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Using Your Chamber of Commerce
By selfemployedblog | February 28, 2006
Before I quit my job to take off on my own as a freelance web developer, I wondered how I could get my name out there. Quitting a full time job to risk working for yourself can be a scary transition. You definitely have doubts. A good friend of mine suggested I join my local Chamber of Commerce. I had not even heard of it and decided to look it up.
After reading the benefits of joining, I decided to take the plunge and become a member. It cost me about $250 and upon them listing my business web site on their business listings, I had received my first referral! I received multiple calls in the beginning and some didn’t workout. Looking back, I’m glad some fell through. But I still do work with my first client that found me from the Chamber of Commerce listing and they refer me often.
Now I get a majority of my clients through word of mouth, which in my opinion, is the best form of advertising around. I’m sure I could’ve utilized the Chamber of Commerce more had I been an active member, meaning participating in their many networking meetings. If you’re just starting out, check out your local chamber. They may provide you with your first client if not many more.
Topics: Marketing |