- Join Chamber of Commerce (a cheap investment) and be active! Attend events, contribute door prizes for "mixers". Become an officer or join a committee.

- Write an article for your local paper or "Pennysaver" - an article that's not about you or your product but about "problem" that you and your product solve.

- Join local service clubs such as Rotary, Lions, etc. and network

Our area has an event called a "Homearama" annually every fall. For this event select builders in area construct a number of houses at a pre-determined site (usually a new or nearly new development) for purpose of "showing" new construction methods, designs, landscaping, interior decorating, trends, floor plans, gadgets, etc. They also showcase homes for sale and also area homes are built in. There are about 5 cities which alternate hosting this event.

The Homearama is a huge event that all surrounding communities look forward to every year.....and draws 1,000's of visitors over about a 1 week time period. This is a great opportunity to "reach" public with a targeted campaign if you plan well. just imagine networking possibilities.

For example I've seen following:

1. The entrance to area where home tours start goes through a long series of "tents" lined with booths populated by various companies and products. You HAVE to walk through this area to get to homes....and again when you leave. Can you say captive audience?

I've seen a couple groups set up booths in this area offering their products or services (signs, banners, brochures, business cards, etc.). They also have a raffle or contest where some lucky visitor can win free products or services. The typical fill out an entry form with contact info & drop it in a box....with drawing held last day (not required to be present).

What's this do?