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literature at their office as well as inclusion in the meeting materials/reception giveaways.

Another example: if you are a florist, consider partnering with a local bakery or jewelry store. In exchange for placing their advertisements at your business, they place your advertisements at their businesses. You could take it a step further and offer a co-branded promotion: for every purchase of a diamond ring at the jewelry store, patrons receive a discount for a dozen red roses at your store.

Just find the right partner and start brainstorming.

5. Get Involved in Community Service Programs
Involvement with community and nonprofit programs is a great way to both give back to your community and raise awareness of your products and services. The key is finding the right fit. Simply throwing money at a cause to garner "warm feelings" may not work. If it's very apparent that this is merely a buzz-generating ploy, most consumers will be turned off.

Here are a few tips on cause marketing for your business:

Identify a Program that Has an Obvious Connection to Your Business: If you sell beauty products, get involved with The American Cancer Society's Look Good . . . Feel Better program. This program helps women undergoing cancer treatment by providing beauty products and consultation to help them cope with changes in appearance during treatment. If you own a restaurant, have a booth at a community event. You can sell meals to hungry participants.

Get Your Employees Involved in Supporting a Cause that's Important to Them: Many charities have volunteer-led and run events. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, for example, has the Great Strides Events. If your company has a personal story or reason to support this nonprofit, then get a team together and be sure to call it by your company's name. This not only gives you good exposure in the community, it also provides a valuable team-building exercise for your employees.

These are just five free and low-cost examples of marketing your services and products and generating buzz for your company. In addition to these suggestions, get involved with local marketing organizations to learn what your business community finds effective in reaching consumers.

Good luck and good selling!

Learn more about this author, Stacy Jackson.
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