Your arsenal is now almost full of marketing options, some free, some aren’t. Lucky for you, I have a few more ideas that will insure you’re locked and loaded.
If you’re an expert, great. If not, become one. When you do, use all forms of media to get the word out. 
We’ve talked about the web, but you can also utilize printed articles, newspapers, radio and television. Local stations are always looking for success stories. Just be careful not to advertise too blatantly. Let them do that for you…and they will. Offer the readership or viewers a special promotion. They’ll eat it up.
And to reitterate, good ol’ fashioned customer service trumps them all. Be courteous and go that extra mile. Provide unmatched satisfaction guarantees. If you get your customers speaking positively about you, you can take that word-of-mouth marketing right to the bank.
I hope some of these basic ideas kick started some action on your part. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway…I wish you a lifetime of prosperity.
If you have any questions or comments,
please write them below or email me at Robert@RobertFinkelstein.com.
We’ve talked about the advantages of being friendly, not that there are any disadvantages, to help attract new clients. In business, one needs to stand out from the competition, and by going the extra mile, you can make that happen.
11. Create a newsletter or blog. Done properly, it can be another wonderful marketing tool. Try to establish yourself as an expert, while attracting followers (i.e. potential customers), which in turn provide email addresses (good for future marketing). Offering free, valuable, online information, like discussed in 
12. Again, spend your time on the Web being productive. Find businesses that would benefit from an online alliance with you. Email them directly. Let them know the advantages of an online cross-promotion. If their clients can become your clients, and vice versa, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your business will grow.
We’ll continue along the path of excellent customer service with a couple more ideas. Implement them all and you’ll increase your customer base like never before.
Get the name out by getting out yourself. Join your local Chamber of Commerce and industry related associations. And after you’ve joined, go mingle, meet as many people as you can. In other words, spread the word.
Assuming you’re not in direct competition, you can advertise, support and assist the other company and they will reciprocate. You scratch their back and they’ll scratch yours.
Thus far I’ve given you a few basic ideas to consider. So what’s next? How about some good ol’ fashioned friendly service? Please tell me you do remember what that is…cause unfortunately, not everyone does.
I think it would nice to be known for more than just the business service you provide. In your community, participate in fund raisers, sponsor events, volunteer at your local schools…there are plenty of opportunities. When you get involved in your community, and it comes from a place of sincerity…your community will get involved in your business.
7. Another great way to stand out from the competition is, if possible, to provide samples of your products, give free tips, demonstrations or consultations. If you can offer a simple service that others don’t, the edge goes to you. Nothing too elaborate or it will look contrived. Make it genuine and people will take notice. 
Let’s just jump right into it, shall we. Here are two more basic strategies for bringing in more business.
To that, I need to add a few considerations. Do your research, make sure you get the most bang for your buck, because these shows don’t come cheap. You might even want to share a booth, if the expense is an concern. If you can’t afford a booth at all, I recommend you still go. The connections you make with the exhibitors could be very beneficial. Don’t forget to follow up. Additionally, the research and knowledge of the marketplace would be very valuable.
There is a tendency to want to blanket as many people as possible with your marketing materials. If you’re pockets are bottomless, go for it. But if you’re like most businesses, you need to think it through, know your demographic and greatest prospects. Once you know that, hit them for all they’re worth…in a nice, non-aggressive way, of course. Then watch what a difference in sales that can make.
“Show me the money!” Why not.
Spend what you can afford, and make sure it’s done wisely. Get the most bang for your buck. Whether you have a million dollar budget or you need to hire a marketing/art student, give it all the thought it deserves. Ask yourself what are the right marketing materials (website, brochures, cards, etc.) for your business…and then get ’em made.
If you have the wrong message on your answer machine, that’s exactly what they’ll do. Simple thing, but so often disregarded. Be creative, but not annoying. Make it simple to navigate. Press 1 for this, press 2 for that. Be professional. And if you can’t be, there are services out there that record amazing messages. I used one a few years ago. Between the voice and the background music, you would think you were listening to the trailer for the next blockbuster Hollywood film. Clients loved it! If you make sure your message is getting heard…they’ll probably leave you for one.
Behind the Scenes / Virtual COO 