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SMME Business Seminar ECDC 2 nd June 2011

sharing best practice And some practical advice. SMME Business Seminar ECDC 2 nd June 2011. The Principal Global Chamber. What are Chamber’s of Commerce & Industry.

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SMME Business Seminar ECDC 2 nd June 2011

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  1. sharing best practice And some practical advice SMME Business Seminar ECDC 2nd June 2011

  2. The Principal Global Chamber

  3. 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

  4. Why have a business association?

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. Secondary aspects • Must have Mission statement that incorporates aims & Objectives • Annually renewable subscription remember “God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.” Mother Teresa

  8. Aims & Objectives • Protect interest of members Lobby Advocacy Representation • Promote members • Networking • Business opportunities • Contacts & referrals

  9. Services • Offer relevant services • Information • Business leads / tenders • Key contacts & data base • Letters of support & introduction • Events & functions

  10. Relevant services, not . . . .

  11. 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

  12. Have a good slogan • Must be believable and credible • Be achievable • One that members subscribe to • Represents the Chambers vision

  13. 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

  14. 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

  15. 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

  16. Not this small . . .

  17. 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)

  18. 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

  19. Conflicts of interest CAN kill . .

  20. Thanks! Les Holbrook Executive Director Border-Kei Chamber of Business 043 – 743 8438 www.bkcob.co.za

  21. Questions?

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