I still remember my first Chamber event in Amherst. I walked in feeling equal parts hopeful and terrified, clutching my name tag like it was a lifeline.
And I left feeling invisible.
I had stumbled awkwardly into other people’s conversations, inserted myself where it seemed I didn’t belong, and then tried to find a corner where I could simply exist for the remainder of the event.
On the drive home, I wondered: Had I made a mistake? Was this really the place for me or my business?
A few days later, my phone rang.
It was Claudia Pazmany, the then Executive Director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.
She said she wanted to check in, see how I was settling in as a member and if there was anything she could do to help.
That conversation lasted over 30 minutes.
Claudia listened. She heard my concerns as a new business and as a relative newcomer to Western MA. She took the time to connect and then encouraged me to send her a free advert for the Chamber newsletter. “It will be a great way to get Artist Dynamix some visibility,” she said.
That single phone call changed everything.
The business networking challenge
We talk a lot about “networking” as a business necessity. But rarely do we acknowledge how hard it can be, especially for newcomers, introverts, or those who are socially awkward (or just nervous).
For many people, attending an event where everyone seems to already know each other can feel like being that kid on the playground without a friend.
You want to belong, but you don’t know how.
And sometimes, no one stops to help you figure it out.
This is where Chambers of Commerce, and all networking organizations, have an essential responsibility.
It’s not just about recruiting members.
It’s about meeting them where they are.
Want more information? Check out our guide to business networking in Western Massachusetts. It includes a list of chambers, other networking organizations, and tips to help you win when stepping into your next networking event.
Some members will come charging in, ready to shake every hand in the room.
Others? Not so much.
They might need someone to help them connect, engage, or simply find their footing in a sea of unfamiliar faces.
New members are often also dealing with the fact that they are new in business and that identity can also be overwhelming in itself.
The person in the corner
That phone call didn’t just keep me from quitting the Chamber; it sparked a journey I never expected.
I eventually joined the Chamber board. I became an active member. And I found my place in a new community.
As chambers around Western MA and the world continue to struggle with the question; “How can we provide more value to our members?”
This right there, is a great starting point. See them. See their needs. Meet them where they are.
Pay attention to the folks standing quietly in the corner. The ones who are new. The ones who look unsure. And the ones who never show up for events.
No one ever asked
Incidentally, I was at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce end-of-year party held at The Mill District last week, when I met some brand new members. One of them has been in business in the Amherst Area for years, but only joined recently after the current chamber executive team called him and explained the benefits of being a member.
I asked him; “How come you never joined the chamber until now?”
His response: “Oh, no one ever bothered to reach out?”
So even those businesses that are not members want to be seen. Need to be seen.
What about you? Have you ever felt invisible at a networking event? What turned it around for you? How can chambers do a better job of making members feel seen and included? Comments below.
CONTRIBUTOR
Fungai Tichawangana
Fungai 'Your Web Guy' Tichawangana is an entrepreneur, web developer, and writer. He is the founder of Artist Dynamix, a digital marketing agency based in Amherst MA, which helps businesses and creative entrepreneurs take off & fly. Artist Dynamix specializes in website development & management and search engine optimization. The agency's projects include Inc413, Valley of Writers, and Literary Massachusetts. When you see him put his hand up, he is reaching for the sky.
I’ve given up on networking events and chambers. Maybe it was just me, but the networking was not worth the results. Most people seemed to only care about selling stuff to you and hardly anyone wanted to listen enough to form a real connection.
I think with Chambers you get out what you put in. If you are not prepared to show up and participate, you will not get results. You have to volunteer, attend events, reach out to other members, etc. The Chamber membership is simply your ticket into the arena. People expect to sit in a corner and have things delivered to you on a silver platter.
I’m sorry to hear that you encountered people who were only interested in selling things to you. I agree with David here. You have to work the floor and keep on reaching out to people. One of the things that I’ve found particularly useful is telling the chamber exactly what you are looking for. E.g. (I want to be introduced to this bank or that business). That’s what they are there for. Then you get a chance to do 1:1 meetings with other members. It’s a great way to build relationships.
Thank you, Fungai, for sharing your story and for your thoughtful reflection on the power of connection.
Your experience highlights exactly what we strive for at the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce: building relationships that create opportunities, foster collaboration, and amplify the voices of our local business community. It’s inspiring to hear how one phone call turned into such meaningful engagement, and we’re so grateful for your contributions, both as a business leader and as a valued member of our board.
This is a wonderful reminder of how chambers can serve as a bridge, bringing people together to make real, lasting impact. Thank you for being part of our mission!
Most welcome! Thank you for your comment and ongoing support.
Great story. I’m glad it worked out!