Make Your Business Grow Even At This Tough Time.

As a small business owner, you may be wondering how to grow your business in a struggling economy.  One thing is for certain you can not afford to drop your prices in the same way that the retail giants are doing.  So the question remains:  How do you draw business in with a small investment? Find different ways get your business name out into the world.  This does not have to cost a lot of money.  You can purchase promotional pens with your business name and logo on them or other inexpensive promotional items that can help advertise for your business.

Stop using standard business cards.  For only a few dollars more you can purchase your business cards imprinted on refrigerator magnets.  Passing these out to people almost guarantees that they will not be discarded.  Magnetic business cards get peoples attention and can be used in place of standard stock business cards to make a bigger impression.

There is nothing wrong with self promotion. You should tell everyone that you meet about your business and have something to give them. Even if it a candy or a book of matches with your logo. You don't want to be annoying though. People will stop inviting you to parties if you are getting on everyone's nerves.

Ask for referrals .  You can ask people to send others into your business.  You can put signs around your business and you can offer up referral rewards and discounts for those who send in others.  This is a good way to stimulate business and you can even offer promotional giveaway items for referrals which can help even further to promote your business.

Hold an open house.  This is a great way to promote your business.  Invite people in during the off hours and serve refreshments.  Give a tour of your business and let people know what you do there.  Also, give a five to ten minute talk and be sure to thank people for coming and also thank those who are helping to make your business a success like support staff and business associates. Don't buy into the fact that promoting your business needs to cost you big money.  There are many very inexpensive and creative ways to get your business noticed in your community.  Just because the economy is struggling doesn't mean that your business has to.