A Trip to the Village Square
By Matt Metzger | Leadership Tap
When my business partner, Josh Hartsell, and I wrote the check to cover our first year of Chamber membership, it felt a bit like joining an exclusive club without knowing the dress code—excited to be part of it but unsure if we really belonged. Would it bring us new business? Was it worth the investment? Would we show up at an event and feel like outsiders?
To be honest, we didn’t really understand what the Chamber was all about. Sure, we’d seen those “Proud Chamber Member” signs hanging in businesses around town, but what did they actually mean? We assumed Chamber membership was like a subscription service—pay your dues, and the benefits start rolling in. A built-in network. An automatic pipeline to new clients. A little business magic.
But what we discovered was something different; something better.
The Chamber is a Village Square
If you think about it, running a business can feel a lot like living in a medieval village. You have your own craft—your trade, your expertise, your livelihood. You’re working hard to grow it, improve it and serve your customers well. But like any good village, you’re not meant to do it alone.
That’s where the Chamber comes in.
Imagine a village square, the central hub where the baker, the blacksmith, the tailor and the carpenter gather. Not because they’re looking to sell to each other but because they need one another. The baker needs the blacksmith for tools. The carpenter needs the tailor for clothes. They share ideas, trade advice and support each other. That village square is what keeps the entire town thriving.
For us, the Chamber has become that kind of place. A space where we don’t just do business—we build relationships, trade wisdom and invest in something bigger than ourselves. It’s not about collecting leads; it’s about connecting people. It’s not about getting something; it’s about giving. And in the process of connecting and giving, something incredible happens: everyone grows!
How to Make the Most of the Village Square
If you’re considering joining or if you’re already a member but don’t feel like you’ve quite tapped into the full value—here are two things that have made all the difference for us:
1. Be a host, not just a guest.
Walking into a Chamber event can feel intimidating. We remember those early days, standing on the edges of the room, not knowing a soul. But we also remember the people who welcomed us, the ones who made us feel like we belonged.
Now, we make it a point to do the same. Whether we’ve been part of the Chamber for years or are walking into a brand-new event, we show up with a “host” mentality. We introduce ourselves to newcomers. We ask about their business. We make introductions between people who should know each other. Instead of waiting for opportunities, we help create them. Because here’s the truth: the best way to get value from the Chamber is to bring value to it.
2. Invest in the community, not just your business.
At some point, we stopped asking, “What can the Chamber do for us?” and started asking, “How can we contribute?” And that’s when everything changed.
We volunteered. We shared our experiences. We celebrated the wins of other business owners. We connected people who could help each other. And that’s when the Chamber became something more than a networking tool—It became a community.
And guess what? The business growth we were hoping for? It happened. Not because we were chasing it, but because we were planting seeds, nurturing relationships and supporting others. The return on investment wasn’t simply financial--it was personal, professional and deeply fulfilling.
More Than Just a Membership
These days, when we renew our Chamber membership, we don’t do it with hesitation, we do it with gratitude. Those annual dues feel like a steal because of the relationships, opportunities and experiences it has brought into our lives.
Whether you’re a longtime member or considering joining for the first time, here’s our advice: don’t simply stand on the edges of the village square. Step in. Engage. Welcome others. Invest in the community.
When the village thrives, we all thrive!