Get Others to Market Your Product or Service for FREE!

by Debbie LaChusa

Want an easy way to get publicity that does not even require you to write a press release? Try donating your product or service for an auction or door prize. Very often, associations, groups and charities conduct live or silent auctions at their events. Or they give away door prizes to attendees to encourage attendance. Why not donate your product or service and benefit from the free marketing exposure it can generate.

Typically you will receive promotion during the event, and in the event program. You benefit from the implied endorsement of the group conducting the event, and goodwill associated with giving away your product or service. You may even be able to write off the cost as a business expense. (Please check with your tax advisor). And, not only will you receive free exposure, you will also gain a new customer.

Not sure what groups or charities you should donate your auction item or door prize to?

You will want to choose an organization whose members, and event attendees, closely match your ideal customer. Take a look at your customers and prospects. Then try to find groups and associations who service these types of people.

Do you target middle-aged women with school-age children? How about hooking up with a school or PTA-sponsored event?

Perhaps your local Little League or Soccer organization is looking for auction items to raise money for its upcoming season.

Do you target corporate professionals in high-stress jobs such as finance, advertising and marketing, or technology? Look for the local chapters of trade associations servicing these industries. They typically hold monthly meetings, plus larger annual events.

It really depends on who your prospects are. Your goal with any marketing activity is to gain exposure among your target audience. So select an organization or group whose members match your clients, and odds are they will be interested in your services and your business will benefit from the highly-targeted marketing exposure.

(C) Copyright 2005 Debbie LaChusa

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie LaChusa created The 10stepmarketing System to make marketing your own business as simple as answering 10 questions. Learn more about this unique, step-by-step system and get a free Marketing Mini-Course when you subscribe to the free, weekly 10stepmarketing Ezine at http://www.10stepmarketing.com

NOTE: You're welcome to "reprint" this article as long as you make no changes and you include the "About the Author" information at the end.  Please let me know if and where you use this article by emailing me.

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