Using Trade Exchange’s Services Keeps
You In The Public’s Eye
Use your trade exchange members’ services at every opportunity to
advertise and market your company. The following suggestions are
inexpensive to incorporate. And the services and products suggested
can be obtained on barter in most cases.
1. Business cards do double duty:
Next time you print your business cards print a special offer on the
back. Make it a coupon good for a 10% or 15% discount at your place
of business.
2. Gifts:
Send your preferred customers inexpensive and thoughtful gifts at
the appropriate time. Like cookies frosted with their company logo,
as a welcome home (after a cruise) when there is a natural letdown.
3. Printing:
Two-color postcards are an inexpensive way to keep your name in
front of your customers, by mailing them on a regular on-going
basis. Also be sure to put an effort into an attractive company
brochure before exhibiting at business conventions.
4. Joint cooperation:
Seek out savvy business owners who aren’t competitors but work in
related fields—those with which you will have a similar market and
philosophy. (Or find another product that compliments yours and
promote both products jointly.)
Look into exchanging customer lists so a cold call becomes a
referral from a familiar vendor. You can also collaborate on direct
mail pieces to cut down on expenses and increase your exposure.
(In such a situation, suggest they pay you half and you’ll spend the
effort lining up the work to be done. With their half in cash you
increase your cash flow, because you get the job done through the
exchange on trade.)
5. Traveling sign:
Your company sign can “travel” all around the community if it is a
bumper sticker or magnetized sign for the side of your vehicle.
6. Thank-you notes:
Getting your money’s worth is easy with inexpensive “thank you”
notes. They can come in many forms, from a simple card or note pad,
to a letter opener or a packet of “Post-It” notes with your name on
them.
7. On-hold:
Research by AT&T has found that 60% of business callers are put on
hold for an average of 39-50 seconds. Your commercial message played
during this time could bring in additional business.
8.
Data base:
Your business should have a customer data base that can be used for
different purposes. But most importantly to stay in touch with those
you value the most — your customers!