But if person in charge can spare a few moments to meet with you, simply introduce yourself and your business. Then state, "I am a member of a National Mothers Group that distributes promotional packs, for FREE, to local area moms and dads. Would you be interested in offering our packets, free of charge, to your clients (or customers)?"

While you are speaking with this person, hold your best packet in your hand, dangling it ever so carefully in front of person you are speaking with. Do not hand packet to this person right away as you want her to be curious about contents of that packet. Also, by holding onto packet, you are keeping her interest a bit longer. Once she asks to see packet however, hand it over. As she looks over packet, say, "We try to include at least one sample or treat in each pack so that packet is not just paper. The average packet has a minimum of one sample, but we strive to have at least three samples in each packet. (If you find that you do not have enough samples for one location, fill half samples with hard candies and other half with sample products.)

Once you have explained contents of packets and their purpose (savings and samples), offer to bring in a display that can be placed on a counter, edge of a desk, or by front door. The display can simply be an old shoebox decorated with nice wrapping paper and logo of group that you are helping to promote. The front of display can simply say, "FREE. TAKE ONE." It can also have a second title tag that says, "Great discounts and samples for parents."

Once you get okay to leave packets, ask how many are needed, what is best time to distribute packets, and how often you can return with more packets. Finally, ask if she knows of any other programs or organizations that would benefit from packets. (You want to ask for references whether she says yes or no to leaving packets.)

On a final note, always work in what you do for a living and what product or service you are selling. You just never know when self- promotion can lead to something better. For instance, if you were Tracy of Tracy Trends, you could say, "I wrote a great book about potty training, which I have included information on, in this packet, everything else is from different businesses in our groups."

Secondly, most successful people have been where you are now. They remember it well and are wiling to pass along their experience, because eithera)someone did same thing for them when they started out or b) they wish someone had done same for them!

* Be Prepared

Yes, just like Boy Scout motto. You must prepare before you make contact. Their time is valuable - don't waste it. And don't waste a great opportunity for yourself by not taking a few minutes to prepare before making contact. You'll probably find most success by making contact by phone but if that proves too difficult or you are uncomfortable with that idea, you may want to try emailing them. That way, they can get back to you at their convenience. Your first contact may go something like this:

"Hello, Mr. Marketing Guru, my name is Joe Beginner. We've never met and I know you are busy, so I'll be brief. I own a small internet business. I know that you've done a fantastic job growing your business into on most successful small businesses on internet. I'm sure you faced some challenges when you first started out. Well, I am in those early stages myself, trying to figure everything out. Mr. Marketing Guru, I would really appreciate it if you would consider being my mentor. All that would mean is spending ten minutes on phone with me once a month (or an email) so I could ask you a few questions. I'd really appreciate it. Would you be open to that?"

If answer is "No" thank him (or her) for his time and move to next person on your list. If answer is "Yes" find out when would be a good time. Follow up with a "thank you" note, preferably handwritten.

Finding a mentor is a great way to learn and improve your life. And someday, you can be a mentor, passing along knowledge and experience you have gained to someone else who is just starting out. And so it goes.