Today's Thought

Today I came accross this article about how to get more business. Now I know that we probably can't utilize all these methods in building our FG business. However, this is food for thought because I'm sure that we all can at least implement a few more ways to advertize & build our businesses. Read the article & see what you think. Post a comment & let me know-how you plan on building your FG business. If we all can add just1 more method, I'm sure our team will soar to the top very quickly!

10 Ways to Publicize Your Home-Based BusinessBy Yvonne Buchanan,

The PR Academy

www.learnpr.com

If you’re a member of the pajama set, dutifully plugging away at your job while wearing your raggedy bunny slippers, you're not alone. The number of home-based businesses is growing, partly due to advances in technology, and partly due to a slow-down in the economy. (If no one will hire you, you hire yourself.)

The advantages of a home-based business are obvious: no commute time, you can set your own hours, increased job satisfaction. One disadvantage is that it’s hard to achieve visibility in your market. (You don’'t have a storefront or a marketing department; it’s just you and your slippers.)

Following are 10 ways to get the visibility you want for your home-based business:

Press releases.
When you launch your business, gain a new client, offer a new service, you’re involved in newsworthy events. Write a press release, and send it to your target publications (those publications that your potential market reads).

Board of advisors.
Choose professionals in various disciplines to act as your informal board of advisors. Compensate in some way (either with monthly or quarterly lunches, free services or products, etc.) In addition to being your sounding board, these people can be great advocates for your business.

Web site.
Your web site is an excellent place to announce new products or services. If you don’t have a web site, several sites offer free or low-cost hosting of single web pages.

Newsletter.
Consider creating an e-mail based or off-line newsletter and mailing it to potential customers and current customers. Make certain it contains worthwhile information for your readers, not just marketing hype or you’ll do more harm than good.

Special Event.
Consider hosting a special event, either web based or onsite. A virtual “Open House” that introduces your market to your business site can generate interest and break the ice with potential customers.

Advertising.
Several free and low-cost classified advertising avenues are available on the Web. Make certain that any advertising you do is targeted (the readers are your target market).

Sig files.
Make certain that your e-mail messages contain a signature file that announces your business, its contact information, and a tag line associated with your business (e.g., “Makers of all-natural gourmet muffins”).

Giveaways.
A giveaway is a novelty item you give to customers and potential customers. To be effective, a giveaway must contain your company logo or name and contact information, and it should relate in some way to your business. If you’re a desktop publisher, you might opt for an attractively designed mousepad with your company logo, for instance.

Networking.
Join associations affiliated with your industry. Meet potential customers, partners and suppliers. Make certain you give your business card to everyone you meet. Take advantage of speaking opportunities.

Partnering.
Consider teaming up with another home-based business who offers complementary services or products. You’ll each double your contact list and can provide a more well-rounded package to your clients. Don’t forget to announce your alliance in a press release!

In short, getting the word out about your home-based business just requires a little ingenuity and effort. The rewards will come in increased customers and business growth.