Now, mind you, this is not first time this has happened to me, and I know it won’t be last. So for those of you who never offer one iota of advise to someone you are speaking with unless they pay you for it, see what you are missing out on. Remember, it is not always about money, and if you make it so, you are losing out on A LOT of money and more importantly, good will and enhancing your reputation in your community.

Copyright 2005 DeFiore Enterprises

1. Newsletter: A newsletter can establish you as an authority. It makes a great direct mail piece that will give you ongoing contact with your customers and prospects. A dynamic and interesting newsletter can mean new business. Formatting tips: Provide a lot of useful information in easy-to-read paragraphs. Use short words. Make sentences brief. Illustrate your ideas with cartoons, photos, and graphics.

2. Brochures: Brochures can convey extensive information about your business. The best brochures include graphic images - use photos, graphs, illustrations, and diagrams. But, make sure you also include written copy about your organization and services that you offer. Offer your brochures to current customers to pass along. Hand them out at events and trade shows.

3. Press releases: Make sure your press releases are well written and news worthy. Your release should reinforce and build upon your business identity. If you are submitting it to a newspaper, include an appealing photograph. Tell a story about a client you have helped, or discuss new technology your company is implementing.

4. Special events: Events raise awareness of your business and they provide a service to community. Try creating or sponsoring an event that will be of interest to your target audience. As people begin to associate your organization with event, you derive publicity, goodwill, and new leads. Another option is for a business to partner with a non-profit organization as fund-raising co-sponsors. Try offering seminars and workshops that feature you as expert.

5. Ezine: Publishing an ezine will help position your business as an expert in your field. In addition, you will be providing tips to your customers that will help them. It sets you apart from your competitors and instills confidence and trust in your readers, making it easier for them to do business with you.