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

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 (3 rd oldest) 805 members Two principal offices Member profile » Invested capital R 169Bn » Annual turnover R 68Bn » Salaries & wages R 18Bn » Total employees

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 subscription remember “God doesn't require us to succeed; He only requires that you try.” Mother Teresa Mother Teresa

Aims & Objectives Protect interest of members Lobby Advocacy Representation 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 Holbrook Executive Director Border-Kei Chamber of Business  043 –

Questions?