7 Things My Mother Never Told Me… (How To Promote My Business)

There is a great myth in the business environment that believes in the power of a great product or service—that other business and clients- people for that matter- basically look for quality. No amount of promotion can help a small business thrive without the excellent product and service that you could offer the market.

But why is it that you are struggling and your competitors are growing day by day? You offer the best in the market, coupled with the best trained personnel, the longest warranties, and the most awards. Still, people are flocking to your neighbor's doors every minute of the day.

Promotion is the key. As David Frey would say, without promotion, your business will eventually dry up and blow away—no matter how good your product or service is.

So here are 7 things that I hope could help you brighten up your prospects and situation. These are just a few of the steps you could apply so that your promotional materials may go to other people's hands. These advices I have used personally, so if it works for you- great. If not, buy a book instead.

1. Shake hands, change cards. Your business card, letterhead and envelope tell target clients how serious you are with your profession, so the first thing you have to do is get them printed immediately. When you have them, it's time for you to go out and visit your friends and relatives, and even enemies, to tell them about your company. Make sure that you leave a small stack of your cards or even posters or flyers, or brochures so they could hand them out to their friends.

2. Talk to all the vendors from whom you buy your supplies and services. Give them a card or two, and ask them if they could use your product or service, or anyone they knew who could use what you are offering. Maybe they have newsgroups. You ask them if you could add your business card to their board or stack your brochures and flyers on the table.

3. Attend meetings of professional groups or any other group for that matter. Many associations have their monthly or weekly meetings. Civic organizations, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club—they usually hold meetings and seminars on a regular basis. So go out there and attend those get-togethers. Don't forget to bring along your business cards and promotional materials. Every time you introduce yourself, make sure you reach in your pocket for a business card. And, don't forget to also listen to the person your talking with. They'll be flattered by your interest on them and remember you because of it.

4. Sponsor a promotion. Look for a non-profit organization and host an activity for them. Or, you could wrap your promotion around their own promotion, and you'll get the benefits from tagging along. Target the organizations whose benefactors and members are financially filthy. The organization distributes your message for you.

5. Be an active member of 3 or 4 groups. If you're still not a member of your chamber of commerce, do it now. These organizations have a list and calendar for all those activities and promotions we're talking about in #4. That will give you more opportunity to meet possible prospects. And while you're at it, be involved as well and make real contributions. There's no harm in becoming a little gracious yourself.

6. Send out press releases. Look for something unique about your company and send out press releases to local newspapers, radio stations, cable TV stations, or magazines. Somewhere along the way, a reader or two who are likely to be interested in buying what you sell, would chance upon your press release and call or visit you.

7. Do it in small prints. Many small businesses have come up with upbeat and distinctive ways to get their products and services into the public. Here are some of them:

• Reminder Cards- One company printed "reminder cards" for a non-profit organization to send out and distribute for donations. The name, and a kicker line about the company was printed there as the sponsor.

• Bookmarks- Print vital information for a charity you're supporting, and make sure your name and specialty is included. You could also print tips and hints on the bookmark for reference.

• Outreach Cards- How about a handy card that organizations can pass out letting other people know about their organization and how to get involved?

• Invitation Cards- A member could give this to a non-member inviting them to a meeting.

• Sports Calendars- A printing provider produced a calendar of sporting events of a local high school. He was able to get calls from moms and dads of the students who got his calendar for free.

• Car ID- These can have vital tips on calling for help, or first aid in case of accidents. People can put them in the glove compartment, and easily fish them out when the need arises.