Networking Leads the Way: Insights from the Member Survey

In April, we issued a membership survey that provided valuable insights into what we’re doing well and areas for improvement. We asked members to identify the top reasons for choosing Chamber membership, and the top five came as no surprise. Starting with this column, I’ll use the next four issues of Chamber News to highlight those top five—reinforcing positives while offering strategies to address any shortcomings.

A strong professional and social network tops the list, something we know is of consistent value to members. Over the course of a single week in April, Chamber programming drew more than 900 attendees. On April 8, more than 300 attended the Membership Mixer at Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown. Twelve hours later, more than 200 attended Good Morning “Greater” Sioux Falls, featuring a four-mayor regional development panel. About 200 alumni gathered for a social and group photo celebrating 40 years of the Evan C. Nolte Leadership Sioux Falls program (see this issue’s cover story) and nearly 200 professionals attended the annual Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference. Weeks like this happen often, creating ongoing opportunities to build your business and network.

One of the coolest things that happened that week was during a conversation I had with a longtime Chamber member and volunteer at the Cybersecurity Conference. He told me he didn’t know a single person at the event. Don’t worry—he quickly made some great connections. That moment reminded me we’re attracting members from a variety of disciplines, which boosts our networking capacity.

Our Chamber team, along with volunteers serving as Ambassadors, Diplomats, YPN committee members, agribusiness leaders, board members and more, work hard to make events successful. We received many positive comments and high ratings, but some respondents said events can feel “cliquey.” How can we improve?

I routinely ask our team and volunteers to reach out to new members and find someone they don’t know at an event. When I attend, it’s easy to catch up with board members about upcoming tasks, but that can unintentionally exclude someone new who needs a warm welcome. As simple as it sounds, I ask all longtime members to be intentional about making a couple of new connections at each event.

I use the analogy of a train to make this point. The engine driving us forward is our 120-year history—an aggregate of effort, victories, setbacks and community support powering us through all conditions. Imagine train cars serving our initiatives—agribusiness, advocacy, professional development, military affairs, education and more. Some members stay in one car, others move between them, and some get off and back on down the line. No matter what, we need to keep fueling the train and add engines as needed for the greater good.

Let’s remember that some people are new riders and it’s our responsibility to help them connect. Many of you can recall a Chamber connection that brought long-term value, some going back decades. Let’s keep creating those stories for new riders today. We’re fortunate to live in Sioux Falls, and together we ensure people 100 years from now will say the same.

Member Survey Results

Top five reasons businesses choose to be a member of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce:

1. Networking opportunities

2. To market and grow their business

3. Public policy, advocacy and legislation

4. Education and professional development

5. An obligation to support the community

See upcoming issues for more results and more insight from Chamber President & CEO Jeff Griffin