"I know I need to market my business in order to grow my business, but right now I can't afford it."

I have heard this statement numerous times from business owners that are struggling to stay in business. They are hanging on by a frayed string that will break at any moment, resulting in any chances at a successful business to come crashing down.

But it doesn't have to happen that way. Instead of focusing on what they don't have and not doing anything to market their business, struggling business owners should focus on making the most of what they do have.

If you are on a shoestring budget, it IS possible to stretch the string and generate revenue for your business.

Here are Five Tips to Stretch the String:

1. NETWORKING:

The key to maximizing opportunities with Networking is to do it effectively and consistently.

Don't attend events with the intention of trying to sell your services to everyone you meet. Go with the intention of getting to know more about other business owners and their services.

Set a goal to make a connection with at least three business owners and immediately follow up with them after the event. When you take their business card, ask them if you can have another one to pass on to someone who may need their services in the future.

2. ARTICLES:

This is one of the most effective ways to market your business when you have more time than money.

Write about what you know and use your knowledge to help your target market.

If you get overwhelmed by the thought of writing to a large audience, focus on writing to one person...your ideal client.

3. NEWSLETTER:

You have a lot of affordable options in this area.

You can create an electronic newsletter (ezine) at no cost or very low cost.

You can create a one page print newsletter and mail it to your target market or use as a handout.

If you don't have the budget to pay for postage, you can also convert your one page newsletter to a .pdf document and email it (with permission) to your target market.

While there is no limit to the amount of pages you can put in your newsletter, keep in mind that the string will snap as the number of pages increases due to rising publishing costs.

4. SPEAKING:

Seek out speaking engagements to market your business. As the guest speaker, you will be the center of attention and will have a great opportunity to maximize your marketing efforts.

Be sure to ask the audience to fill out a feedback form that asks for their contact information. You can offer an incentive to encourage more responses.

If you distribute handouts, include your contact information along with a special offer just for attendees in the handouts.

5. BUSINESS CARD:

Increase the effectiveness of this little marketing dynamo by utilizing the back of the business card.

Think about your most wanted response and then capitalize on all of that real estate space to get it.

Think beyond putting a yearly calendar on the back. How about a special offer for your target market? Valuable tips that solve the problems of your target market?

Give the recipients of your business card a reason to hold onto your card or to contact you immediately.

Use these five tips to generate more ideas and revenue for your business. When it comes to stretching the string, you are only limited by your imagination and attitude.

If you invest your time wisely while on a shoestring budget, your return on investment will eventually yield enough revenue to give you an actual marketing budget that will allow you to take your business to new heights.

Copyright 2005 Black Unicorn Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Tresaca Hamilton is the CEO of Black Unicorn Communications. Black Unicorn Communications helps Service Businesses attract more clients in less time.

Visit http://www.blackunicorninc.com to receive our free Business Success Toolkit including the free course: 7 Steps To More Clients.