Inexpensive Ways to Jump Start Your Business

I've been reading blogs and notice that the same thread appears over and over again and that is how expensive it is to market yourself and your business and how do I get my name out there.  There are literally a ton of ways to market yourself inexpensively.  I won't say free, but there are some ways that are virtually free.  This list is by no way exhaustive, because, I'm sure there are as many more ways or more.

• Do you have a name tag?  Do you wear it everywhere you go?
• Talk to everyone, be sure they know you are a Realtor.  Talk to the person behind you in the checkout line at the grocery store, at the hairdressers, car repair place, oil change place (this is where wearing your name tag comes in handy)
• Volunteer at your kids school.  If you don't have kids, find someone who does and volunteer at their school.  Last year I volunteered for writer's workshop and math workshop.  I taught a lesson on how I use math and writing in my job and all my handouts had my name, company name, phone number and website address on it.
• I make up shipping size stickers with my name, company information and services on it and put them on homes magazines and drop them off at my hairdressers, Jiffy Lube, car repair place, doctor's office etc.
• Do you have a marketing book?  I had one made up, it was free because the person who did it for me sold advertising space in it.  I dropped these off at the hairdresser, Jiffy Lube etc.. etc.. and I make sure I include one in every buyer's packet and seller's packet I put together.  I had 1000, now I have about 50 left.  Time to order more.
• Blogline - Do you blog?  If you don't, you should.
• Facebook, Myspace and more sites like that
• Line ads in the newspaper.  Pick a listing in your office if you don't have one of your own and write a small 2 or 3 line ad and advertise it in your local newspaper.  Pick a property that is affordably priced, know your loan products and grant programs and watch your phone ring off the hook.  The ad might read:  Lovely 3+bd/2ba SFH in water privileged community - eligible for up to $30,000 grant for closing.  Call June Piper-Brandon, Advance Realty 410-292-0100 or 410-761-1550.  This ad cost me $50 to run and got me over 40 leads.
• Partner with a lender and offer a first time home buyer class at your local library or church basement.
• Use your CMA's more than once.  Everytime you do a CMA make several copies and send them with letters to several similar homes in the neighborhood where you just went to a listing appointment in.  Go to the public record and find people who have been in their homes for 3+ years or 5+ years and write them a nice letter that might go like this:  Dear Mr and Mrs Smith,  I was recently in your neighborhood to meet with one of your neighbors to help them determine the fair market value of their home.  I noticed that you've lived in the neighborhood for x years and you might be wondering what your home could be worth if you put it on the market today.  Please find attached a recent current market value assessment.  My goal is to provide you with excellent service and up to date information.  I would also like you to consider me as your Realtor before you realize you ever need one.  Also enclosed is my marketing book.  If you are considering a move or know someone who is please share my information with them.  I appreciate your referrals.  If I can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to give me a call.

Promoting yourself and your business doesn't have to be expensive, but you do need to do it or your business will not grow and flourish.