If you don’t want to market your website on writing utensils or magnets you have several alternatives. Other products that work well for marketing include coffee mugs, travel-and-go cups, mouse pads, bumper stickers, key tags, and stress balls. Let’s not forget another great place to show off your website—on your body! No, I’m not talking about taking drastic measures like tattooing your company URL on your forehead. Clothing advertisements are name of game. Clothing is a wonderful way to advertise your website, especially if you have a funny slogan or eye-catching logo. You can have your website address printed on hats, shirts, umbrellas, tote bags, and all sorts of wearable accessories. The best thing about advertising on clothing is that advertisement is mobile—it goes wherever you go. The next time you get dressed to go out why not wear something that promotes your business? Don’t forget that you can give away things as well—imagine a hundred walking billboards for your website!

There are plenty of companies that will apply your brands to products. The cost is cheap and rewards can be high, so what are you waiting for? Look through your local phonebook or do an internet search for companies that print to merchandise and then go get branding!

Copyright 2005 Jon Castle www.americanhousedad.com

Send thank you notes. Carry pre-stamped envelopes and cards in your brief case so you can write notes in a waiting room, on plane or while having a coffee. Thank customers for business, opportunities and meetings. Thank others for recommending a book, introducing you to a prospect, or hosting a great meeting.

Write notes of congratulations. Pick a time each day for this activity. It might be first thing, last thing, while on hold, waiting for computer to backup or during breakfast. Read news. Did you read about a client, colleague or someone you want to meet? Send them a quick note.

Send news releases about your company to media. Learn how to write one. Build a database of media contacts. Develop a template. Plan to send one out regularly. Look for opportunities and angles and send them out. Don't get upset if every one isn't used. Do it consistently - some of them will be.

Make your cold calling systematic. Write your cold call telephone script. Rehearse it. Improve it. Analyze who your best prospects are. Select those names. Schedule your calling times. Then call. Deliver your script. Then do next one. At end of scheduled time, stop. Don't keep calling just because you feel good. Plan then follow it. There is much less pain that way.

Don't be caught by surprise by voice mail, a gatekeeper or CEO on phone. Prepare what you will say to each. Write your script, edit, rehearse then tape yourself. Then improve. They will think you are so clever when you know right thing to say. Don't count on luck - build that system.

Attend a networking function. Decide your goals for attending. You may want to meet three new people, touch base with two clients, or connect with CEO. If you know what you want you are more likely to find it. After you achieved your goals you might relax and just socialize. Consider that your reward. All your systems should have checkpoints and rewards - along with penalties.

Do you use a computer? Success with your computer emanates from learning and practising systems. You learn software, shortcuts and tips. You must develop systems to protect your computer. Backup regularly. Scan for viruses. Use passwords. I guarantee you, deviate from your system of backups and sure enough Murphy will appear to teach you a lesson.

Life is simple. Success is simple. Business is simple. There will be complicated moments, confusing dilemmas, and challenging enigmas. These are meant to test your patience, virtue and self-confidence. Be clear, be persistent, be consistent and practise systems.