? 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.