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3 Cheap Marketing Ideas for Small Business Owners

by Bob Garrett

In order to succeed, every business needs clients. Marketing is not always cheap, and some methods end up costing significantly more than the revenue that they generate. Business networking can cut your advertising expenses significantly and bring you more customers.

Although networking itself is not new, many people shy away from it because they don't know how easy it truly can be. Networkers don't even have to "sell". Simply be yourself.

Networking is an essential skill for every business owner to have, and discovering where to network can be just as important. Of course, family and close friends can help get the word out about your business and be a great resources of referrals, but broadening your network can help you grow your business faster. Take advantage of local groups and events that can help you grow your network of friends.

<b>1. Offer Free Help and Get Free Advertising</b>

Helping others for free is not only satisfying, it can result in a long list of referrals. Choose a charity that you like or an activity that you enjoy and participate as often as you want. You don't have to limit yourself to a single activity, and you may want to also consider annual events such as fundraisers.

If your trade involves a specific skill-set like website design, event planning or construction work - see if you can share your abilities and knowledge to assist with the organization's activities. Helping out is an easy way to introduce your skills to other people and become an expert they can trust.

People like to do business with people they like and trust, so getting people to like and trust you is the first step to winning clients. Volunteer Match is a website that lists charity activities and events by type and location.

<b>2. Networking Groups Make Marketing Fun</b>

Groups you join to network don't need to be centered around business. Of course there are industry organizations, think about alumni groups, sports and activity groups, volunteer groups, social leagues and even regional associations. Connecting with people that share your interests makes networking easier, so marketing doesn't have to feel like such a chore.

Become a part of a group that meets frequently or an organization that meets monthly. Rather than merely making an appearance to activities, taking a leadership role can help you get to meet more people. The more effort you make, the more others will want to reciprocate.

<b>3. Take Advantage of Social Networks</b>

Social media is growing fast - and no wonder! This fast and inexpensive form of communication makes for a great marketing tool. Whether you build your social media network around your business or other interests, you can use this tool to subtly let people know what you do for work.

The key is to avoid blatantly promoting your business all the time. At the other end of the spectrum, try not to share what you ate for breakfast every morning either (unless that's what you do for work). Share ideas and news that will likely interest others and encourage visitors to come back or even subscribe.

Websites like Twitter and Facebook are online communities where you can connect your business. They are free to use and you don't need to be a computer geek. Some lesser known sites that are good for reaching other business owners include Focus, Tribe and Networking for Professionals.

Instead of talking about what you do all the time, get to know other members and show an interest in what they do. When you take part in group activities and events, you can show members that you are reliable, skilled, easy to collaborate with, friendly, etc. similarly, people look for these qualities in a business relationship, a main factor why business networking can make such a big impact.



Bob Garrett researches small business strategies for Home Business Center, Inc., an online resource for home based businesses since 1997. Visit the site to check out a list of <a href="http://www.homebusinesscenter.com/marketing.html">29 innovative marketing strategies</a>.

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New Unique Article!

Title: 3 Cheap Marketing Ideas for Small Business Owners
Author: Bob Garrett
Email: homebusinesscenter@yahoo.com
Keywords: marketing ideas,small business marketing,marketing,small business,business
Word Count: 637
Category: Marketing
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