By Sue DiFranco
Copyright © 2003 Sue DiFranco/Fun Facts Publishing  

Here are some mini-tips I've been collecting:

1. Pitch your business to telemarketers. When they call to sell you the latest gizmo, turn the tables on them. Have they heard of scrapbooking? Tell them what a wonderful, relaxing hobby it is after a day of getting yelled at and hung up upon. If you're a retailer, ask them if they live in the area and want to stop in for your "telemarketers' special." Online storeowners and product designers, just give them your Web site. Direct sales consultants, this is your chance to score another recruit (now, you know they can't be terribly happy being on the phone all day). And if they say they just have no time, custom scrapbook artists can step up to the plate and offer your services.

2. Did you know that some of the email newsletters you subscribe to could be getting marked as unsolicited email? This means that you might not ever receive some of the newsletters you love! Take a moment to remember all the e-mail newsletters you have subscribed to and really, really enjoy - like ours! Then contact your e mail provider to put us all on your "safe" list. It will be worth it - believe me!

3. Retail storeowners and event organizers, do you have a map somewhere on the flyers you give out, with detailed directions on how to get to your place from every direction? If not, put it on your "to-do" list today.

4. All business owners can benefit from this one: magnetic car signs. Cruise around town in a vehicle branding your business to the world. But don't just stop with your car! Buy a bunch, and slap them on your friends' and family members' cars as well. You might even have some customers and clients that wouldn't mind advertising your business for an incentive (a percentage off every purchase, for example).

5. Custom scrapbook artists, try using the "Step It Up" method featured in Simple Scrapbooks magazine in your demo albums. Take a few photos and make several copies of each. Then, design layouts using the same photos but with additional embellishments. Layout one can be your "basic" page, layout two more advanced (more embellishments), layout three extreme advanced (even more custom work and embellishments).

I hope these tips work for you! I wish you all the best of success, however you define it!