Professional_Knowledge_and_Abilities_Paper

Professional Knowledge and Abilities Paper The development of professional knowledge and abilities affects career success by informing the individual of industry advances, products and tools. It increases expertise and presents the customer or client with the highest level of quality and professionalism available. The Chamber of Commerce is an excellent organization for developing professional knowledge and abilities in order to increase career success. The Chamber of Commerce is a business advocacy organization that offers networking opportunities, business referrals and listings, group benefit coverage, and pro-business public policy. The San Diego Regional Chamber is primarily driven by the dollars of larger business members but focuses on any issue that promotes or inhibits any size business growth. San Diego County has been estimated to be comprised of up to ninety percent small businesses so locally this focus is crucial. Networking opportunities such as events and committee meetings can create a path to success for participating businesses. Individuals can use events to meet not only prospective clients but build relationships that will generate future referrals. Events also give small businesses the chance to showcase their products and venues to a select audience. The Regional Chamber of Commerce in San Diego has offered collective health coverage to small business owners and their employees who were previously unable to afford these benefits. Options like healthcare can prove determiners in whether a prospective employee chooses your business over the competition or small business over large. Business advocacy at the Chamber of Commerce is focused directly on issues that will affect business’ ability to succeed. This can include proposed legislation such as ADA laws that a small business may be unaware of but if in violation could easily be sued for or forced to make unaffordable structural changes. Other laws including prevailing wage mandates can lock small businesses out of lucrative bidding processes based on wages they just can’t pay. In addition, the Chamber is a valuable watchdog for harsh tax penalties that can decide whether or not a small business owner’s dream of success is realized Professional knowledge is increased by becoming aware of other businesses, building potential customer and referral relationships, and recognizing collective packages for benefits like healthcare. Also, understanding how government regulates business, making your voice heard and preparing for change is knowledge that can result in success instead of failure. Professional ability can be increased by actually the knowledge gained through membership at an organization like the Chamber. If the business owner becomes aware of opportunities it is the ability to treat those as customers that [creates new business or a piece of success. In addition, understanding that a relationship without a sale is potentially countless referrals reflects an understanding of the process of building partnerships. New members should look for this motivation through member mentors, those successful at working the organization. Finally, the ability to become unselfishly involved in a cause, such as business advocacy, works to benefit oneself, the customer, and the business community. The result is increased visibility for the business and a step in the direction of true success.