The fact is people that are looking for your products or services are more likely to do business with you if they feel more connected to you and in tough economic times it makes more sense than ever to put the following proven strategies to work in growing your firm:

The single most powerful, low-cost marketing strategy available to any business owner, after publicity, is to speak in public. You may not like it, you may not be good at it, but it works and you need to "man up" and do it!

Every day, in every city in America, dozens of business and civic groups meet. They all need speakers and would love to hear from you. Most are populated with people with connections and influence. A single Kiwanis or Optimist club meeting can provide more opportunities than a series of expensive ads.

If you are uncomfortable speaking in public, join a Toastmasters group. These groups will cost you about $50 a year to join and the chapters themselves are full of connected business people. Offer a "how to" program to your local Lowes or Home Depot store. Call your community college or favorite church and ask about providing a weekend or evening class.

Join local networking groups. Many national groups such Business Network International exist for the sole purpose of exchanging leads. But don't stop with the formal groups, you need to look for smaller local groups and make networking a daily practice.