2.   Create an e-newsletter with relevant, unique and valuable information.

3.   Ask for introductions.

4.   Bundle services; offer monthly packages.

5.   Start a brainstorming group with others in your field.

6.   Post video of your product or service on YouTube.

7.   Get your website optimized.

8.   Write for local media, guest blogs, trade publications.

9.   Ask someone you’ve been wanting to meet to write an article for your newsletter.

10.  Sponsor a local team.

11.  Offer to speak at chamber events, local clubs, etc.

12.  Enter an awards competition.

13.  Ask for referrals.

14.  Join a networking group.

15.  Search for potential contacts through LinkedIn.

• Can be an image or typographic
• Use consistently: same colors and proportions
• Put it on everything

2. Business cards

• Use the back
• Be aware of type size
• The simpler, the better
• List (one) phone, fax, address, email, web address

3. Digital Signature

• Name Company/logo (linked to site)
• Address, phone, fax
• Link to website
• Link to latest project
• Link to blog
• Link to Facebook business page
• Link to Twitter
• Link to LinkedIn

4. Brochure or rack card

• Focused on benefits you provide
• Leave-behind or mailer Put testimonials in front of clients

5. Website

• Active
• Content rich
• Get optimized

6. Elevator Speech

• Be able to describe what you do in 30-60 seconds or less. Focus on stories of how you’ve helped others.

7. Social Media

• Facebook business page
• LinkedIn
• Complete your profile
• Update contact lists
• Get a professional head shot
• Be active

8. Notecards

• A handwritten note is so rare, it’ll always grab attention.

No-No #1

Printing your own business cards on your home printer. We can tell. Really. Without a professionally designed and printed card, you’re putting your credibility in question at the starting gate. I actually received a homemade card from a financial advisor. If he couldn’t spend $200 getting business cards printed, I’ve no trust in his ability to manage finances.

No-No #2

Oversized cards. Yes, these are really fun and neat and cool. But they don’t fit in card holders, so they get tossed.

No-No #3

The print is so small no one can read it, particularly those over 50.

No-No #4

Unclear what your business is. If your name doesn’t make it crystal clear what business you’re in, add a line describing your product or service.

No-No #5

No physical address. I realize that for some, putting an address on our business cards appears to limit our business to a certain geographic area. But for most businesses, it’s a necessity. It lends credibility (you can be found), and makes it easy when someone needs to  send payment or correspondence. Many women seem to be wary of including their address on their cards, for reasons of personal safety. Most addresses are readily available from a simple google search, so I’m not sure this is an issue that’s cause for concern.