01/10/2024
Lesson learned from 2023: If you are attempting to start and build a new business on a tight budget, DO NOT JOIN A CHAMBER of COMMERCE! Many of you may know I earned my Notary Public Commission In January of 2022. I was ... ignorant. I hoped that, by joining 2 local chambers and an Economic Development Council, I could jump start my biz, relying on strong customer service and creating relationships with potential trade partners in allied industries to help grow the rest.
BUZZ!!!
I might've bought BEER with that money and STILL done better.
I *should* have bought advertising, whatever I could afford, wherever it was on sale, where folks in need of Notary services had a *chance* of seeing me.
Chambers have camaraderie with other business owners, information that may or may not apply, but what they did NOT have (for me) was one. single. bit. of. new. business.
Slightly over $1,000 between the 3 memberships and meetings: -100% ROI.
Zero of any stars, do NOT recommend.