing companies, helping them to better identify, remember and trust you.
What better way to differentiate your chamber?
The way you tell you story online can make all the difference.
There can be many reasons why an origin story resonates with chamber stakeholders. It could be sponsors that want to know more about your beliefs, or new staff that want to better understand their role and sense of purpose in your organization. It could be members that want to feel part of something special and want to know what you stand for. An origin story can help respond to questions your stakeholders have about your chamber, questions that if properly answered, can open up new avenues of investment of time and money in your chamber.
In essence, an origin story is a narrative detailing the genesis of the chamber. An origin story serves an important role for chambers. It can be used to define the character of the organization. It pays homage to the chamber’s past achievements and does more. It can influence your stakeholders’ feelings toward the chamber and its culture. Rather than leaving a void to be filled with assumptions about your chamber, that may or may not be correct, an origin story adds depth and texture to the chamber’s purpose, outlining beliefs, motivations and forecasting its future.
A few years back, Rebecca Rosenberg wrote a great article entitled How to write Your Business Origin Story, in an online blog of the US Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the great tips within that article, a good origin story for a chamber of commerce typically includes the following elements:
Historical Context: The origin story should provide a historical context that explains the circumstances and need for the establishment of the chamber of commerce. It may involve mentioning significant events, economic developments, or challenges faced by the local business community that led to its formation.
Founding Vision and Purpose: The origin story should highlight the founding vision and purpose behind the chamber of commerce. This includes the goals, objectives, and intended impact that the founders envisioned for the organization in supporting and promoting local businesses.
Community Collaboration: A strong origin story emphasizes the collaboration and collective efforts of community members in establishing the chamber of commerce. It may mention key individuals, organizations, or businesses that played a significant role in its formation, showcasing the collective power and commitment of the community.
Early Initiatives and Milestones: The origin story should highlight the early initiatives and milestones of the chamber of commerce. This can include key activities, events, or achievements that exemplify the chamber's dedication to supporting businesses, driving economic growth, and making a positive impact in the community.
Impact on the Business Community: An effective origin story demonstrates the tangible impact and benefits that the chamber of commerce has brought to the local business community. It may share success stories, testimonials, or examples of how the chamber has helped businesses thrive, overcome challenges, or shape the local business landscape.
Evolution and Growth: The origin story should acknowledge the chamber's evolution and growth over time. This can include mentioning expansions, new programs, strategic partnerships, or any other significant developments that highlight the chamber's continued relevance and adaptability to changing business needs.
Connection to the Present and Future: A good origin story establishes a connection between the past, present, and future. It should convey the chamber's ongoing commitment to supporting businesses, driving economic development, and advocating for the interests of the business community in the present day and for years to come.
Authenticity and Pride: Lastly, a compelling origin story should convey a sense of authenticity and pride in the chamber's history, achievements, and impact. It should instill a sense of purpose and inspire current and future members, stakeholders, and the wider community to engage with the chamber and contribute to its continued success.
Remember that ideally, your reader needs to see themselves in your origin story. They are the hero, by stepping up to engage as an investor, member or sponsor of the chamber. The origin story helps them to see that by their example, they carry on a wonderful tradition of business people working together to build a better community.
For your chamber’s origin story, don’t feel compelled to include all of the elements described above. It is important to be concise in preparing your written origin story. And why not also consider other formats to tell your story? Origin stories can also be prepared as a video, for example. By incorporating these elements, an origin story, in text or video, can effectively capture the essence and significance of the chamber's establishment, fostering a sense of identity, community, and purpose that resonates with its members and stakeholders now and in the future.
