Permission to reprint articles as long as bio line stars intact.There are lots of ways to advertise your business that cost money, and they work, but there are also more innovative ways that don't. Non-profits offer one venue for promoting that's very cost-effective.
Volunteering your time to serve dinner at a shelter, or to serve on
Board of a non-profit can give you exposure to people you might not run into otherwise. Volunteers generally chat and share information and you can have your cards and brochures handy when you serve. It's expected. If you're on a Board and can serve in your area of expertise, it's wonderful.
You can volunteer to coordinate a canned food drive for your company, or to gather school supplies for needy children. If done properly, they are also a photo op for media.
If you're building a business or practice and can work up a seminar or workshop, notify non-profits and churches that you're available as a speaker or presenter. They are a very warm and grateful audience. Will it give you exposure to give a "Dress for Succss" seminar for homeless? Yes. These things are usually brought up at Board meetings, and people on Board generally are big consumers and have wide circles of influence. It feels good to help others, and in addition to that, you get to practice some really important skills, such as public speaking. Will local church appreciate your offering to give a talk on "How to Make a Midlife Career Change?" You bet.
