‘You need money to make money‘. Nonsense ! That’s a myth .
You CAN develop any business on a tiny budget and get clients for virtually nil . This diaglogue will reveal how to make small business marketing work for you.
When an experienced business owner lauches a new business he/she don’t spend $2,000 on a logo, letterhead and business cards, he/she might spend $50 on business cards and $200 or so on a website and that’s all . Nor does a business builder spend a lot of money on marketing praying it will make money back . Instead they go out and meet people.
Yes a website is a good way to go , but only build a very low cost one you put together yourself. Start with a free web creation site. Get photos from one of the photo sites for a few dollars each. Build it for under $200 . You can always build a better site a few months or years later with your profit , but don’t use capital .
Advertising is a risky investment , no matter who designs the ad . Ask any professional copywriter and they will tell you their flyers etc fail over half of the time and it’s their full time profession ! (If they don’t admit it they’re not telling not telling the truth lying!).
Why risk cash on a usually risky area like marketing when you can avoid it ?
When you start a business you have time and usually little cash ! All you need to do then is invest your time wisely .
Invest your time to talk to people but before you do, build your confidence and certainty by typing up some unique points about your business . This is important as everyone asks (out loud or to themselves) … ‘why should I buy from your company and not your competitor ?’ If you can’t answer this question effectively how will you ever advertise your business effectively propoerly ? This question hinders all but everyone who owns a business .
When you have quality answers (spend a month on this if needed ) then you’re ready to look for clients .
Go out and meet other business owners at networking events or through friends , or friends of friends. Sit down with them over a coffee and talk business. Nearly every person knows another person who could purchase from your new business so its a matter of getting out there and meeting people so they know you exist.
As well Type an email to every friend you know explaining what your new business is about and what you do. Also you need to explain what kind of person you cater to, what type of needs, desires or wants you will be servicing .
Also go and see business people in similar or related industries. This is essential .
Let’s use a mechanic’s start up business as an example.
You would go and see tyre service companies , windscreen renewal businesses, car detailing, mobile car washers, panel beating companies etc. There are a bunch of these businesses that have the same type of customers you also want – car owners. Tell them why customers would love to buy from you then pamper the people who send you business. Send referral and customer a thank you letter. Go out of your way to say thanks to both of them.
This is one secret of small business marketing to considerr as part of your small business development few people know or explore. Its also one of the best!
