How Does a Small Business Owner Promote Her Business Successfully Without a Big Madison Avenue Budget For Advertising and PR?

I'm a freelance writer, hence a small business owner. My writing is a mix of editorial features, a music column, advertising, PR and other promotional adventures. I've been thinking about putting together a story that discusses effective publicity in a slow market. But with the formation of this group, I'd like to not simply include your feedback, but make it the focus of the article. How about it? Do you have any tips you'd like to share? Suggestions? Anecdotes? Horror stories? Thoughts on social media vs. conventional advertising? Cost factors?

In case you'd like to know more about me, I'll paste my Facebook bio below.

I was born in NY state, and went to college at SUNY Oswego (in the snow belt), majoring in English. Right after graduation I moved into the city and got a job at Doyle Dane Bernbach. After a year, couldn't stand winter anymore, moved to California and pretty much stayed there (except for a four-year stint back in NYC, working on Madison Ave. where I got all the free Lily of France bras a girl could want) until I moved to the Carolinas. I've been everything from a typist to a copywriter and on up to a creative director, partner in a small agency. Got tired of agency life and so began freelancing. That's what I've been doing ever since — advertising, PR, editorial. Here in NC, I do a lot of art- and music-related work. I handle PR for an amazing art gallery in Calabash. It's called Sunset River Marketplace and features fine art and crafts. I also manage some of their artist workshops. I'm probably a frustrated artist ... that's why I love it so much. On the music side, I write a blog aimed at musicians and bands who are still flying under the radar of mainstream music outlets. I'm a HUGE supporter of South By Southeast in Myrtle Beach and help them out whenever possible. I also write most of the feature stories and Beach Newz, a regular music column for Coast Magazine and Alternatives NewsMagazine, the local indie papers in Myrtle Beach.

I was born in NY state, and went to college at SUNY Oswego (in the snow belt), majoring in English. Right after graduation I moved into the city and got a job at Doyle Dane Bernbach. After a year, couldn't stand winter anymore, moved to California and pretty much stayed there (except for a four-year stint back in NYC, working on Madison Ave. where I got all the free Lily of France bras a girl could want) until I moved to the Carolinas.

I've been everything from a typist to a copywriter and on up to a creative director, partner in a small agency. Got tired of agency life and so began freelancing. That's what I've been doing ever since — advertising, PR, editorial.

Here in NC, I do a lot of art- and music-related work. I handle PR for an amazing art gallery in Calabash. It's called Sunset River Marketplace and features fine art and crafts. I also manage some of their artist workshops. I'm probably a frustrated artist ... that's why I love it so much.

On the music side, I write a blog aimed at musicians and bands who are still flying under the radar of mainstream music outlets. I'm a HUGE supporter of South By Southeast in Myrtle Beach and help them out whenever possible. I also write most of the feature stories and Beach Newz, a regular music column for Coast Magazine and Alternatives NewsMagazine, the local indie papers in Myrtle Beach.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sue Ann Gleason on July 5, 2010 at 1:53pm

Hi Dariel,

I found your questions very interesting. By the way, I grew up in Buffalo, New York and went to school at the University of Buffalo so moving south (Northern Virginia) was a pleasant change—love that sunshine!

What I'm finding in promoting and growing my business with social media is that even though it's a great tool for some, it can really be a time drain for me, more of a distraction than a viable way to "grow my list." I love Facebook but it's far more social for me with a few interesting articles thrown in to let people know what I'm up to. I gave up on Twitter and really focused on my newsletter. I can't tell you how many business opportunities have opened up for me through that newsletter alone. So my tip is: It's more important to build rapport than it is to build "your list"! I'm also part of a wonderful collaborative effort with a group of conscious entrepreneurs. We compiled a f.r.e.e ebook:Create A Conscious Business and the response has been incredible. You can get at www.consciousbusinesstips.com My tip is on page 32—Build Your Business From the Heart! Good to connect with you. . .

Permalink Reply by Dariel Bendin on July 5, 2010 at 10:51pm

Hi Sue,
Thanks for your thoughtful response. I'm interested to hear more from you. I completely agree that the effort should be put toward the relationship. The list will follow. I downloaded your eBook and will take the time to read it this week. I think this Martini Meeting is going to be full of useful ideas.

Best regards,
DARIEL

Permalink Reply by Sue Ann Gleason on July 5, 2010 at 11:23pm

Me too!

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