Home based business work - how can I promote myself?

Home based business work involves all the facets of a larger company - the only difference is that you alone are responsible for them all. One of your biggest challenges could be promoting your new business, especially if you've never worked in sales and marketing before.

Promoting yourself is never easy unless you've got a rather oversized ego and getting out there promoting your own products or services can be just as tough. However, if you don't do it and don't do it well your business will fail - no matter how good you are at your 'real' job.

First of all you need to create a professional image for you and your company. Invest in some good stationery and business cards. Then get an online presence with your own website. Don't opt for free hosting - it just doesn't look professional. The cost of hosting and a domain name has dropped dramatically and it goes a long way to making your home based business work successfully. Make sure your website is a promotional tool for your product or service with a mini portfolio of your work or products, a client list, testimonials and full contact details.

Once you've got a website you can consider an e-marketing campaign. It's cheap to run and can make your name and your product or service known in your local area. Plan your e-marketing campaign well and target your recipients for maximum returns. Don't spam anyone, a couple of well written emails that explain how your product or service could solve the recipients' business needs will give you better returns.

Maybe follow up with a phone call or with a printed brochure just to give your campaign a more personal touch. Direct targeted traffic to your website by making sure everyone is aware of your web address - make sure it is on all correspondence and promotional materials, and in any ads you place.

You may also want to consider taking out an ad in the yellow pages, joining a business association in order to network with prospective clients, or attending trade shows if you've got a product to show case.

Most of all you've got to take the promotion of your business seriously and spend some time each week chasing business, speaking to clients you've already got and sending promotional materials to contacts who've yet to place an order with you. You may be the best freelance dressmaker, designer or PR consultant in your area but if you don't get out there and promote yourself you won't stand a chance of making your home based business work.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Home Based Business Work