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19 Ways to Grow Your Business Under $10

By: Liz Wright

Okay so you’ve made the plunge to free enterprise. You’ve hit up all your friends, family, clergymen, babysitter, etc, and you’ve spent your last dime on some hot internet leads (which led you to a land of answering machines and wrong numbers.) Before you throw in the towel, here’s a quick list of ideas to get you back in the game, especially on a tight budget. Some of these may require you to step outside of your comfort zone a little, but remember, successful people are willing to do what others are not! Be brave! (You can always resort to the buddy system if needed).

1) SURVEYS: Print out a small questionnaire and take it to trade shows, the mall, colleges, the beach and basically any place there are people. I like to break the ice by offering a small bribe such as 100k (100 grand bar) A hug or a kiss (Hershey’s of course) or an extra “pay day” for filling out a quick survey.

2) LABELS: Buy regular mailing labels (such as Avery) print a small advertisement on each, and stick them wherever is appropriate (back of magazines in waiting rooms, free newspapers, vending machines etc.) Be respectful, where you place them (if you are overly aggressive you may get some nasty calls.)

3) CAR FLIERS: Tips: make it small (business card size) and on card stock. Stick them in the window on the driver’s side (not under the windshield wiper.) You can find business cards on the internet and print 250 of them FREE on a business card (pay only shipping costs. Rather then blanketing an entire lot, target the nicer cars with a flier that reads something like “Nice Car, how but a 5-6 figure monthly income to go with it?”

4) COSTUME/MASCOT: Little Caesar's does it-why can’t you? Create a mascot or costume for your business (or if you are not creative, just a tall hand-held sign and a crazy hat) Plant yourself on a busy street corner or intersection, be animated and have fun! The more attention you attract, the more calls you will get.

5) FREE INTERNET SITES: There are many sites online that will allow you to post for free. Do a search and see how many different ones you can find in your area.

6) BULLETIN BOARD/JOB BOARDS-Check out grocery stores, laundry mats, colleges etc. Post pull-tab fliers or your business cards on them.

7) BUSINESS CARDS-While you’re there, collect cards that other people have left. Call them back and invite them to check out something that could replace their income and give them more free time.

8) AUTO REPLY EMAILS-Set up an auto-responder on your email that sends an advertisement about your business.

9) FISH BOWLS- Go to a local restaurant, ask if you can place a small box or jar on the counter (Check with the manager.) Have a drawing for a free lunch when they drop a business card or questionnaire. Collect on a weekly or monthly basis.

10) REVERSE MARKETING-Turn annoying telemarketing calls into prospects. Compliment them on their great phone skills. See where it goes from there.

11) 3 FOOT RULE-Talk to everyone within a 3 foot radius of you. Carry a small notepad. If you meet someone you connect with, write down their name/phone number (just in case they don’t have a card on them.) Have a small card or flier to hand them.

12) WINDOW MARKER- (If you don’t have the means to get a professional window wrap or maybe you are driving a rental car) Write an ad on the back window of your car and your 800 number.

13) BUTTONS/T-SHIRTS- Go to the mall and have a t-shirt or button made for a few dollars that you can wear around when you’re out and about. (Are you ready for a 6-figure income? Ask me how! Or- WANTED: Mothers to work from home.

14) NETWORKING GROUPS- Check online for any business networking groups or chamber of commerce events (A small fee to attend-usually a donation and the cost of lunch.) Volunteer to speak at an event for free (you increase your credibility at the same time).

15) RATDROPPINGS- Leave a small flier for a waiter, on a park bench, inside a book or CD, at the gas-pump, store counters, ATM slots, etc. Carry a stack with you at all times and leave little “droppings” wherever you go.

16)TOASTMASTERS GROUPS- Practice your public speaking skills and give a small speech about your company (you may accidentally interest someone in the process).

17)JOB FAIRS/EXPOS- Don’t pay for a booth, just go and network. You never know what someone is looking for, but they are there looking for something! TALK SHOW- Call and ask for a free interview. (Go online and search for local and national stations.)

18)INTERNET PROFILES-Myspace.com,Classmates.com, or any internet dating sight (if you are single) will allow you to set up a free profile of yourself. (You can put a link directly to your company website.)

19)REAL ESTATE AGENT BOOKS-You can pick up an entire book of potential leads at the grocery store. They may or may not be open-minded, but if anything, you get great practice on the phone!

These are just a few ideas, and there are many more out there. Pick between 5-7, do them simultaneously and consistently and watch your business grow!

Article Source: http://articleblender.com

Businesswoman, Friend, Collaborator, and Team player, Liz Wright fulfills her Entrepreneurial Calling by offering a great service that enriches the lives of others. Together with other fellow BraveHeart Community members, her goal is to empower Women to be multi-dimensional success stories and inspiration to others. Be Sure to Visit: Be a BraveHeart Woman

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