PROMOTING A SMALL BUSINESS TO BIG HEIGHTS WITHOUT ALOT OF CASH.

If you're short on cash with a small business or home-based business to promote,here are a few pointers that helped me earn over $100,000 a year in my home business and they can help you, too:

1. Networking. The most cost-effective marketing tool. There are a number of organizations, likely in your area, that are geared toward the exchange of business ideas. Groups such as these are an effective and friendly way to market your business, make new contacts, and establish synergies with little or no money. Examples include BNI groups, Chambers, and “meet-up” groups. Expos and fairs are also organized year-round, often times no advanced sign-up fees are necessary. Plan special promotions with other businesses to help promote yours.

2. EMAIL . One of my favorite hobbies, especially late-night when the kids are in bed. Start by entering your line of work in the Google bar and see what comes up. Ask others in a simultaneous search to “MASTERMIND” with you. Mastermind groups are comprised of people involved in similar industries, not competitive with yours. They can prove effective in brainstorming sessions dealing with clients, profits, and overall effectiveness in their business, all the while forming allies and friendships. It’s fun and it works. Commit yourself to sending out at least 20 emails a week.

3. Press releases. A simple and effective tool. Write a short article about yourself and your company, including proud accomplishments or promotions. Add to your document a quote from a supervisor or business partner pertaining to your specific strengths and skills. Especially in a small town, this sort of coverage will garner major recognition.

4. Everybody eats. Spend a bit of money on lunch or dinner with a person you find to be well connected. Build them up: “ Hey Tom, you are so successful and I admire what you have done in your business and I am really trying to get mine off the ground. Could I buy you lunch or breakfast this week?”

5. Speak out. This requires little if any money. Start an email campaign to stay in touch about current happenings. You can also write a newsletter with current topics of interest. I speak at Kiwanis clubs and other organizations that are always looking for speakers. It will get you noticed for what you do. If you are not a great speaker - no problem. Partner up with a good speaker and sponsor him/her to speak. You will get the glory without having to do the speaking. (Be sure to give away a door prize so that you collect everyone’s business cards) They won’t even realize that you have them, they will be happy to throw them in basket to register for the prizes.

Every small step you make, every relationship you build will help you along the way in some capacity. STICK WITH IT! You won’t build credibility by changing businesses every other month. Also, don’t forget to register your domain name. Create a website with your bio and it’ll only cost about $15 per year.

Don’t ever be afraid to think outside the BOX!

by Lisa Asbell... a $100k plus yearly earner working from HOME, as President of Identify Theft Resolutions. You can contact Lisa at asbell38@hotmail.com