Using Offline Advertising Techniques to Market Your Business

January 8, 2008

In this Issue

• Personal Note From India
• Recommended VA Resource
• VA Job Leads
• VA Profit Tip - Using Offline Advertising Techniques to Market Your Business
• Virtual Assistant Industry News - Industry News and Announcements

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===>Personal Note from India

Hi,

I hope you’re doing well. I hope you’re setting new business goals for your business in 2008.

Tax season is here again. In upcoming newsletters I’ll be sharing with you some tax tips so look for that soon.

Wishing you all the best,

India Jordan
Your Fellow Virtual Assistant
Virtual Assistant Business

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===>Recommended VA Resource

Visit VistaPrint today and claim your 250 Free Professional Business Cards.

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===>VA Job Leads

New job leads are up. Please remember these job leads are un-researched so please do your own research when applying. If you land a client I’d love to hear about it and share in your success. Simply hit reply and tell me all about it. You can view the latest job leads here:

Free Virtual Assistant Jobs

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===>Your VA Profit Tip

Using Offline Advertising Techniques to Market Your Business

The countless methods of spreading the word about your business are never-ending and these possibilities only become limited by a lack of imagination. To get an idea on a few approaches towards offline advertising or marketing your business to what some call the “real world” – consider the following suggestions:

1) The Importance of Business Cards

While it may seem pretty clear to all, many people (especially those focusing on online ventures) often skip this fundamental step. It isn’t necessary to always have the glitziest or most expensive of business cards; you just need a decent representation – like the kind offered through VistaPrint.com where you are only responsible for paying the shipping cost on your first order.

Once you get your business cards – don’t forget to leave one at the post office, local merchants (especially those with a connection to your business), and bulletin boards of area supermarkets.

2) One-Page Flyers

With the help of basic word processing software, you can create effective flyers and pamphlets that produce interest in what you have to offer.

3) The Power of a Press Release

A convincing press release can spread the word on your business when submitted to the local TV stations, radio stations, local magazines, and other area publications. It is important to keep in mind that submitting a press release means following a collection of specific guidelines. Before you go through the trouble – do a little homework to make sure you send the press release in a format they will accept it. While you can always write your own, it is not uncommon to hire a professional. There are free press release tutorials available to help you create the perfect press release.

4) Seek Out Your Local Chamber of Commerce

Don’t let the possible annual fee scare you off from taking advantage of the many networking opportunities of joining the local Chamber of Commerce. This is a great way to generate business, as a handful of publications are delivered to new members about the community that includes listing of new and older businesses.

5) Word of Mouth

At times, one of the best approaches to advertising (especially when it comes to service-based ventures) is by word of mouth. A good incentive occurs when you are able to offer discounts to customers who make reference to your business to their family and friends. Handing out a couple of extra business cards to your present clients, and asking them to pass them on will also benefit your business. Doing a decent job definitely prompts others to spread the word. However, don’t forget that if you do a terrible job, then you’ll receive the kind of publicity you don’t want as well. In other words – always give your customer the best service possible.

6) Direct Mailing

Those who mail information regarding their business to potential customers can find themselves ahead of the game.

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===>Virtual Assistant Industry News