1. Put your ideas in writing.
It’s important to write your ideas down. Write down everything you need to do to keep your customers happy. Be sure to include a budget for marketing, a time line when things will be complete and a tracking system to measure what is working and what is not.

2.  Have a backup plan – take risks they can bring you extraordinary results.
If something is not working you have to be ready to immediately change your strategy. Don’t let your ego get in the way if you want your profits to add up.

3. Have a marketing budget.
Most industries have a typical percentage of sales that are used for advertising and marketing. Four to 5 percent of gross sales is generally a good rule of thumb for a small business.

4. Create a positioning statement.
Look clearly at what makes your business different from the competition. Is it the superior quality of your product, special service you provide or? Whatever it is, write it down. Every business has something that makes them unique. Make sure the statement is on every written communication to customers.

5. Create image marketing materials that are consistent with who your company is.
Many times this is one of the first areas of expenses that companies cut out, If you want to be a bigger success than have the tools that make you totally look successful and which totally communicate who you and your business are.

6. Make sure your place of business sells who you are.
Ask yourself, “Does my Office (including home offices) communicate the true image of my products and/or service?”

7. Know your customer.
Have a clear idea of just who your customer is. Remember the more you know about people you do business with, the easier it is to find new customers.

8. Be involved with your customers.
You have got to know them, talk to them, ask their opinions get their feedback on how they see your products and/or services. Be constantly ready for change. Lives are constantly changing – they are marrying, divorcing, remarrying, changing jobs and careers. It’s important to constantly track just what your customers are buying.

9.  Look for every opportunity to entice your customers to buy from you. 
Turn your fax sheets into creative marketing tools to promote the specials and savings you are offering. Offer special promotions at unusual times. Be different, be creative, and be thankful, your customers are your most important commodity.

10. Have a dynamic business card that people will keep and remember.
Have you considered using both sides of the card? Use the backside to let potential customers know about extra services, etc., or perhaps just have one of your favorite quotes on the back to share.

11.  Partner with other companies that sell complementary yet noncompetitive products and services to your target market.
Consider the benefits of getting together with other business entrepreneurs whose services compliment yours and market a series of seminars.

12.  Stay in touch with your customers.
What really counts to boost your bottom line is getting them to continue to buy your products and/or use your service. Remember keeping customers is far more lucrative than finding new ones. Don’t take existing customers for granted. If you don’t treat them well, you can bet someone else will. Recognize your customers. People love to be recognized and appreciated their patronage. Why not feature clients in your newsletter .The connections you make by making customers feel that they are part of the success of your company and/or organization are stronger than any sales pitch or brochure, and they are totally FREE.

13. Write articles.
Articles are a good source to get your name out there. Even if you write the article for free, there is a big return on your time investment, it can improve your image as an expert in the field and build credibility.

14. Become a speaker at community events.
Offering your expertise at a public occasion is a great way to get the word out about your business without having it sound like a sales pitch. You will be totally amazed as to how many new customers surface following a speaking engagement. Speak from your heart on subjects that you have a personal passion for, when you do this you will find that being a speaker is really a fun and exciting thing to do, with great rewards in return.

15. Take time to join and be active in organizations, associations, clubs etc.
As an active member of any organization, you’ll build credibility with customers and create great opportunities through the networking opportunities.

16. Network, network, and network!
Let people know what your needs are, and see how you can help them. Network in unique places; always have your business card with you no matter where you go. Don’t miss out, .ask, ask, and ask!  If you’re looking for referrals, who better to ask than you’re existing customers.

Remember marketing is a continuous journey filled with fun, new experiences and great rewards.
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Robbie Motter is the owner of Contacts Unlimited a marketing and Public Relations firm. She is also a Certified National Speaker and Certified Life and Business Coach, serves as Senior Vice President for Communications, Marketing, and PR for American Seminar Leaders (asla) http://www.asla.com and  is also  the Western and Mid Atlantic  Regional coordinator for the National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). http://www.nafe.com   She serves as a advisor to the 23  For You Networks which are NAFE affiliate networks The http://www.4younetworks.org . Robbie can be reached at 1-888-244-4420, her email is rmotter.com and http://www.rmotter.com