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A Dozen and 1 Marketing Tips for Free Agents
- Give people two business cards instead of one. Ask them to pass the extra one along to a friend or business associate.
- Build word-of-mouth referrals by creating flyers with inserts offering promotional discounts. Ask owners of your local dry cleaners, hair salons and restaurants to distribute them in exchange for bigger discounts on your products or services.
- Hire a native speaker to rewrite your materials into other languages. This way you will be attracting a wider and more diverse audience while expressing your message properly, and showing respect for everyone's holidays, ceremonies and values.
- Send thank-you letters to every customer, vendor or supplier three or four times a year. This will remind them that you are still operating and could result in new orders.
- After mailing flyers, brochures, etc., follow up by telephoning customers. Often this type of personal contact results in a boost in your business.
- Listen to what your clients or customers tell you about your work. When appropriate, ask what new services or products you could provide to them.
- Consider giving something away -- donating your time or even a modest gift, coupon or discount. It's a great way to warm up potential customers.
- Teach classes, give presentations or write and submit articles to your local paper. You can showcase your skills and gain free publicity.
- Do something good for others in your community. Participate in funding drives that allow you to mingle with others and become acquainted with new groups in your community.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest technologies in your field and investigate the hidden value of online advertising by browsing Web sites and subscribing to email newsletters. Consider these expenses investments in your future.
- Continue your education and stay current on economic trends by attending conferences, seminars and workshops and/or joining industry organizations and reading industry publications, newsletters, etc.
- Get out of your office at least once a day. Meet a colleague for lunch and wherever you go, talk with as many people as possible.
- Nurture and enjoy your dreams; they are too precious to abandon.
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