BUM MARKETING

1. Laptop Ad – $50 to ???
That’s right: use your laptop for ad space. The next time you’re at Starbucks, you’re bound to catch tons of wandering eyes and maybe even a new customer. Consider using your own laptop or even renting space on another.

2. License Plate Frame – $40 to $70
Several weeks ago I found myself reading yet another silly license plate frame when I suddenly realized, “Hey, I could put my web address on the back of my car!” I’ve yet to do it, but someday soon you might see me cruising around…

Mindful Entrepreneur
www.mindfulentrepreneur.com
3. Business Cards – $10 to $50
No, no – not just any business cards, silly. Exciting, eye-catching, useful business cards. Don’t let your cards end up buried in some guy’s wallet just waiting for the next “clean out my wallet” day! Make your cards colorful, memorable, and interesting. And while you’re at it, use the back. Trust me: everyone flips them over just to check. J

4. Email signature – FREE
It’s quite simple to setup your email signature to automatically display every time you write a message. Most programs even enable hyperlinks for web addresses and email. As of today, my email signature includes my name, title, blog addresses, and a quick add for my newsletters and my ebook.

5. Pens, pencils, etc. $25 – $75
Yes, these can be cheesy. But they work. You can order in bulk and have your business name and info stamped on for a small charge. People love free stuff, especially when it’s useful.

6. Voicemail – FREE
Don’t forget to take advantage of another message system where you can advertise for free. If you have a cell phone for business and personal use, go ahead and throw out your business name just in case. Who knows… someone you already know might not yet know about your business. Customers are everywhere.

7. Handbags and other novelty items – Price varies.
Use your imagination with this one. Think conferences, conventions, and trade shows. This approach might not be the cheapest or the easiest of the 10, but you’re bound to get some attention when your potential customer sees and/or uses the freebie.

8. Letterhead – $10 to $75 (cost of printing)
Include as much information as possible in your letterhead: business name, address, phone, mobile, fax, email, web address, hours of operation, services, etc. Doing so makes you look professional AND provides a quick info resource for the customer. Letterhead advertising is especially important if you get repeat business.

9. Blogs and Forums – FREE
It may not always be free to start a blog or forum, but it’s essentially free to participate in them. If you contribute insightful posts, comments, feedback, etc., to these types of websites, remember to include your web address and/or email.

10. Newsletters – Price varies. (cost of management/printing)
One of the absolute best ways to get new and retain old business is by providing an informational newsletter that appeals to your niche market. I currently run several of these online and would recommend the same to you. One of the best examples I’ve seen in the corporate world is “Sweet Tomatoes” (or “Soup Plantation”). On a regular basis, I get great updates and coupon-surveys in my inbox.