As an owner of a home based secretarial business, finding time to market my business while actually running my business was difficult - so early on, I implemented a few marketing strategies that takes less than 10 minutes each to assemble - thus freeing more time for paid projects - while still getting the word out about my services! Here's a few suggestions - some I still use, two employees and three corporate contracts later...

FLIERS - Create fliers on heavy bond paper to announce your business. Use bright colors that immediately grab the attention but doesn't blind (avoid neon colors). Distribute them to doctors' offices, hospitals, law firms, court reporters, small businesses, post on bulletin boards, etc. Hire a trustworthy high school or college student to distribute them for you.

FORMAL PRESS RELEASE - Issue a formal press release announcing your newly opened business. Some of the smaller newspapers and official city websites will publish your release free of charge! You'd be surprised at the number of private and government organizations that support hometown businesses, especially those owned by women!

NEWSPAPER AD - Take out a 1/6 of a page ad in your local newspaper, not in the classified section where it may get "lost" among others - have it separated, bolded and bordered. If your town has more than one newspaper publisher, consider starting with the small circulated paper to "test the waters." To reduce cost, consider partnering with another home-based business owner - one that offers a NONCOMPETING service. You both share the advertising space - and costs.

BARTER - I realize this sounds odd when you're in business to make money, but sometimes bartering can be an excellent marketing tool. For instance, I volunteered to design fliers advertising a local church's fundraiser. In return, they gave me a 1/4 of a page ad in the "Sponsors" area of their monthly newsletter - a newsletter with a circulation of over 2,500! My costs? About 20 minutes of my time designing, editing and printing the final product.

POSTCARDS - Create a set of bright colored, yet professional designed postcards. These make great reminders to past customers that your services are still available and to announce any "specials" that may interest them. Can also provide a unique way to introduce your service to possible clients. For printing, I use Avery Ink Jet Postcards.

SPECIALS - Create your own "specials" or use the ones listed below. Be sure to keep accurate records so you don't accidently overcharge clients!

• Sweetheart Sale, 14% off all projects!

• Referral Roundup, 20% off your next project for each new customer referred!

• Halloween Hauntings, 10% off all medical transcription projects!

• Christmas Cheer, 20% off all transcription projects!

• Every other project FREE for non-profit organizations.