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There are lots of ways to advertise your business that cost money, and they work, but there are also more innovative ways that don't. Non-profits offer one venue for promoting that's very cost-effective.

Volunteering your time to serve dinner at a shelter, or to serve on the Board of a non-profit can give you exposure to people you might not run into otherwise. Volunteers generally chat and share information and you can have your cards and brochures handy when you serve. It's expected. If you're on a Board and can serve in your area of expertise, it's wonderful.

You can volunteer to coordinate a canned food drive for your company, or to gather school supplies for needy children. If done properly, they are also a photo op for the media.

If you're building a business or practice and can work up a seminar or workshop, notify non-profits and churches that you're available as a speaker or presenter. They are a very warm and grateful audience. Will it give you exposure to give a "Dress for Succss" seminar for the homeless? Yes. These things are usually brought up at Board meetings, and the people on the Board generally are big consumers and have wide circles of influence. It feels good to help others, and in addition to that, you get to practice some really important skills, such as public speaking. Will the local church appreciate your offering to give a talk on "How to Make a Midlife Career Change?" You bet.

Keep in mind events and banquets also. If you volunteer to provide the decorations (this would cost money) or sponsor a table, your name and the name of your business can conveniently appear on the program. Also consider donating a gift from your business to the silent (or live) auction. People who attend these functions usually are from a high-income bracket and are great consumers! The presentation package of the auction item is the key. Get creative and do something that will stand out. Sprinkle it with your business card and flyers of course. It'll get a lot of attention at the auction table!

Another promotional tip is to sponsor a billboard or bus ad for a charity with your name and web address at the bottom. This attaches your name to a cause that's dear to people's hearts. You'll help and be helped. Your company can also sponsor an issue of a non-profit's newsletter; this can bring exposure to tens of thousands of people. It's appropriate to ask that your logo appear on the front page as sponsor, and some tagline.

Sponsor a Little League team, donate t-shirts with your logo on them to Goodwill (they'll get around town), serve at the local Thanksgiving dinner wearing a t-shirt with your logo and product on it ... get out, do good, get exposure. It works.

As a former development officer for a homeless shelter, I can assure you that if you aren't doing these thigns, someone else is.

About the Author
Susan Dunn is a personal and professional development coach, specializing in emotional intelligence, strengths, and life balance. You can visit her on the web at http://www.susandunn.cc/