How to get your name out there

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Here are simple ways to get your name out there and get your business noticed

There so many ways to make sure your name and your business is known. While social networking is all the rage and highly effective, staying in the community is a tried and true method. Before you spread out into the world of social networking completely, try taking a local approach first. You can even add and promote your local approach to your online efforts.

Here are a few ideas on how to get your name out there.

Submit articles

Every industry has its go-to publication for industry news and trends. Find yours and submit an article to them. Publications are always eager to fill their pages with insight from their readers. Who better knows the industry and knows their publication better than a reader who presumably works in it?

Check the front of the magazine — the masthead — for the name of the person to whom submissions are sent. Call or email them for their writer?s guidelines, then write the best article you can about the trendiest topic you can think of. If it is accepted, you have free publicity not to mention an article to add to your portfolio.

Give to event goodie bags

Getting fun things in a goodie bag compiled by event organizers and promoters is half the fun of attending an event or fundraiser.

Put your company logo and contact information on some business logo candy, personalized business favors, promotional chocolate and other types of yummy consumables. No one is going to turn down a sweet, especially if it is in the form of chocolate. Even by giving their piece to someone else, it passes through their hands and therefore so does your company information. It is definitely a memorable goodie!

Share your knowledge

Groups are always looking for speakers for luncheons, fundraisers and even simple meetings for their top brass. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce and ask them if they know of any groups that need speakers, either now or on a regular basis.

You can also ask your local library if they have a speaker?s series. Even speaking about your business at the local knitting club can be a good way on how to get your name out there. The more you speak, the more people hear you and word of mouth may be your best form of advertising. The woman at the library may have a son who needs a printer or a business at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast may be in the market for someone to take on a major project. Your speaking power may impress someone enough to hire your company or buy your product.

The old standard

Sometimes the simplest method is right under your nose. Yes! That business card can be a gold mine. It is small, inexpensive to produce and easy to carry around for that accidental meeting with a potential client. Look for interesting design tips for business cards and figure out how to make your card pop. Stuff a bunch of them in your suit pocket or your purse, especially at a speaking engagement, and pass them out to everyone who may remotely be of value to your business.

These are just a few ideas on how to get your name out there.

If you begin at the local level, you have the opportunity to build your reputation through word of mouth. From that point on, your name has the potential to ripple out through other communities in other cities and even other countries, depending on your brand. Reach out to everyone who might be a potential client.

You never know who will show up at your door with a business card or candy bar along with a major contract!