As 'writeable' promo discs can be purchased inexpensively at stores such as Wal-Mart, after which music samples are copied from hard drive to CD, or by using what is known as a CD burner (high-speed duplicator), it should come as no surprise that even most financially challenged musicians are now embracing this invaluable and well proven promotional aspect for bringing immediate attention to their music.

And, as this method has proven unanimously beneficial in terms of ease of finance, promotion and time, there is absolutely no reason that a similar process cannot also work for your own business, albeit, a few elements properly customized (be sure your computer's compact disc is a "writeable" type, and not simply a "readable" one).

As such, I am providing a "from start to finish" outline that you should find very effective, almost immediately, whether you wish to reach out to your prospects locally, regionally or nationally.

Hypothetically, let's say you are in field of Cosmetology, and own and operate a hair salon. Though your industry has a ready-made market, with women repeatedly visiting on a regular basis, naturally, there is also a fair degree of competition from other salons in your area as well.

And, as such, you've noticed that your business sales and clients, have either begun to level off, stagnate or, possibly, even diminish. What can you quickly do to maintain and increase your clientele and, accordingly, your salon's income?

1. Why not take all of elements of your business, such as your weekly specials, information about your salon such as its history, your web site address, email address, regular prices, business hours, contact information, along with various products and services you offer, then format them into attractive files and place them on compact discs for distribution?

Your prospects are certain to be pleasantly surprised with this new out-of-the-norm promotion method and anxious to see what surprise awaits them on CD.

2. Next, consider all businesses women might patronize, such as women's shoe stores, women's clothing stores, jewelry stores, supermarkets, mall stores, cosmetic stores, etc. Your goal is to consider businesses that are complementary to your own services, yet, are not in competition in any way.

3. Now, contact store managers and/or owners, informing them that you are a fellow local business owner, and request to know if they will consider handing out your CD of information to their customers and/or clients who have computers and, hopefully, have Internet service. You might even request to enter into a barter agreement with these businesses, whereby, you distribute their sales information as well.

While all contacts you make might not be receptive to this idea, undeniably, you will acquire more than a few who will be interested, if for no other reason than opportunities to offer their customers a little something extra and/or to get their own business information into hands of new prospects (your customers) as well.

One solution to traffic problem is offline advertising. Big names like Beyond.com are already promoting their site through commercial ads on national television networks

Those of us without deep pockets might do well to look for more affordable methods of offline advertising -- such as postcards containing a picture of your web site and a custom message. Let's call them "Netposts."

Here are just some of ways that you might use Netposts.

* Mail them to clients in thanks for business. * Send them business contacts in lieu of Christmas or other seasonal cards. * Distribute them at networking groups and trade shows. * Leave them in selected locations instead of brochures. For example, if your site is selling pet care products, publish some articles on pet care on your web site, then ask animal hospitals and veterinarian clinics if they will display your netposts. * Send them out to potential customers before you make that cold call. Since cards are colourful, attractive and easy to handle, they are more likely to be kept on display than a letter or even a brochure. * Mail them to your customers to announce special deals, sales or other corporate news.