Russ Dalbey's Blog

I firmly believe that the old cliché “it takes money to make money” is false.

If you’re reading this, you probably already know that it’s possible to create a lucrative note business without expensive office equipment, paying employees, having cash to invest, or buying inventory.

But no matter what kind of business you run, if you want to use marketing to increase your profits, there can be some cost involved there. Still, there are many ways to effectively advertise and create business leads without spending a lot of money to do it.

I’ll share some of my best tips to minimize your marketing costs and get more results without increasing your expenses. Use these techniques all year, and you’ll be amazed at how much more profit you’ll keep for yourself!

• Use your happy customers to boost your future business. A testimonial’s story, quote, or picture is a great way to connect with a new customer and earn their trust. Most satisfied clients will be glad to help you promote your business if you protect their privacy.

• Use free Internet search engine optimization for your website to make it easier for people wanting your services to find you. If you’ve already started to post free ads for your site, continue and expand your efforts if the basics are already in place. Using the Internet to your advantage is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal as a small business owner.

• Try splitting your advertising costs with a related business. Talk to a business contact you’ve successfully networked with to sharing mailing lists. You could even send out a marketing flier that promotes both of your services and businesses and provides a benefit to both of you – at roughly half the cost to each!

• Speaking of networking, put your emphasis on personal marketing – giving your business card and elevator speech to every new person, and making a point to ask about other people’s business, even in social situations. This simple method will give you countless free opportunities to increase the number of people who are aware of your services. As your business through referrals increases, so does the percentage of future business generated through more word-of-mouth referrals!

• Pay attention to what business costs you can deduct from your income. Keep track of all of your work-related travel expenses. If you work from home, take advantage of valuable tax deductions. For example, the space you use as your work office may allow you to deduct a portion of your rent or mortgage interest and utilities as a business expense. Deducting a percentage of various home maintenance expenses, such as lawn care, could also add to your tax savings.

Check out the IRS’s website at www.irs.gov or consult with a knowledgeable tax advisor for more information.

Warmly,

Russ
Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business
Dalbey Education Institute

Founder of Winning in the Cash Flow Business