Barter
Before there was money, there was bartering, the direct exchange of
goods and services. You might not have money for marketing, but you
do have something to trade: your business.
Call your local radio stations and offer free gifts,
appointments, coupons—whatever you've got and can
afford—to be used as prizes in their promotional draws or
contests. In exchange, you get to include your business name and
contact information on all these products, and they make periodic
announcements on the air that sing praises of your
contributions.
You can also barter with other small businesses in your area.
Are you an information broker, plumber, candlestick maker? Find a
copywriter, Web site designer or desktop publisher and offer to
trade your services for professionally written ad copy and polished
Web sites and brochures.
Content Continues Below
Give Away Tips (and Your
Name)
Name recognition: that's what those giant billboard ads and
full-color magazine spreads are trying to build. Name recognition
sells because people fall back on the things that are familiar.
You, too, can cash in on this tendency—and spend nothing more
than your time and photocopying costs.
Start by writing a short article that offers a set of tips
related to your business. Remember, on this topic, you're the
expert. Pick a catchy title that promises secrets, numbers and
reasons ("Become your own boss in five easy steps,"
"Three things to try when your computer dies" and "7
mortgage mistakes to avoid," for example). Don't overtly
sell your business, though you can make references to it. Many
people who never read ads will read an article, especially one that
promises a tangible benefit.
Format the article so you can fold it into a convenient shape
for mailing or handing out. Include contact information and a clear
but brief description of your business where they're visible
but not obtrusive. Hand out the "free tips" at networking
events, send them to relatives and friends, and post them on
bulletin boards in coffee shops, Laundromats, public libraries and
malls. Offer them free from your Web site if you have one.
Ask compatible local businesses to keep a stack of them as a
service to customers. "10 things to look for in a good pet
sitter" would probably be welcomed at your vet's office,
"Beat stress through aromatherapy" at a natural products
store. And the next time someone is going on holiday in Europe or
runs into a stressful spell, your pet-sitting or aromatherapy
massage business will be first in line for consideration.
Stand
United
| | LEARN
MORE
What are you trying to achieve with your sales
and marketing? You need to set some goals. |
| |
This is probably the most effective and least-utilized way you
can get more business fast: Join forces with other entrepreneurs
who run businesses complementary to yours. If you're a
copywriter, seek out a graphic designer and a printer. Interior
designers can team up with house painters and custom furniture
makers, resume writers with employment consultants.
Market your services jointly, and refer your clients to each
other. Offer coupons that offer discounts to each others'
services. Not only do you get many times the exposure you'd get
if you were marketing alone, but you'll also attract extra
customers who want the convenience of one-stop shopping for all
their needs.
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