Probably the best way I can think of is business cards, which are really under-utilized by most people. Place them EVERYwhere, and also send in every piece of mail you send out, even bill payments. At $20.00 for 1000 cards, it's a really inexpensive and effective way to go, especially if you use the back of the card as well as the front. Greg & Tricia Caliguire
Independent Watkins Associates
ID# 303629

I promote by leaving business cards anywhere and everywhere. Check out counters - I hand them to the people in the drive-thru at the "Golden Arches Country Club" (Mickey D's) I give them to the teller at the bank, I leave them in phone booths, I pin them up to post-bill boards, you name it there is a card. I've put them in bridal magazines and left them on the tables at Barnes and Nobel.

One of my team members made up signs for her car window. I laminated one and have it in my back window. I just ordered today, magnetic car signs for both sides of the car. I have a T-shirt on it's way that says "Brides Are My Business" and another that says "I Pamper Brides".

I occasionally "hear" a conversation about a bride or wedding and introduce myself and give them my biz card.

I have gone to different shops and asked them if I can leave a biz card holder w/ cards and maybe a brochure. Different salons have allowed me to place a small display of my products as well.

I give all my information on how people can reach me as well. Email - Phone - Postal - Beeper - AOL IM - ICQ (I leave off cell phone and fax - too expensive for people to just call on the cell and I HATE SPAM that uses up all my fax paper)

Very little investment and BIG returns! Even if it's not the initial point of contact, it's been referrals.

Mindy
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Bridal Accents, Sr. Consultant Leader #262
215-535-6176
Beyond Weddings!

AOL Instant Messenger = mkrg (or) beyondwed
ICQ # = 32308122
*** NEED ME NOW ***
Pager # 215-926-1667
(after entering your # enter 777 = bridal code)
Using the Internet

I have put together a site that contains links to sites that offer Free Merchandise, Free Samples, Coupons, Contests, ect.................. The site has only been up a few days and it is getting a good response!

Many people surf the net for freebies!!!

On that same site I placed a link to a site I made for a Drawing for free merchandise. When visitors click on the link they are taken to my site that contains the info on the drawing. They can then enter to win.

When they enter this gives me contact info!!!

This is all still Free because I have a draft made up that I e-mail to them after they enter the drawing that is more on the personal side and tells them how they can receive hostess and designer benefits and I also direct them to my Home & Garden Party web site.

The e-mail costs me nothing! If I don't hear back from them, I go on and mark them off my list of contacts, but they are still in the drawing.

Actually, this is the same as setting up at a craft show getting contacts and leads but you are saving loads and loads of money!!!! There are no fees involved except the actual merchandise you give for the drawing!!

Of course you get those that enter just to enter and could care less about the business! They just wanna win something. That is ok, because it costs nothing to do it and you will have those that are very interested in the business!

You don't have to give out all of those brochures to people who are gonna throw them in the trash! If I hear back from them after sending them the e-mail and they are seriously interested then I will send them the info they need. But only if they are serious!

If any one would like to make a web page, that contains a contest-drawing for free merchandise and add it to the site I have you can e-mail me privately.

Please keep the web sites to drawings and contests only. The site can't link to your business site. ****You can send your contacts that information after they enter your drawing***

You can look at the site I made Freebie Links Trina

Get out of the House!!

The best way I have found is just to get out. At the grocery store or mall put flyers or supplements on your car windshield. Going to the fair, concert, or trade shows (that you aren't working at) - stuff a back pack with catalogs and info, place your name tag or large advertising button in the middle of the front of the back pack, sling over your shoulder and go.

Other ways are - hole punch 5 flyers; tie together with curling ribbon and make look pretty (I've even added small balloons a couple of times); go out on a Thursday evening (great in summer), and hang these packets everywhere you see a garage or yard sale sign. People stop to look at the sign, and see your advertisement, too. Or, keep an eye on your neighbors - are they preparing for a yard sale?? Ask if maybe you can set up a card table with your samples and flyers off in a corner somewhere (I'd offer something free for this tho).

Bulletin boards & laundromats are a good place to leave your out dated supplies; never waste them just because they're alittle old. And talk to you local Chamber of Commerce building supervisor; you don't necessarily have to be a member to put flyers in their info displays.

But above all; Keep your Eyes, Ears, and Mouth open at all times. You will always hear or see something that will spark that "I can help her/him" thought in your mind. And then, open you mouth and OFFER!!! You aren't being a pest if all you're doing is offering a better alternative to what they are doing or using now. What's the worst they can do?? Say NO?? May sting for a minute, but it's nothing personal!!

Hope these tips help!! Have a great week!! :-)

Jess Middleton
Tupperware
1-800PartyShop Consultant ID #5826
Owner of "Custom Party Design"
Custom Party Design

Join the CPD News - Tips to make your parties fun!! Chek out my website for details!!

Wear your Company!

In my business the best way to promote my company, without spending a lot of money , is to make sure that every time I step out the door I have my product on. Fortunately I am in a cosmetic business and this is a do-able option. I also always have my business card handy or a book to give to anyone that I am talking to. It never fails to amaze me how many other consultants don't understand that if you use your own product, people will want what you have. I have a friend down the street who is a Home Interiors Decorator. She ALWAYS carries a votive candle in the latest scent in her purse. Every time she opens that bag the aroma attracts people all around her. She has sold so many candles this way. I not only wear my cosmetics every time I leave the house (yes even if I am just going to get milk), but modelled after her success I started carrying a piece of cotton with the latest perfume on it in my purse. I have gotten many inquires about color on my face and the aroma from my bag. Even if your business does not have things you can wear, try to find some way to use your person as advertising. Perhaps you could get a t-shirt with your companies name. Or you could adapt a small product into a keychain or a purse tassel.

Diane Martin
Mary Kay Cosmetics

100 No's

Just go out and ask people questions and when they answer no say thank you and ask another question, when they ask why you are glad to get a no - say you are trying for 100 no's - gets people thinking!

Take the 50+ Challenge

Gather one business card from a demonstrator in each of the 50 states and be entered in a drawing for 50 sheets of Free Cardstock (or whatever would entice them in your business). Extra points for business cards from APO/FPO addresses, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Samoa, etc.

I made a checklist up with boxes for the fifty states and the extra point territories.

It will give them an excuse to talk to new people, it will give them names to network with, and it will give them business cards to see what information others put on their business cards.

Quick, easy, no cost incentive. (Gift is less than 10$) but the benefits far outweigh the cost. Those on line have already been e-mailed the challenge so they are mentally ready. The rest will learn about it at convention when I give them their card.

Jafra Cosmetics, Total Woman Branch
"Every Woman is an Exception to the Rule"

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