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for him/her that they are already wanteing!)

10. CELEBRATE HOLIDAYS: You'll probably want to celebrate major public holidays with special sales. But celebrate some of the offbeat holidays as well. Almost every business has a few little-known holidays. Ever hear of National Hot Dog Day, for instance? Or The Best Stuffed Animal Day? Once you find the "right" holiday, you can sponsor a special sale or special product arrange special media coverage of a holiday event.

11. GO WHERE THE PEOPLE ARE: Can you open sales information booths at community fairs and festivals? This low-cost marketing technique can work for gift retailers, craftspeople, and personal service firms. If you have the people and the time, can you handle regional fairs or even trade shows?

12. MAILING LISTS: Once you begin establishing a committed clientele, (perhaps you have an "opt-in" box on your site to collect names and emails) gather their names on a mailing list and start emailing! It is free and a great way to remind people of your services and products!) Plus, save the names from your mail orders and telephone inquiries. Eventually, you'll be able to send product circulars or even catalogs to the folks on your list and you'll be able to promise your products by mail. (* the best customer is one who has already purchased something from you! *)

13. SCAVENGER HUNTS: If you want people to buy NOW, offer them an unbeatable deal. If they bring an old product-a small appliance, a book, whatever-to you, you'll give them a worthwhile discount on a comparable new item. Or stage a general purpose scavenger hunt. Customers who bring in canned goods for your community's food bank will receive a discount on products purchased that day.

14. PARTIES: Everyone loves a party. Why not celebrate the anniversary of your business or some special holiday by offering baked goods and beverages? If you're running a service business, perhaps you can offer an open house or obtain a small banquet room in your community. Besides refreshments, be sure the place is brightly decorated.

15. GREETING CARDS: Do you send out greeting cards to major customers or clients? Holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries make nice greeting card occasions. Greeting cards create a warm fuzzy feeling wth your customers and remind them of you and your business. The association of good tidings and your business during a positive event should not be taken for granted.

16. SEMINARS: In this information hungry age, people love to receive advice, especially about their personal needs and hobbies. If you sell health foods or run fitness classes, perhaps you can offer "wellness" seminars during lunchtime to your area's business community. If you're an interior decorator, perhaps you can offer one-hour decorating workshops to any group of ten people who will gather in someone's home. If you're running a printing business, perhaps you can offer tours and layout seminars at your plant. Your local library is an excellent place to host a local seminar for virtually no or very low-cost.

17. SIGNATURE LINE: This can be easily over looked but is very important. Always include a link and/or short description of your business so if a person's curiosity is peaked they can make a quick trip to your site. Never give up an opportunity to promote yourself and market your business.

Learn more about this author, Jen Edwards.
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