Pandora's Casket

This weekend we are expecting a storm front that might bring us snow. I guess it is time to put away your golf bags and bring out the snow boards!

Are we prepared this year for the snow? A part of me really wants to jump up and yell YES, but then I think about that and am torn.

Since this will be our 4th winter here I wonder if you can ever be fully prepared. So far we had some snow flakes in October, which was an oddity that had a lot of people talking about. Snow by Thanksgiving seemed to be the normal. Now it is all changing right before our eyes.

I usually have a bet with my son about snow on Thanksgiving but I pulled that wager. I usually win but with the erratic weather right now I was taking no chances.

My youngest is looking forward to the snow. He is pretty excited at the thought that this weekend he might be playing in a little bit. We have to wait and see about that as we all know weather changes at the blink of an eye.

I just hope that with all the improvements that we did make, we are ready for the 30 and lower temperatures that are approaching quickly

There are a lot of ways that you can promote your business on a shoe string budget. In this economic crunch where people are holding on tight to their funds you may need to step it up or start a promotion to encourage buyers to, well, BUY!

This is not an easy task. The first thing that you should think about is what can you afford to spend? Set your amount, stick to it and start your campaign.

Since I have multiple businesses each campaign is slightly different. I design with the customers and products in mind. Targeting what it is they are interested in. For example my occult shops, these are my two top niche money makers so I focus on how to grab and get them to return. Of course, the first thing is your product. If they like your product they will return. But how long will it take them?

I have three ways that I promote my businesses. The first one is the mailing of promotional pens and pencils. These go to new customers that I include in their mailer with the product that they have purchased. Having the return business information boldly printed helps to remind them where they got the pens or pencils. Works pretty well I might say.

My second is to send free product samples with the purchases. If it is an oil purchase I send herb samplers, herb purchase may include a powder. I mix and match something for the buyer. Pleases them and they tend to remember that free gift that you sent to them.

My last promotional is a flier like invoice. Having all the sale information printed on the invoice it includes a small flier at the bottom. Explaining the repeat discount and promo code for their next purchase.

Promoting your business does not have to cost a ton of money that you do not have.

Utilize what you do have and work from there.