Referral Programs can be an effective Membership Sales and Membership Recruitment tool. Chambers offer a variety of Referral Programs, from formal to informal. Volunteer Ambassador Programs are also an effective way to build referrals. Communicating Value is important for all members - current, renewing, and prospective.
Example Referral Programs
Effingham County Chamber of Commerce (Ill.) Member Referral Program - Each referral provided that leads to a new, active member of the Chamber from April 1 to July 31, 2018 will allow the participating individual to receive (1) entry in the grand prize drawing for a chance to win 4 Cardinal Tickets.
Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Pa.) Member Referral Program - To thank members for each referral that results in membership, the Chamber offers a monthly reward that is generously sponsored by member companies. The top referrer of the year (with a minimum of five referrals) will receive one ticket to next year’s Annual Dinner.
San Rafael Chamber of Commerce (Calif.) Membership Referral Program - I Belong - When a referred business joins the Chamber of Commerce and their payment is received, the referring Chamber member can choose a $50 gift card to participating Chamber member businesses & restaurants or they can donate their referral check to the Tim Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund. In addition, the referring member will also get a free spotlight profile in our monthly E-Brief Newsletter if four (4) of your prospects join within the calendar year. For the new (referred) Chamber member, their one-time administrative fee would be reduced from $65 to $15.