5 Hot Tips for Building your Home Business

No money. No problem.

So, you've found a hot new home business idea from our listings and you can't wait to get started. You want to work at home.  You want to earn a large income.  You want to be your own boss, charter your own course.

Great!

But you don't have a lot of money to advertise your work at home business and don't know that much about marketing, especially marketing on a low budget.

No problem. Here are five great marketing tips for anyone that wants their own work at home business without having a lot of money to spend on promotion. These are cost-free marketing tips that have served me well over the past five years while I’ve worked at home. They will require you to think outside the box to get the results you want without spending a lot of money.

Most work-at-home business owners need to build their clientele, regardless of their role in the business for which they work. They want to grow their business without investing a lot of money. People such as these work from home for a number of reasons: childcare and other family responsibilities, the desire to make extra cash on the side, or the simple need to fine-tune skills to stay competitive in the job market. Whatever the motivation, finding new clients and building a direct sales business without a ton of cash flow is always a struggle. As such, here are a few pointers I’d like to share with you.

1. Networking. The most cost-effective marketing tool. There are a number of organizations, likely in your area, that are geared toward the exchange of business ideas. Groups such as these are an effective and friendly way to market your business, make new contacts, and establish synergies with little or no money. Examples include BNI groups, Chambers, and “meet-up” groups. Expos and fairs are also organized year-round, often times no advanced sign-up fees are necessary. Plan special promotions with other businesses to help promote yours.

2. EMAIL. One of my favorite hobbies, especially late-night when the kids are in bed. Start by entering your line of work in the Google bar and see what comes up. Ask others in a simultaneous search to “MASTERMIND” with you. Mastermind groups are comprised of people involved in similar industries, not competitive with yours. They can prove effective in brainstorming sessions dealing with clients, profits, and overall effectiveness in their business, all the while forming allies and friendships. It’s fun and it works. Commit yourself to sending out at least 20 emails a week.

True story: Found myself in front of my computer on a similar Google search. I ended up chatting with none other than the most powerful, most influential person in my industry. This simple connection brought me considerable insight, not to mention considerable money. Our relationship and alliance have continued to grow ever since.

3. Press releases. A simple and effective tool. Write a short article about yourself and your company, including proud accomplishments or promotions. Add to your document a quote from a supervisor or business partner pertaining to your specific strengths and skills. Especially in a small town, this sort of coverage will garner major recognition.

True Story: Recently I was in the grocery store and the cashier said, “ Are you someone important? She said, “I think I saw your picture in the paper.” It had been 6 months since the article and she still remembered. The credibility I gained through being published will serve my interests for a long time to come.

4. Everybody eats. Spend a bit of money on lunch or dinner with a person you find to be well connected. Build them up: “ Hey Tom, you are so successful and I admire what you have done in your business and I am really trying to get mine off the ground. Could I buy you lunch or breakfast this week?”

True Story: I had breakfast this week with a MULTI MILLIONAIRE that I met through a Google search.

5. Speak out. This requires little if any money. Start an email campaign to stay in touch about current happenings. You can also write a newsletter with current topics of interest. I speak at Kiwanis clubs and other organizations that are always looking for speakers. It will get you noticed for what you do. If you are not a great speaker - no problem. Partner up with a good speaker and sponsor him/her to speak. You will get the glory without having to do the speaking. (Be sure to give away a door prize so that you collect everyone’s business cards) They won’t even realize that you have them, they will be happy to throw them in basket to register for the prizes.

True Story: Someone from TV heard my speech and had me wanted me to appear on the news. I ended up being featured on the six o’clock news because I spoke at a Kiwanis club luncheon. Talk about credibility!

You must realize that this won’t happen overnight. However, every small step you make, every relationship you build will help you along the way in some capacity. And STICK WITH IT! You won’t build credibility by changing businesses every other month. Also, don’t forget to register your domain name. Create a website with your bio and it’ll only cost about $15 per year.

Don’t ever be afraid to think outside the BOX!

Lisa Asbell is a $100k plus yearly earner working from HOME, a Registered Nurse turned home-based entrepreneur, she is President of Identify Theft Resolutions. You can contact Lisa at asbell38@hotmail.com