You've enlisted some of the traditional marketing methods to sell your services: you received some publicity in your local paper; your website is up and running; and you're listed in the Yellow Pages. So why isn't the phone ringing off the hook? Maybe you're marketing strategies need to get more creative!

Creative marketing will allow you to attract new clients, as well as remind past clients that you're still around. You'll also stand out from the other professionals in your field: creative marketing gets you noticed, enticing people to want to know more about you! And the beauty of creative marketing is that there is no one right way to do it. Methods that work -- and feel comfortable -- for you might not work for others.

Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Staying In Touch

Rather than relying solely on the phone to stay in touch, utilize mail and e-mail. It's fast, easy, and tells your clients that you took the extra time to think of them.

Send birthday cards on your clients' birthdays, or better yet, send an anniversary card to celebrate the date when you first worked with a client.

Another great option is to send postcards or newsletters filled with tips. This establishes you as an expert in your field. Be sure to include an update of your current services or any special offers you have.

Give-Aways that Work

Everyone loves a little gift now and then. Promotional give-aways can boost your business by showing appreciation and offering a reminder that you're ready to help.

Steer clear of pens, notepads, and keychains. Your clients have enough of those. Brainstorm with friends and your local advertising specialties representative to find affordable, unique ideas that represent you and your business. (Look in the Yellow Pages under "Advertising Promotional Products" for companies near you.) For example, at Time to Organize, my company found an affordable, colorful travel alarm clock that can double as a desk clock. Imprinted with my logo and website address, it's a gift that was useful to my clients and beneficial to my business. Remember that memorable and useful items are most appreciated.

Getting Visibility

Try to draw a little attention wherever you go. Depending upon how shy (or flamboyant) you are, you might try something as simple as wearing your nametag in public to driving around town with magnetic signs attached to your vehicle that tout your services. Don't be shy about tooting your own horn. If you tend to downplay your strengths, fearing you'll sound brazen, squash that feeling now! As a small-business owner, you don't have a marketing department, so you must be your own loudest advocate! Making others aware of your products and services is NOT bragging.

I hope these ideas jump start your creative thought process. I would love to hear from YOU about your creative marketing strategies. What worked best? What bombed? Happy thinking...

Copyright 2005 Time to Organize. All rights reserved.

Sara Pedersen, author of the FREE e-zine "The Marketing Fairy's Guide to Simple Self Promotion," is a professional organizer and marketing specialist. She helps small business owners make their marketing dreams come true. Sign up today at http://www.time2organize.net to receive your FREE monthly subscription.

Copyright 2004 Time to Organize.