The budget pinch is still today’s problem. How can you broaden your customer base and sell more in a time of budget restraint? 

To stay ahead, you’re not only going to need to outsell your competitors — you’ll have to out-think them, too.

Here are five low- to no-cost ways to expand your market and attract more prospects:

1. Hit the streets. Consider going to and participating in local networking events. Another good idea: Get involved in sponsoring public service and charity events.
2. Craft your own handout. Everyone has a business card, so you may want to take things a step further by designing a small brochure or handout that can act as your business card — and give a brief description of your product or service at the same time. Things to include on the brochure or handout: Your name, the company name, phone number, Web site, e-mail address and perhaps a few product features or benefits.
3. Start the presses. Chances are a reporter won’t call you or knock on your door. You’ve got to go to them by writing your own news releases and distributing them to radio stations, newspapers, TV stations, etc. Make sure you have an attention-grabbing headline, and get to the point quickly in the text. Even one “hit” can reach an audience of thousands. The best releases contain info about broken records (fastest, longest-lasting, etc.) or local success stories (“Our product helped save Acme, Inc., $10,000″).
4. Position yourself as an expert. Offer to write free, bylined “how to” articles for local publications, Web sites and blogs. Or you could start your own blog. It’s a great way to get your name out there as an industry authority.
5. Provide incentives for info. A great way to generate leads: Offer an incentive to prospects in exchange for their contact info. What do people want most today? Free trials, one-time discounts (”If you sign up today …”) and white papers/industry reports.

What budget-saving tactics have worked for you? Share them in the Comments Box below.

Tags: blog, budget, networking, white papers