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So you’ve started a business recently in 2008. Congratulations!.

You’ve done all the hard work already. Your business plan has been edited and re-edited several times. All your t’s are crossed and i’s dotted. You’ve projected your revenues, bought your equipment and inventory, hired a few remployees, and officially opened your doors for business. The local newspaper did a nice write-up on your company and you just had a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by your county’s chamber of commerce.

It’s now the end of January, though, and you’re wondering where all your customers are. Despite your exciting products and services, nobody is beating down your doors to do business with you. You’ve cultivated an excellent reputation for yourself in your community, but for some reason, that hasn’t translated into any revenue for your new business.

So what gives?

You need to market yourself better, that’s all. Don’t worry. It’s a mistake that many new business owners make when they first start out. Here are a few helpful, low-cost marketing techniques to spread the word about your new product or service.

  • Free is always good. — Consider giving away a sample of your product for free. If people like your product, they will come back for more
  • Do a podcast or a conference call — Invite your target market to join you on a 30-minute conference call. This forum provides an excellent opportunity to tell others all about your product or service in a laid-back low pressure environment.
  • Write a column for a local newspaper — Position yourself as the expert on what you do in your local community. Newspaper editors are always on the lookout for relevant material to fill space in their layouts.
  • Create a coupon for your product or service — People love to feel like they’re getting a great deal on something. Even when they really aren’t. Create a cadre of loyal customers with these easy incentive programs.
  • Ask for referrals from your existing networks — You know these people already. They know you’ve started a business. They want to see you do well. Bite the bullet and ask them to introduce you to others who might need your services. The worst they can say is “no.”
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