2. Are you conducting educational seminars? Or, are you planning to speak at a professional organization's meeting?

3. Have you, or anyone on your staff, received an award in your industry? Has your regulatory board or trade association cited you for excellence?

4. Have you just elected your board of directors? Have you, or any of your staff, been elected to serve on board of directors for another company or volunteer organization?

5. Has your company sponsored a charitable fundraising event in community?

6. Do you offer an award or prize to your employees? This might be something like "Best Salesperson," "Most Health-Conscious Employee," or even "Give Me a Break!" (for employees who are never tardy or absent).

7. Have you started a new business? Significantly expanded your current services? Moved to new or larger offices? Substantially renovated your offices?

8. Have you developed a new or improved product? Have your existing products been on market for 10, 15, 25, or 50 years? Can you celebrate your product's "anniversary?"

9. Have you purchased any major new equipment? Is it breakthrough technology?

10. Have you increased your sales since last year? Is that unusual for your industry in today's economy? Or, have you maintained your volume in a declining market?

11. Is there something unusual about your company, such as having a totally smoke-free staff, or every employee in your firm driving an American-made car and recycling aluminum and newspaper?

12. Do you have a strong opinion on a local situation or community problem? Can you offer a solution? For example, a real estate salesperson might devise a creative answer to homeless problem.

Think These suggestions are just tip of iceberg. Put your mind to work! You are sure to discover many newsworthy ways to promote your business.

(c) 2003 by Lois Carter Fay. All rights reserved.

Send books Most receive and throw away a lot of business cards. But when we receive a book we keep it and put in on a shelf. We might read it or at least glance at it. Give a book that supports your message or one that you know your client will love. Always sign it with a personal note. Check with authors - they might give you a deal if you buy a bunch.

Volunteer in your Associations and community Don’t volunteer because you think it is good marketing. It is, but you never know when it will pay back. Get involved in causes in which you believe. Others see you doing good things and they begin to know you and like you. And we would rather do business with those we know and like. The Body Shop has used this pratice to effectively market itself. Notice how many big consulting firms get involved with United Way. It is a good cause and they get to meet prospects in a friendly environment. Maintain your database Build a list of names and information about your clients and prospects. Include what and when they buy. Look for patterns. Treat your best clients better. The airlines and hotels do this well. Stay in touch with your clients through your database and record all contacts. Record any personal information you learn such as birthdays, spouse’s name, favorite pastime and awards they won. Remember how it feels when you walk into your favorite restaurant and maitre’d calls you by name and asks if you want your regular table?

Celebrate what’s in common We like those who are like us. Don’t change your ways. Instead associate with those who share your interests and make sure they know about your business. Every one of your interests and pastimes brings you closer to others. Are you a golfer, runner, gardener, sailor, square dancer, parent, soccer fan, ..?

Build relationships with your clients and prospects. It is way to sustain your business.