Download - SMME Business Seminar ECDC 2 nd June 2011 sharing best practice And some practical advice
SMMEBusiness Seminar
ECDC2nd June 2011
sharing bestpractice
Andsome
practicaladvice
The Principal Global Chamber
What are Chamber’s of Commerce & Industry
The International Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1919 with an overriding aim that remains unchanged: to serve world business by promoting trade and investment, open markets for goods and services, and the free flow of capital. Membership is only possible through a National Chamber in your country i.e. SACCI
Why have a business association?
Who we are
• Founded in 1877 – 134 years young (3rd oldest) • 805 members• Two principal offices• Member profile
» Invested capital R 169Bn» Annual turnover R 68Bn» Salaries & wages R 18Bn» Total employees 52 000
Basic requisites
• Voluntary membership association• Must be subscription based• All members equal• Must have an agreed constitution• Clear leadership structure especially if there
are employees
Secondary aspects
• Must have Mission statement that incorporates aims & Objectives
• Annually renewable subscriptionremember
“God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.”
Mother Teresa
Aims & Objectives• Protect interest of members
LobbyAdvocacyRepresentation
• Promote members– Networking– Business opportunities– Contacts & referrals
Services
• Offer relevant services– Information– Business leads / tenders– Key contacts & data base– Letters of support & introduction– Events & functions
Relevant services, not . . . .
Best Practice
• Never give your autonomy away• Be confident and fearless in your engagement• Look for the battles you can win NOT lose• Always seek allies and support• Be prepared to submit to a better argument• Don’t accept second best• Remember – you are a representative body
Have a good slogan
• Must be believable and credible• Be achievable• One that members subscribe to• Represents the Chambers vision
Core structure of an effective Chamber
• Executive Committee – elected • Sub committees on key competencies -
voluntary» Business, LED & Tourism» Infrastructure» Employment» Membership, finance & operations» Government Liaison & PR / communication
• Be representative
How to sustain
• Nothing free (perception – value of the goods/service directly related to price paid)
• Annually renewable subscription• Seek sponsors / sponsorship• Approach funding agencies• Projects that will add to relevancy and
sustainability
Immediate challenges• Decide if you want a Chamber of Commerce or
simply a business forum & who to affiliate to i.e. locally or nationally
• Don’t go small – employ a full time manager and open an office in a good area
• Select a strong executive willing to lead and give time
• Don’t be intimidated by unregistered and informal traders – remember, you have more rights as a rate and tax payer – demand those rights
Not this small . . .
Challenges cont:
• Don’t dilute the organisation with different structures. Keep the association single minded, i.e. Women & Youth. Simply build the programmes into the overall structure
• If you cannot decide what you want to be, start off with what you DO NOT want to be
• Meet regularly and never cancel meetings (that is the start of rot)
Remember
• Don’t try going alone• Always ask for advice • Respect must be earned – but is also deserved• Start the association from two directions
• Build sustainability• Develop relationships
• Don't allow empire building or the association to be self serving. Declare conflicts of interest
Conflicts of interest CAN kill . .
Thanks!
Les HolbrookExecutive Director
Border-Kei Chamber of Business043 – 743 8438www.bkcob.co.za
Questions?