Write guest posts for other blogs (linking back to your site) outside of your brand's existing audience

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By providing funding or free essential services through event participation/sponsorship, customers will view your business as an active member of the community and will be more likely to patronize you as a result. According to the Kellogg School of Management , “corporate generosity can generate goodwill toward the ‘character’ of a company, which translates into positive consumer experiences with its products.”

The most profitable option is to choose a cause or event that is easily related to your industry, but as long as you get your name out there, it doesn't really matter if your business and what you're sponsoring aren't directly related.

3. Print business cards.
Paper business cards may seem a little outdated in our digital age, but they remain an important tool in the arsenal of small business owners.

Meeting with a potential client without anything on hand can leave you confused and looking unprofessional. Print out a set of professional-looking postcards and keep a few on hand at all times so that an opportunity to promote your group never catches you off guard.

Your cards should include the usual suspects – company name importance of telemarketing lists website, social media handles, phone number – without being too crowded. Don’t be tempted to print your own; they never look as clever as the real thing. Ordering a bulk set is worth the money.

Providing your prospect with something tangible and simple like a card ensures that your contact information and brand aren't lost in their mental ether.

4. Position yourself as an authority
It may seem like a lot of extra work, but promoting yourself as an industry authority can lead to long-term business as people begin to associate your name with a valuable opinion.

There are many ways to do this, and we have a few suggestions:

Run a professional blog and regularly discuss industry issues.
Offer professional advice in local Facebook groups or popular online forums like Money Saving Expert .
Donate your time, goods or services to local groups, charities or events.
Tell us about your area of ​​expertise.
Conduct skills training workshops or share your experience as a business owner.
Your goal is to become the person and business that people turn to when they need your specific area of ​​expertise, so spread your name and knowledge as widely as possible, even if that means positive comments or support for competing businesses.

Cafe owner and businessman Paul Rawlinson is living proof of the effectiveness of this strategy. As a prolific blogger and local business advocate, I asked Paul why any self-respecting business owner would go out of his way to sing the praises of his competitors.

"We try to position ourselves as champions of independent businesses and provide insight into what there is to see and do in the area. We have a section of the blog called the 'Locals' Guide' where we feature the best restaurants, cafes, art galleries and independent gift shops in the area."

On paper, this sounds counterintuitive. In practice, Paul is now known as a true authority on small business and has earned the respect of his peers and the public. Incidentally, his cafe is thriving.

"I firmly believe that cooperation is more important than competition. If we all make the whole 'independent' pie bigger, we can all get a little bit bigger piece of that big pie."