SmallBusinessNewz

If you run a small business, your life is ridiculously busy. And if you have a significant other, spouse, kids or anyone else that deserves a chunk of your time, well then your life is probably almost impossibly busy.

However, that doesn’t mean your business has to suffer for it. And if all you’re managing to do every day is just take care of clients, put out fires, and handle the day to day tasks of running your business, trust me, it is suffering.

Because you don’t have any time to work on marketing and growing your business. Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t have the money to do much marketing even if I had the time…”

Well I’m here to say that shouldn’t stop you. And right now, with the economy still in the dumps, you absolutely must find ways to let people know about what you offer and how it can help them solve a problem, fill a need or fulfill a want.

So here are 10 ways you can market your business that take little or no money and just a few minutes of your time. Now you don’t have any excuses. :-)

1) Make killer PR happen – Get access to queries from reporters all over the country who need sources and information for their articles, books, blogs and interviews. Go to www.helpareporterout.com and www.pitchrate.com and sign up for their query lists at no charge. Read them regularly, and respond to the ones you can genuinely offer something of value to.

2) Say thanks – Write a thank you card to a client, prospect who contacted you, referral source, or anyone who has helped you along the way. Everyone appreciates being appreciated, after all.

3) Become a blogger – You don’t need your own blog to benefit from the power of the blogging (though that’s ideal)…You just need to post comments that are interesting, relevant and helpful on other people’s blogs. Or be a guest writer on someone else’s blog. Then people who read them and enjoy your comments or articles can follow the link back to your Website.

4) Get networked – These days, it helps to take your business beyond your own back yard. Online social networks are a terrific way to do just that. A quick Google search will turn up a boatload related to every topic under the sun. Sign up for a no-cost account with one that’s related to what you do and set up your profile. Connect with others and stay engaged.

5) Be helpful – Many social networking sites like Biznik.com and LinkedIn.com have Q & A sections where members post and answer questions. Jump in there with helpful advice and people will want to learn more about you and what you do.

6) Connect – Make a point of getting in touch, and scheduling phone meetings with interesting people you find on your social networking sites. You never know who you might meet or how they could help your business grow.

7) Speak and be heard – Start podcasting and adding the audios to your blog or Website. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is with a nifty little no-cost service at http://www.utterli.com that lets you record your podcasts by phone. Simple!

8) Stay in touch – When was the last time you called a past client or referral partner just to check in? If it’s been more than 6 months, there’s no time like the present to pick up the phone and say “Hi. How’s it goin’?”

9) Get your info out there – If you regularly write articles, submit them online. Again, Biznik is a terrific place to do this. I also like ezinearticles.com and evancarmichael.com, but there are plenty more options out there. Find ones targeted at your niche and have fun.

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