The purpose of grassroots marketing is to develop customers for your company and generate a hum in your local community after starting your own business. Then, as word gets out that you have an excellent company, you can grow nationally. Here are six ways to use grassroots marketing to succeed locally first and then grow on a national level.

Step 1. Use business cards

Make a goal to give out a certain number of business cards a day after starting your own business. If you bother to have them printed but they sit behind your desk or in your pocket without being handed out, they will not do you any good. Say you want to distribute 10 per day. Put that many in your pocket and do not be afraid to give them out openly. Use brochures and fliers to get the word out as well.

Step 2. Use the power of word-of-mouth

Multiply your time and effort by working with the time and efforts of volunteers who can help you cover areas like schools, local businesses, and churches that are willing to display information about your company.

Step 3. Be a part of local events

After starting your own business, people will only learn about it if you expose yourself. By being a part of community events, you will give your business a good image for people to remember when they see your business card again in the future.

Step 4. Give out free samples

People are wary about putting money into something unfamiliar, but if you let them try it for free first, then you will generate some real sales.

Step 5. When speaking to people, use the 3-foot and 30-second rules

After starting your own business, you are the number one marketer for your company. Say hello to anyone that comes within three feet of you on the street or in an elevator. If you strike up a conversation, bring up your business within the first 30 seconds. This is your opportunity to give out one of those 10 business cards you have in your pocket.

Purposely only buy products for your business from people who buy from you or could become a prospect. This positively helps build your client base. Please visit stepsto.com for more great business advice.

Reprinted from “Rick Frishman‘s Author101 Newsletter”
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