Here are the Top 10 Tips I give small business owners and entrepreneurs on a daily basis when I see them out at networking functions. These 10 things will be the least expensive and probably the most effective forms of marketing that you could do to promote your small business.

1. Display your cards or brochures at coffee shops, book stores, businesses of people you know, membership stores like Costco and Sam's Club, anywhere that will allow it; all of these are free. Seek out ones locally that will allow you to do this and replenish them frequently. You can also approach other business professionals that compliment what you do and have a similar target market as you to swap marketing materials, meaning you display or carry theirs and they yours.

2. Hold an Open House, Ribbon Cutting or some kind of an event to attract the public or your specific target market to your business. You can partner with another business to split the cost, you can bring in a charity to raise money for or have a client appreciation night of some sort. Whatever you do, make sure you plan it well in advance and publicize the event to the media and your database. I can help you plan and promote your events in the media and to your database!

3. Networking is the cheapest form of advertising you can do ' find organizations, associations, chambers, groups and monthly meetings that have attendees and members that fit your unique target market client or referral source and visit them first, then join if you see the value. The key to networking is frequency. You need to go to the organization's events that you join each month for greater visibility, to be recognized and ultimately to be the go-to person for your particular industry. Visit www.ksawamarketing.com each month for a FREE monthly Networking Calendar and numerous organization links!

4. Put your sales message and/or logo on everything, your car, shirts, nametag, building, invoices, envelopes, sales flyers, receipts, tags, etc. Simple name/logo branding can be a huge asset for a small business (everyone will say "I've seen your stuff somewhere"). Ask me for a referral for companies who do these things!

5. Invite trade for services for things you may need (bookkeeping help, CPA, financial or attorney advice, marketing, advertising, promotions, signs, promo items, printing, products, services, etc.). This will save you money and give you other avenues to pursue for referrals as well.

6. Go in with other small businesses that compliment your business on advertising opportunities, chamber inserts or in their newsletter, inserts in the local papers, direct mail pieces, target mailing list purchases, door to door flyers, etc. (i.e.; housekeeping business and carpet cleaning business). This will keep your costs lower for these items and give you greater credibility by partnering with other professionals. I can help you design and coordinate these marketing pieces so they STAND OUT!

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