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Want your business name out there in front of the public? Do something for someone else! Pledge yourself to causes in the neighborhood. Be part of your community! Get involved and known around town! Smile and say "Hello" to everyone, everywhere.

Newspapers and local magazines have space to fill every day. Most have columns for upcoming events. Write, or have someone write for you, a short, informative description. (Check where to send this.) Send a well-written account, two or three weeks in advance, as you would like it to appear. You have actually done the person's job for them; so your version stands a good chance of being published. Take photos yourself and you can send another report after the event!

Have a special day where a portion of your profits go a special cause. Perhaps there is a person in the community with unexpected medical expenses. You will likely draw some people who have never been to your place.

A bookstore or gallery can ask a local writer or artist to be there on a Saturday afternoon. The author or artist will likely be very glad to come. Serve refreshments so people will browse your entire inventory.

A sporting goods store can donate some equipment to the local Boys and Girls Club or Little League.

A hotel, drug store or a candy business can donate toiletries or candy to the group in your area packing boxes to send to our troops overseas.

A beauty salon owner can call the director of a women's shelter and offer makeovers to a few of their clients. A newly practicing dentist might also want to do this.

Give gift certificates or prizes for church and charitable functions.

If you have a bakery, ice cream shop, pizzeria, or restaurant, invite some people from a senior center, handicapped group, retired teachers, etc. to your place at an off time to have a treat. Also invite one or two celebrities to help. They will assist by opening doors, welcoming and chatting to your invitees. A professional office could also do this with catered refreshments.

When hoping for additional coverage from the broadcast media, keep in mind the times of their news programs and hold your events earlier in the day.

Attend Chamber of Commerce events and network with others in attendance. Get to know the other business people in town. Always hand each person you meet your business card. Wear a badge with your name and business name on it. Let everyone at your church and associations know what you do. How do you do THAT without appearing overbearing?

"David, what do YOU do? I don't believe I know . . . oh, really? Well I am in Web Design and if you ever think about a web page, just call me!" Don't ever think a person could not give you business because you don't know who might be their brother-in-law!

In life, we very rarely give that we do not receive back. Give to your community and your community will support you! Don't just stand behind your counter and wait for the customers to happen by! If YOU don't get the word out, your competition will!

Learn more about this author, Martha Sutton.
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