Is your business prospecting budget tight?  Fear not, say members of the Microsoft Small Business Council, who offer 10 cost-effective suggestions for capturing and retaining customers:

1.  Be a leader.  Write an article for your local newspaper.  You'll gain visibility in the media for your company and demonstrate your business knowledge, too.

2.  Consult to non-profits.  Offer your services, for free or at a low cost to an organization like the local United Way.  You will soon become involved in a strong community networking support system that can generate referrals for your business.

3.  Schedule seminars.  Working with the local media, co-market a seminar on a relevant business trend.

4.  Survey with a newsletter and an incentive.  Create a self mailing newsletter about your business.  Include a questionnaire that asks potential clients about their needs.

5.  Follow up in a timely fashion.  Be sure to fulfill any promises you have made within 48 hours.

6.  Sell your budget.  Ever lose a customer because your bid was too high?  Next time, suggest clients finance the purchase against the nonproductive parts of their marketing plans.

7.  Fax it.  Two-way communication for documents has never been easier.  Use your fax to the max.
 
8.  Partner with others.  Align yourself with select small business in your community and trade off your skills.  You will not only help each other cut costs, but you will offer clients more services too.  (continued on page 4)