Unless you are one of those fortunate people with powers of persuasion so great that you can sell ice to an Eskimo, you will need help building a customer base. Word of mouth is a powerful thing, but it’s getting your product/ service or brand known about first before people can start spreading the word.

Below are just a few low-cost areas where businesses should focus on in order to try to spread the word.

• There are a growing number of free tools at hand to allow businesses to connect with their current customers as well as potential new ones, such as social networking sites and business sites.
• Join a local network such as a Chamber of Commerce. Whilst social networking online is becoming more popular, it’s nice to put a face to name and you can allow other business’ to do the hard work for you.
• Cold calling or walking the path and visiting potential clients with an information pack can allow potential clients the opportunity to not have to leave their front door.
• Do some community work! Get involved with the local Rotary club or sponsor a local football team. You may get your name in the paper or be honoured later down the line with a thank you for your contribution.

Professional help or advice is the best way to go about building up your business. We all know time is money, and the time it takes for a business owner or manager to research and develop strategies, as well as the potential cost involved to see those strategies play out to fruition can become extremely costly, whereas for a one-off price a consultant can come in assess your needs and be able to advise you on the best options for your particular situation.

From Loretta