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Author: Tresaca Hamilton Article source: http://www.blackunicorninc.com/. Used with author's permission.
"I know I need to market my business in order to
grow my business, but right now I can't afford it."
I have heard this statement numerous times from
business owners that are struggling to stay in business.
They are hanging on by a frayed string that will break at
any moment, resulting in any chances at a
successful business to come crashing down.
But it doesn't have to happen that way.
Instead of focusing on what they don't have
and not doing anything to market their business,
struggling business owners should focus on
making the most of what they do have.
If you are on a shoestring budget,
it IS possible to stretch the string
and generate revenue for your business.
Here are Five Tips to Stretch the String:
1. NETWORKING:
The key to maximizing opportunities with Networking
is to do it effectively and consistently.
Don't attend events with the intention of trying
to sell your services to everyone you meet.
Go with the intention of getting to know
more about other business owners and their services.
Set a goal to make a connection with at least
three business owners and immediately follow up
with them after the event.
When you take their business card,
ask them if you can have another one to pass on to
someone who may need their services in the future.
2. ARTICLES:
This is one of the most effective ways to market your
business when you have more time than money.
Write about what you know and use your
knowledge to help your target market.
If you get overwhelmed by the thought
of writing to a large audience, focus
on writing to one person...your ideal client.
3. NEWSLETTER:
You have a lot of affordable options in this area.
You can create an electronic newsletter (ezine)
at no cost or very low cost.
You can create a one page print newsletter and mail it
to your target market or use as a handout.
If you don't have the budget to pay for postage,
you can also convert your one page newsletter to a
.pdf document and email it (with permission) to
your target market.
While there is no limit to the amount of pages
you can put in your newsletter, keep in mind that
the string will snap as the number of pages increases
due to rising publishing costs.
4. SPEAKING:
Seek out speaking engagements to market your business.
As the guest speaker, you will be the center of attention
and will have a great opportunity to maximize your
marketing efforts.
Be sure to ask the audience to fill out a feedback form
that asks for their contact information.
You can offer an incentive to encourage more responses.
If you distribute handouts, include your contact information
along with a special offer just for attendees in the handouts.
5. BUSINESS CARD:
Increase the effectiveness of this little marketing dynamo
by utilizing the back of the business card.
Think about your most wanted response and then
capitalize on all of that real estate space to get it.
Think beyond putting a yearly calendar on the back.
How about a special offer for your target market?
Valuable tips that solve the problems of your target market?
Give the recipients of your business card a reason to hold
onto your card or to contact you immediately.
Use these five tips to generate more ideas and revenue
for your business.
When it comes to stretching the string, you are only
limited by your imagination and attitude.
If you invest your time wisely while on a shoestring budget,
your return on investment will eventually yield enough
revenue to give you an actual marketing budget
that will allow you to take your business to new heights.
Copyright 2005 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc.
All Rights Reserved Tresaca Hamilton is the CEO of
Black Unicorn Communications. Black Unicorn Communications
helps Service Businesses
attract more clients in less time.
Visit http://www.blackunicorninc.com
to receive our free Business Success Toolkit
including the free course: 7 Steps To More Clients.
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