Every small business has the same basic problem – a great service or product and not enough dollars to market it properly.

Advertising is expensive and can be hit or miss. How do you make your target audience pay attention to your message? What sort of budget and time should you allocate?

Before you start down that road however, go back to basics and make money now. Here’s how:

Re-connect with old clients. People drop off for a variety of reasons – often because you’ve simply not kept up the relationship. Go back through your old contact list. Email then, then phone them offering a special offer.

If you’ve a local business, connect with local residents and business with something quirky (more…)

BETHEL — Bethel Middle School raised $400 from selling wristbands that say “Band Against Bullying” and continue to sell the bands in the main office.

They cost $3 each and for every band sold $1 goes to the school’s programs that raise awareness about bullying.

Students who purchase a band also are asked to sign their name on a banner displayed in the school lobby.

Merchants who have helped with the fundraiser include Molten Java, Sal’z Pizza, The Toy Room, Famous Pizza, and Cupcakes and Milkshakes.

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North Hampton Town Clerk Sue Buchanan said the town has purchased a number of the blue Michael Maloney memorial wristbands to make it easier for residents to help honor the fallen chief’s memory and contribute money to the victims of the April 12 Greenland shootings.

Buchanan said the bands are now available for purchase in the Town Clerk’s Office for $5. (more…)

The Barry American Legion is seeking to secure funds for its ongoing care and replacement of veterans’ American flags. Persons donating will receive a wristband to be worn in honor of veterans on Memorial Day.

All proceeds from the wristband donations will go directly to the Barry Legion to help fund flag upkeep and replacement. The wristbands are red, white and blue, and bear the phrase, “Freedom Isn’t Free.”
Legion members along with volunteer, Caitlin Lee, a sophomore at Western High School, are coordinating this fund raising effort. Individuals who would like to obtain wristbands may call Caitlin at (217) 335-3008. (more…)