7 low- or no-cost marketing strategies you can implement right now By Marty Marsh Most of us go to work every day in our business instead of on our business. If you're having a hard time getting your marketing efforts underway, here are 7 easy-to-implement strategies you can do starting right now. 1. Take action. Simply doing something to market your business everyday--even if you only spend 15 minutes making a few phone calls, writing a note, some internet research or some marketing related reading--can ensure the success of your business. 2. Create a postcard. They're an inexpensive way to get your marketing message out quickly. Smaller space means tighter writing to retain the essence of your message in fewer words. Don't forget a call to action: i.e. "call our toll free number," "visit our website," etc. 3. Write an article. The quickest way to become known as an expert is to have articles published. Write about what you know and create a list of tips. Write just like you were talking to someone. Refine your words until your message is clear to your reader. 4. Create your unique selling proposition. Those few words that sum up what you do and for whom you do it and is so compelling that people want to learn specifically how you can benefit them. Put it on the back of your business card and on everything you send out to prospects and customers and use it at networking events. 5. Add your "signature" to every e-mail you send. Include your complete contact information, a hyperlink to your website, and your unique selling proposition. You'll be surprised where business and referrals come from simply because you included that information in your e-mail messages. 6. Send personalized notes. Got a hot prospect? Write them a note. Yes, hand write it. Handwritten notes and greeting cards stand out in the mail and get opened first. 7. Educate yourself. Read some books on marketing, visit some marketing websites. Learn something new everyday and then apply those lessons. Bonus tip: Get some professional help. If you need the proverbial "kick-in-the- pants" to get your marketing going, perhaps it's time to hire a marketing coach or mentor. A coach will help you figure out where you need to be and what you need to be doing to move your marketing efforts forward. Having the support of someone else, someone to bounce ideas off of, and even to be accountable to, can be the catalyst for getting things done. Take some action. Find out how good it feels to get busy. You'll be rewarded handsomely with more business.