What is it that drives a business to join a chamber of commerce? The answer to that question for many business owners is "exposure" for their services. Chambers specialize in organizing events that highlight the services of their members and share these services within their membership.

The Sterling Heights Regional Chamber offers a trademarked service which is available for their members called BRAG™ or Business Resource Alliance Groups. These groups meet weekly and use networking techniques that help develop professional relationships that turn into warm referrals. There can be many different strategies to networking, and BRAG™ can be a tool utilized in your strategies. 

Statistics show the average person knows 250 people. That translates into 250 possible referrals per member in a group. Apply the math, and the results will give a BRAG group. That doesn't even include contacts within other groups the member will meet. According to "Network Statistics," nearly 60 percent of all new contacts are found through networking. Referrals generated from networking are 80 percent more effective than cold calls. Networking can be extremely successful, and is a learned skill that needs to be developed. In order to optimize networking skills, an individual must approach the opportunities with the right attitude. 

Utilizing BRAG™ can be an extremely useful way to improve your business exposure and generate more business for you and the other members of the BRAG™ group. 

For more information on how to take advantage of this Chamber benefit, please contact Patty Le Duc, BRAG administrator, at 586.731.5400 x21.