? Have employees research the competition or



research and compile customer databases. This

works especially well with employees who are

heavily involved with computers and like to surf

the internet.

? Tapping right into employees that have hidden

computer graphics skills that might not be used

on the job when you need a logo or creative

concepts developed for marketing and advertising.

You might be surprised at how passionate an

employee will be about a project of this type.

? Issue a lot of press releases about other

activities employees are involved in, such as

their volunteer efforts in the community.

? Include more employees in brainstorming

sessions regarding marketing creative, special-

offer planning, customer communication planning,

event planning and so on. It doesn't take a

marketing pro to come up with a great idea.

? Get your employees to deliver goods to

customers during idle times. This can include

actual product delivery, quote delivery, a thank-

you gesture of a box of bagels or lunch brought

in and so on.