JANUARY 2009

          Staying visible!
            some low- and no-cost ways to promote.

It seems everyone is tightening their belts of late -- and if you find yourself doing the same or wanting to supplement your marketing dollars spent, we offer these tried and true measures to stay out in front of your potential customers.

1. Ask for client testimonials. Not only will most clients be happy to provide you with a testimonial for promotional purposes, but there is an additional benefit. Many will be inspired by what they have to say about you so they'll refer you to others.


2. Put on an educational seminar at a public space like the local library. Be sure to be educational in tone, not promotional. Offer to meet with anyone who wants more information afterwards or at another time.


3. Write an article or a letter to the editor of local newspapers and business publications. You'd be surprised how often a letter to the editor gets published. Mention your website in the letter.


4. Call your accountant and your lawyer and ask for referrals. They work with other business people every day.


5. Be generous with helping people. When you meet someone, ask if there's anything you or your business can do to help them. Don't give away the farm, but give away a tidbit or two. Then propose an affordable way to help them more fully.


6. Consider publishing a blog. It takes time, yes, but it can help the Google ranking of your site and may provide valuable information to someone seeking your services. Keep blog posts relevant to your business audience. The benefit of posting an entry even just a few days a week keeps your mind thinking about what you're doing day to day. What you write can often lead to amazing ideas about how you can do what you do better or differently. (Google owns blogger.com. It's free and easy to use.)


7. Offer to speak to community and civic organizations. Many meet weekly, so they need 50 or more speakers each year. Try groups like Rotary, Chamber, Kiwanis, Lions Club. Speaking usually involves a brief 15 or 20 minute talk on something business or non-business related. Either way, you're promoting yourself, making connections and at least mentioning your business. But remember, it's important not to sell. Offer information, a perspective, insight on a subject you think fits them. You will have made some connections if what you've spoken about "speaks" to your audience.


Don't give up
the green...

A recent report from Boston Consulting Group has shown that despite expecations that consumer buying behavior would forego a focus on green for a focus on cost savings, actual buying behavior still favors green. Analysts of the survey believe it may be the result of the optimism consumers feel about the choices they are making. Read more here.

Insight180 News

Insight180 recently completed the 2008 Annual Report for Operation Lifesaver, nonprofit, international continuing public education program established in 1972 to end collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way.

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Need a Brand-Aid?

Does the economy have you second-guessing your marketing plan? What do your business communications materials say about you? Are your logo and website making the impression they should? Let Insight180 help you get on track with our 90-minute Brand-Aid Check-Up. For more information, call Wendy Baird at 410-203-0777.

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Insight180 is a leader in brand consulting and design that focuses on business to business brands. We advise companies on differentiation strategies and brand communications, with specialized skills in social responsibility and green-certified communications.