subject: Marketing Offline Can Substantially Improve Your Online Company [print this page] The Internet can be a scary place for those looking for a home-based business opportunity. The fear of not connecting personally with other people is one concern and numerous people have been "taken" by on the web scams in their search for a legitimate business and are fearful to take any more risks. 1 method to overcome fears would be to market your online business locally. By merely offering the individual a contact that they can speak to and possibly even meet face to face, you'll be producing the statement that your company is legitimate and trustworthy.
It is efficient to market your online company locally primarily because potential clients and company recruits prefer to have the choice of speaking with the business owner face to face. By attracting customers locally, you are able to maximize the opportunities to meet with them. You'll no longer be that "someone they discovered online," but somebody that they will be able to relate to and feel confident doing business with.
But how do you market locally? Here are some excellent tips:
Look for events geared toward work-at-home companies. There are organizations, such as the National Function at House Mom Association, that hold events across the nation to assist promote the work-at-home business owner. At events such as these, you can buy a booth and make hundreds of nearby contacts, as well as sales, all in one day.
Volunteer inside your community for marketing success. Diana Ennen of Virtual Word Publishing, Inc. suggests, "Volunteer at school occasions for example PTA meetings or community functions. When your child's school needs a flyer, volunteer to do it and attach your card to it. Look to see where you can also inexpensively advertise. Often, ads in the kid's yearbook or community events newsletter will get your much more exposure than the costly ads within the daily newspapers."
Direct mail is another great tool for gaining nearby clients. Get the Yellow Pages out and write a professional letter or send your brochures or postcards to those that would be thinking about your items or services. Send a mail to local businesses that may be interested in providing your products to their clients.
It's essential to talk to everyone you possibly can, about your business. You are able to find prospective customers in line at the grocery store, while waiting at a doctor's office, or even while playing at the park with your kids. Let other people know that you are excited about it and believe in it. If the people around you hear the excitement in your voice, they may turn out to be excited about your company, too! You'll be rewarded with more sales and a company that prospers from year to year.
