Management Buzz 10/01
Making the most of chamber of commerce meetings
Stephan Schiffman, president of D.E.I. Management Group Inc.,
recalls a hot potato being lobbed his way at a New York City
Chamber of Commerce panel discussion. In the middle of a discussion
on banks, someone asked, "How do you get a loan?"
Schiffman couldn't give an honest answer because his banker was
in the audience.
Asking for advice at a chamber meeting can be as challenging as
imparting it. One question overheard by a competitor or debtor
could hurt your business. But don't resign yourself to not
seeking delicate advice.
"Hire an agent to represent you," says David May, U.S.
Chamber of Commerce vice president. He suggests your attorney or
accountant as trustworthy conduits.
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May also recommends talking with the chamber's president,
who is used to acting discretely. "It's a good place to
get an overview, and then they can refer you to specific
people," he says.
Schiffman proposes opening the possibility for dialogue by
reversing the flow of information. "Become active in the
chamber as a speaker or director because that brings people to
you," he says. As people come up to shake your hand, you can
ask your questions.
Business writer Chris Sandlund works out of
Cold Spring, New York.
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