Saturday, November 17, 2007

10 Low-Cost Ways to Market your Business

In entrepreneurial business, generating sufficient revenue is the most important concern. Often business owners randomly shoot in the dark in an attempt to find that one marketing idea that will solve their issue. Instead, consider developing a plan with many ideas that can be implemented simultaneously, such as:

1) Databases - Develop a database of customers, prospects and key stakeholders. Send out a monthly e-blast to inform, inspire, and entertain.

2) Seminars - Host an educational event at your place of business or at a public venue to inform the public about the benefits of your product or service.

3) Associations - Join at least two associations, a chamber of commerce and an industry trade association and get fully connected throughout each organization.

4) Get Wired - Make sure your website is visually appealing, content rich, and optimized for access on several search engines.

5) Networking Partners - Make sure that you have a defined list of at least 12 networking partners with whom you can consistently exchange leads.

6) Mail - Despite online advances, the US Mail is alive and well. Develop a consistent and viable direct mail campaign using considerable repetition.

7) White Papers - Write an informative paper about important ideas in your industry and make it available for downloading on your website.

8) Media Releases - Send out media releases about new products, company updates, or key events to local newspapers.

9) Blog - Link a blog to your company website to create buzz.

10) Go Crazy - Get creative, persistent, and assertive in developing new clients - your business depends on it.

Give several of these ideas a chance at the same time. You may be surprised at how your marketing accelerates.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Thursday, November 8, 2007

When Small Businesses Lack Capital?

Most small businesses do not have the funds to engage in comprehensive advertising. Yet, without a serious attempt to generate revenue, it can become difficult for the company to survive (forget about thriving for now). Without money, the business should invest in the main resource it has in abundance - time.

Many small business owners are hesitant to throw their time at the problem. Instead, they choose to procrastinate the difficult work of doing anything and everything to generate revenue, the lifeblood of small business. There are many inexpensive ways to build a business through extensive networking, company networking partnerships, blogging, parties/open houses, and just plain hitting the street.

By just putting together a comprehensive plan, you may be surprised that the revenue may come rolling in quicker than expected. Any comments?

Wednesday, November 7, 2007