Getting Noticed! Written by Sue and Chuck DeFiore
One of best ways to get your name out in your local community is to become a sponsor. A few hundred dollars gets your company name on little League caps; a little more, perhaps an ad at a roller rink. Donate money or materials to local parade or a float. This buys goodwill and is great self-promotion. If you provide a service donate that. For example, when we operated a word processing business we offered to do resumes for free for those out of work. If you are a hair stylist, offer to cut hair free to senior homes, or for children. If you run a pet related business offer some free products or service. Every business has something they can provide for free,even if it is only your time.Be sure when you do something of this type to alert local media. They love talking about what local businesses are doing for community. However, do this sparingly. Don't over use it or it loses its effectiveness. In today's business arena setting up a web site is a must. For most businesses you don't need anything fancy just a couple of pages which includes contact information, location and what your company policies are. For example, some background information on you (associations you belong to, educational background, qualifications). If you have some testimonials, this helps also. If you provide a newsletter, let folks know how they can receive it. You can also provide directions to your business, put specials on your website that you are running for month, week or any time period you choose.
| | Make the Media Your FriendWritten by Sue and Chuck DeFiore
The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help to small and home based business. So, it is very important that you develop a relationship with them. When you first start your business, inform your local newspaper by using a press release that you are starting a new business. Almost all newspapers have a section which announces new businesses. So check out that section, call newspaper and ask who you would send your release to and in what format they want information. When your business is doing something special for community be sure to inform media. Newspapers and radio stations love to get local stories. Just be sure it is newsworthy, and don't overuse it. Always check to see who to send your information to and what format they need. Never blindly send out a release. Are there trade magazines in your business area? If so, do up a release on your new business. Or if you are an existing business, send a press release on a new product or service.
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