10 Inexpensive Ways to Market Your Business and/or Yourself

Have a compelling response to the question “What do you do?” or “Tell me about yourself” Make it brief and interesting. If you only have 30 seconds, give them enough of an idea about what you do so that they seek you out to hear more later. Even in a situation where you have more time, be brief but to the point and then allow them to ask questions. Their questions will give you an idea of their particular interest.
Join or create a leads exchange group. Find or create a group that has members with businesses aimed at a similar target market to yours. Job seekers find others looking in the same industries. If you join a group where everyone markets to consumers and you market to businesses, you probably won’t be able to give or get many leads.
Use every social occasion as a networking opportunity. Have your business cards ready if someone asks for one.
Offer to give a talk at a business meeting or teach a course at a school or training center. Use your expertise to generate interest in you and/or your business.
Put an article about you or your business in a local newspaper. Local papers are often eager to print information about people in the area. Introduce yourself to the editor or person at your local paper who is responsible for press releases. Find out the information required for the article and learn to write a press release for newspapers.
Form strategic partnerships with others. If there are other businesses related to yours, seek them out and establish your own relationships. For example if you are a wedding planner you will want to form partnerships with florists, photographers, bands, DJs etc. Refer to your strategic partners and they in turn will refer to you.
Make a list of testimonials from customers to use with potential customers or employers. Make these testimonials part of your brochure and/or website, and have as a separate document to put into proposals.
Model what you sell. If you are a web designer, have a spectacular website. If you sell clothes make sure your own fashion statement is flawless and creates the appropriate image.
Use a domain name that tells what your business is i.e. bob@bobthebuilder.com. When someone calls Bob they will probably ask him what he builds. The email address itself opens conversation.
Create a unique style or logo that makes you memorable. Establish yourself or your logo as a brand so people remember you. Mr. Bean did it as a person. Coca Cola does it as a logo. You can do it too!

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