subject: Promoting Your Consulting Business Offline [print this page] Promoting Your Consulting Business Offline
If you've been focused on the online world, there are ways to reach offline clients that you may not have considered. Here's a list of suggestions to reach your target market:
Business cards are a must when marketing offline. While you may think these little goodies are old hat, think again. They provide a quick, simple way to leave your complete contact information with a prospect. Print on the back as well and offer a free consultation, coupon for 20% off for first-time clients or something else that will attract attention.
Local classified ads are relatively inexpensive and can attract clients who might never see an online ad. Check with community papers, weekly shoppers, and even neighborhood newsletters. While the exposure won't be as great as with a large daily newspaper, subscribers are often more loyal and actually read the ads, which can be great for your business.
Small yard signs are another means for reaching local clients for your consulting business. A simple message such as "Need More Customers? Call for a Free Consultation!" can attract untold numbers of leads. Check local signage ordinances, though, as you don't want to be fined for violating the law!
Brochures can be handed out, placed in inexpensive plastic holders, left on a coffee house bulletin board, or easily mailed to prospects. You can create them easily in Microsoft Word and print them at home on professional brochure paper from the office supply store, or get them mass-produced at the copy shop for a few cents each.
Local radio station ads might surprise you with their affordable price tag. In fact, you may be able to get "free" advertising by hosting your own radio program or becoming a guest on local talk shows. Check with your local station manager to see what options are available.
Local resource fairs or trade shows are great networking opportunities. If your Chamber of Commerce doesn't host one, organize your own. Find complementary but non-competing companies to set up booths, distribute sales and marketing materials, etc. Invite the public free and charge exhibitors a small fee to cover costs.
Offer a door prize drawing at your booth where entrants must fill out a drawing slip with their name, address, phone number and email address to enter. Use these forms to begin compiling a prospect list. Then select one name at the end of the day to win the prize. Be sure to publicize the event extensively and let everyone know about your business while it's going on.
There are a myriad of ways to promote your consulting business offline. Look for ideas that others are using to promote their businesses and put your unique spin on them. Try a variety of methods because you're never sure just what will pay off. Whatever you do, work hard to get the word out about your business, and soon word-of-mouth marketing will take over and your business will seem to grow on its own.
