In order to increase sales and help your business succeed, you
need to put your name in the minds of customers. You need to
create a relationship with them so that the next time they need
products or services like yours, you're the first one they think
of. These ideas sound simple, of course, but they may be easier
to talk about than to implement.

So how do you create the customer relations that everyone talks
so much about? Well, there are a number of ways, including
giving great customer service, offering customers a good value,
and building a fun, down-to-earth, or warm and fuzzy image.

There is another way, however, to solidify your image as a
customer-friendly business that you may not be thinking of. Like
the other methods, it's not very difficult, but it does involve
one four-letter "F" word: FREE.

Giving away free stuff, even if it's just your advice, shows
people that you're willing to help them out-- that you're more of
a friend than someone vying for their business. Free
information your customers can use, free samples of your product,
or vouchers for food or travel can make great incentives that
help your customers remember you.

For example, a New York Burrito near my office recently started
giving away "Burrito Bucks." These green, almost dollar-sized
coupons are good for one dollar off any purchase. Right now, one
of these is sitting on my desk, right in front of me where I can
see it. It serves as a reminder that New York Burrito is willing
to give ME a freebie, and as a result, the next time I forget to
pack a lunch that's exactly where I'm going to go. If NYB can
get me to spend five dollars in there, giving me a buck off will
have been worth it. This is especially true since I'll probably
go back more than once, even without the discount.

Giving away free stuff is a great way to drum up immediate
business, plus make a lasting impression that will bring results
for a long time to come.



About the Author
Meredith Pond and her team of top writers help you increase
profits without working harder. See Meredith's editing services,
advertising packages, and free business ideas at
http://CheapWriting.com Reach her at
mailto:meredith@drnunley.com or 801-328-9006.