Get In The Limelight Promote yourself to publicize your business.

When one of Maria Barraza's friends told her AmericanExpress was looking for women and minority-owned businesses toprofile in an advertising campaign, Barraza immediately sent herinformation to the credit card company. The New York City-basedBarraza Associates Ltd., a clothing design and manufacturingcompany, turned out to be just right for American Express, whichput the owner's face-and her fashions-in magazinesnationwide.

As testimonial advertising gets hotter, more entrepreneurs arefinding themselves in the media spotlight, doing great things fortheir businesses at no cost to them. Barraza's American Expresscampaign has led to publicity in the New York Daily News, The WallStreet Journal, and on television as well as at national speakingengagements.

If you want to star in an ad for your favorite product, takeBarraza's advice.

1. Network, network, network. Meeting people increasesyour visibility.

2. Have your information ready at all times. You neverknow when opportunity will knock, so prepare your materialsnow.

3. Be flexible. American Express wanted to hold the shootat a location other than Barraza's studio, so she went alongwith it.