This document discusses professionalism and the roles and responsibilities of business associations and their leadership. It defines professionalism as having near perfect understanding, knowledge and skills to perform tasks. Characteristics of professionally run business associations include having a clear vision and structure, policies, using resources effectively, continual improvement, and being transparent and ethical. The document outlines the generic roles of chambers in improving competitiveness, advocating for members' interests, providing information and advice, promoting exports and training. It discusses the importance of membership services and satisfaction surveys. The key roles and issues faced by various departments like membership, research and development, and public relations are also covered.
5. 1. Vision, Mission, Objectives
2. Clearly Defined organizational Structure
3. Clearly defined and publically know organizational policies
4. Effective use of resources
5. Know what they are doing why
6. Continued improvement in delivery mechanism
7. Openness to new ideas
8. Flexibility to tap into new Opportunities
9. Adaptability to change with the change
10. Membership Services
11. Ability to advocate
12. Transparent and ethical
13. High Employee Morale
7. CHAMBER IS A BRIDGE
BETWEEN
GOVERNMENT AND
PRIVATE SECTOR
8. Understanding Chamber Business
A chamber is a voluntary
membership based business
organization that serves their
member’s collective interests.
9. Generic Roles of a Chamber/Association
• Work proactively to improve the sector's / region’s profitability and
competitiveness (R&D)
• Work effectively to represent the sector's interests at all levels of the
legislative regulatory process (Policy Advocacy)
• Supply sound information and advice for members (PR & Communications)
• Promote exports and other market opportunities (Trade facilitation)
• Promote training and education (Training)
• Work to ensure practice of principals of good governance (Ethics)
11. Role of Office Bearers
•Develop specific objectives and business
plan.
•Support and Execute business plan.
•Proactively participate in policy advocacy
initiatives.
•Promote Chamber’s image
12. Two Questions?
•What is the role of the chamber or
association?
•How does your job fits within the
overall objectives of your
organization?
13. Role of Staff
Support and Implementation:
• Operations
• Staff and financial management
• Strategic planning
• Membership development
• Program/service development and delivery
• Policy recommendations to the MC/EC
• Research and Development
• Member communication
14. Key Issues with BusinessAssociations
• Understanding of Purpose
• Vision
• Continuity
• Leadership
• Will to excel
• Capacity of staff
• Inability to operate as a business
• Unethical practices
18. Why Focus on Members?
•A member voluntarily invests money by payment of
dues on a regular basis in exchange for a perceived value
from the chamber.
•Members are the first element of an organizational
structure.
•Members are both owners and customers.
21. Chamber Services
• Networking opportunities
• Advocacy
• Member to Member Discount Program
• Learning opportunities
• Community development through effective CSR
• Trade leads
• Referral services
• Employment exchange
• Subsidized consultancy services
• Promotion and advertising
22. Member Satisfaction Survey
Provide feedback opportunity for all of your members
Customized to fit your specific business objectives
Details and ranks causes of dissatisfaction
Benchmarks members satisfaction
Identifies organizations strengths and weaknesses
Provides management with information to make timely and critical
improvements
Reveals the keys to converting merely satisfied members into your biggest
fans
24. You tell us please!
•What is your understanding of R & D?
•What role it plays in Business Associations?
•Which research (i.e. Primary or Secondary) method is
appropriate for BAs?
25. Key Functions of R&D
• Keep leadership informed :
• about policy, economic, legislative and political
development
• Impact of these developments on business
• Produce Material:
• that is useful for their members
• Sectoral Reports
• Economic Reports
• Business development guides
27. Public Relations
What is the role of PR department?
To communicate chamber’s position
to its target audience effectively
28. Process:
• Define communication objectives
• What and why
• Identify target audience
• Who and why
• Prepare A key message
• What needs to be communicated
• Prepare communication strategy
• How and when
• Impact assessment
• Changes or otherwise
• Re-strategize
• What are other options