Landscaping? Painting? Scrapbooking classes? How do you grow your service business on a small marketing budget?

• Call satisfied existing customers and ask them for referrals to those friends and associates. Offer them a free service in exchange for referrals.

• Seek more customers where your current customers live. Neighbors or other business owners have certainly noticed your truck. Send a simple but professional mailing to those neighbors. OR try flyers if regulations permit.

• Network with non-competitive businesses who provide related services to your target market. You may be able to share mailing lists and leads, or sell each others services for a commission on sales.

• Show results: get permission to take and publish before and after photographs and publish them on your web site. Don’t forget to promote your web site on all your marketing materialsyou’re your business card.

• Need employees? Don’t overlook trade schools and school-to-work programs to find willing workers you can train.