FISHBOWL MARKETING

I'm reasonably sure that you have run across this strategy once or twice a day. But it is such an effective and non-invasive way to build your list that it is worth repeating. People always wonder how to start to generate a list of prospective clients to market to in a variety of ways. Free stuff is the ticket. Just put out a fishbowl or box (clear is better so that the people actually see that others have put in their business cards) Then give away something of value. It really depends on your company and your budget. Restaurants should not only give away a free meal but also a percentage off of the meal of everyone in the group that comes with them on that visit. (limit 2 or 4 or whatever you want but make sure you state a limit on the offer) Also make sure that you have a pad of paper and a pen (fastened down somehow so that the gremlins don't swipe it) so that those folks who don't have business cards can participate too.

Make sure that it is something that has a perceived value... Look, you are trying to build a massive list that will become a source for you to send special offers to on a regular basis. Don't cheap out on the gift. So you spend 5 or 10 bucks extra a week. Believe me when I tell you that if you start using the list to send offers to these clients, you will more than cover that measly little amount of output and be on your way to referral generation through the fishbowl. You can also use an email service to start emailing offers or discounts to clients.
Here is a link to a Free Trial of Constant Contact Email service to help you market to that new list.Send Promotions via email – 60 Day Free Trial

P.S. make sure you take the fish and the water out before you have folks put their cards in...I know, I'm king of the obvious...but you never know!

Never Give Up, Never Surrender..
JRsuperstar