Wednesday, May 4th, Thomas R. Cutler, CEO of TR Cutler, Inc., author of Manufacturers Public Relations and Media Guide, Associate Editor of Industrial Connection, and Contributing Editor to InMFG magazine will be addressing PRONTO North America Users Conference. Cutler is also founder of Manufacturing Media Consortium, a group of 2000 journalists writing about various aspects of manufacturing and industrial trends.

Are you a small business or start up? Do you sometimes feel invisible? Here are ten low cost marketing ideas guaranteed to boost your profile.

1) Word of mouth is most cost-effective, powerful form of promotion. Write a list of 50 people you know but don’t see regularly – relatives, friends, ex-colleagues etc. Send each of them a friendly email or postcard to let them know what you’re up to. Ask them for feedback, advice or contacts of anyone who might be interested in hearing about your business. Don’t be shy! People love to help. For practical tips on promoting your small business visit Guerrilla Marketing

2) Networking may seem intimidating but there are ways to make it less scary. Don’t feel you have to sell, sell, sell - number one rule of networking is to listen. It’s about building relationships - go to a networking event looking for opportunities to help others. Ask questions, gather information, offer contacts and advice – people will remember you for it. Networking PLUS is Business Link’s popular monthly speed-networking event – for details visit events section on Business Link website.

3) Business cards need to stand out from crowd. Get a new batch printed on unusual material – textured card, plastic, wood – or make it an unusual shape. Offer a business tip or special offer on back. Include your photo on card – this makes it more personal, easier to remember you and harder to throw away! For excellent free tips on killer business cards see Card Sharks on Lean Marketing website.

4) The internet is an amazing market place to promote your business – but it’s easy to feel lost or insignificant. Join specialist forums and exchange links with complimentary websites. To reach a targeted audience, join Affinity Trading Network – an active online network for small businesses. You get a full web profile about you and your business, and access to Trading Boards, providing an effective way to increase your online exposure.