Where to start

 This by far is the hardest part. You either have a business you are starting or want to increase your current business. Either way I know the question, How do I reach people, is weighing heavy on your mind.
Before I go any further I want you to stop and ask yourself this one question. Is your business worth it. That's right. So many people are out their are selling crap just to make a buck. Or going after some get rich scheme that will make them millions.
First and foremost you have to know your business and believe in it. Secondly, you have to have a business people would want and be loyal to. Marketing can only increase a business that is worth promoting. You need to be different, memorable. So if your answer is no. Then you need to stop reading and reassess
what you want to promote. I can not stress this enough. Your business needs to be top notch. From great service, product to inviting environment. So if that is you then read on.
Ok, so now you have a great business that is worth marketing. The next thing is coming up with a strategy overview. This is just a basic bulls-eye target. Ask your self, who is your targeted audience. These are the people that you are trying to reach. People that your business is going to attract. This is one of the keys to coming up with the right marketing plan.
Now we have a great business worth promoting and the target audience we want to inform. Now what? For me there are two types of strategies I like to do. Inside the box and outside the box.
First lets tackle inside the box. This will be the base or core part of your marketing plan. It is the basics all business need to do to start. Here is a list of some core marketing check points. Depending on your business some may not apply.

 * Advertising - Signs that are visible and eye catching. Flyers that catch the eye and captures their attention. Ads in local papers, etc...

 * Online media - Website, Facebook, Twitter, etc...

 *  Blogging - This can serve as advertising yourself as well as your product/business.
  
* Newsletter- Great way to keep in monthly contact with your customers.

  * Pricing - You normally don't think about this as a marketing tool. But great prices make      for happy , returning customers.

The core part is now done. Everything is going great. Your business is starting to get noticed. You are now seeing a few regulars coming back and a trickle of new customers come in. But you want to reach a bigger audience. 
Here is where thinking outside of the box comes in. Now its time to really get those creative juices flowing. You've done all the typical things and now it's time to take it to the next level. So here are a few ideas on thinking outside of the box. 

 * Customers become your advertisers - That's right. Your regulars love your business. Now let them spread the love. Through social media, flyers, t-shirts, etc...
  
* Support local causes - Giving back to the community lets you not only reach lots of people    but lets the community know that you care about them.

 * Be apart of local events - Having a booth local events gives you a way you can advertise            and talk with people that may have never seen your advertisements. And one on one in            person is a great way to get people connected with your business.

 * Contest and Giveaways - Great way to get people excited and talking.

 Now you have the basics on how to get started. Now it's your turn. Time to sit down and put these suggestions on paper. If you have a staff get them involved as well. The more people brainstorming the more ideas will flow. 

There are more blogs to come. But I would love to hear from you. Let me know how this blog has helped you. Feel free to give me any suggestions for a topic or email me any questions you might have.