Not every small business owner is a natural seller. Many business owners are introverts or don't like to be seen as pushy and unrelenting ? the typical salesperson stereotype. But there's nothing that says typical salespeople get all the sales or are the best at promoting a business. You can market yourself with many low-key tactics.



Create effective business cards

Yes, that's right ? your business cards are considered part of your marketing materials. By using double-sided business card printing and having an eye-catching design on the front and quality info on the back, your business cards can be an effective marketing tool for little money and little fanfare.

Promotional materials

You can create everything from postcards to flyers to brochures that don't require you to be in people's faces to distribute them. You can spend more money on a direct mail campaign rather than hosting a seminar to get people interested in your product.

Make sure your direct mail pieces have a consistent look and feel and that they all contribute to your core brand message. Write your brochure copy so that you highlight the value and benefits you can bring to your customers. Design your materials to look professional or hire a designer or agency to design them for you.

Create a one-on-one relationship with your customers

Every time a customer walks into your store you have a chance to market to them. Having friendly conversations and getting to know your customers are part of the marketing effort. You don't always have to be in ?sell? mode to be marketing. It's best to establish a relationship with customers before you market to them and just engaging them in conversation and showing you care does that.

Work on your personal presence

As a business owner, the brand starts with you. Your brand is a big part of your marketing efforts. Take care of your appearance, watch your demeanor around customers and firm up that handshake (but don't be a bone-crusher!). Everything you do that customers see reflects on your brand.

?Hello?

The way you answer your telephone is also a chance for marketing. Answer your telephone with a phrase like ?XYZ Company, we're here for you? or something similar with your tagline or a phrase that you want your customers to know. Listen to what your customers say on the phone and do your best to help them over the phone. A sale over the phone can be just as good as a sale in person.

Send a thank-you note

After a big-ticket purchase, send your customer a handwritten thank-you note to let them know you appreciate their business. This is one simple and easy thing to do that won't seem at all pushy (keep the sales pitch out of it!) and will give your customers goodwill toward you and your company.