10 Ways To Promote Your Home Business Inexpensively

I found this article at Jobs For Moms. Pretty ok website, but I did find this one article about promoting you home business without alot of cash. In this day and age we think of marketing as, "you have to have a budget", but there are really alot of methods that we have forgotton about that really work. In addition, since we stay at home, they allow us to get out more and socialize with one another rather than sitting at home wishing we were making some money and not knowing what to do. Use the resources online AND offline:

"By Lisa Asbell, RN, for JobsForMoms.com

I earn over $100,000 a year working at home in my own home business. Lots of moms and dads want to know how to grow their home businesses on a small budget. These are cost-free marketing tips that have served me well over the past five years while I’ve worked at home. They will require you to think outside the box to get the results you want without spending a lot of money.

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Most work-at-home moms (and dads) want to build their clientele, regardless of their role in the business for which they work. They want to grow their business without investing a lot of money. People such as these work from home for a number of reasons: childcare and other family responsibilities, the desire to make extra cash on the side, or the simple need to fine-tune skills to stay competitive in the job market. Whatever the motivation, finding new clients and building a direct sales business without a ton of cash flow is always a struggle. As such, here are a few pointers I’d like to share with you.

• 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.

True story: Found myself in front of my computer on a similar Google search. I ended up chatting with none other than the most powerful, most influential person in my industry. This simple connection brought me considerable insight, not to mention considerable money. Our relationship and alliance have continued to grow ever since.

• 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.

True Story: Recently I was in the grocery store and the cashier said, “ Are you someone important? She said, “I think I saw your picture in the paper.” It had been 6 months since the article and she still remembered. The credibility I gained through being published will serve my interests for a long time to come.

• 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?”

True Story: I had breakfast this week with a MULTI MILLIONAIRE that I met through a Google search.

• 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.

True Story: Someone from TV heard my speech and had me wanted me to appear on the news. I ended up being featured on the six o’clock news because I spoke at a Kiwanis club luncheon. Talk about credibility!

You must realize that this won’t happen overnight. However, every small step you make, every relationship you build will help you along the way in some capacity. And 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!

These tips are simple but they work. Good luck.

Lisa Asbell is a $100k plus yearly earner working from HOME, a Registered Nurse turned home-based entrepreneur, she is President of Identify Theft Resolutions. You can contact Lisa at asbell38@hotmail.com

10. DON’T QUIT. Never, ever, ever give up. You can slow down but don’t stop. Be the work at home mom — and person — you really want to be. Those same people, who told you no last week, will need you next year. The only way to fail is to quit. Put a system together or follow someone who has had success. Plan, Do, Review. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Learn from your mistakes. Remember: The road to success is paved with failure."

These are the stories and articles I like to promote because when you are online and have your own business we forget about all the things we can do to promote ourselves offline. This is something I discuss heavily with my students at the authority site center.