BUILDING YOUR BUSINESS IN A TIGHT ECONOMY - Seminar Offers Competitive Strategies for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

How to Generate Free Publicity to Get Your Business Noticed,which will be held on June 11, 2003 in Manhattan, is a hands-on seminar designed for local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Attendees will learn how the right marketing and public relations mix can boost their profits, build their reputation and attract more customers --- without spending a fortune.

New York (PRWEB) May 19, 2003 -- Many small to mid-size business owners in the New York metropolitan area feel like they've had to struggle to hold on to existing customers while attracting new ones. And theyre right. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the New York business market continues to shrink with 18,000 businesses being dislocated or disrupted by the events of September 11.

However, in a market hit harder than most, there are still smart and cost-efficient ways business owners can promote and grow their business to ensure they stay top of mind among consumers.

How to Generate Free Publicity to Get Your Business Noticed is a hands-on seminar designed for local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Attendees will learn how the right marketing and public relations mix can boost their profits, build their reputation and attract more customers -- without spending a fortune.

The seminar, by Tracey Picon Communications, will be held on June 11, 2003 from 8:00 a.m. -- 10:30 a.m. at the Roosevelt Hotel, Madison Avenue at 45th Street in Manhattan. The conference fee of $45 includes registration, participant materials, networking forum and complimentary continental breakfast. For more information or to register for the event, call (718) 740-8572 or visit www.traceypicon.com.

According to Tracey Picon Communications (TPC), a firm specializing in public relations and marketing for small-to-mid size businesses, smart business owners should consider applying these strategies for growth:

Keep your company visible. Reach out to customers with a new "business update." Something as simple as a letter or a new section on your web site sends the message that your company is ripe with fresh ideas and products and services to serve your customers needs. Especially target those customers up for contract renewals or those who have cut back on your services. Remind them how good you are and how much their business success means to you. Clients need to feel confident that, as their business supplier, you have weathered the economic storm. And don't forget to tackle your old prospect list. This may be just the right time to approach them again with some of your most popular products or services and discounted items.

Network. Network. Network. The worst thing you can do during a tight economy is dive for cover. During turbulent times, it's important to network through vendors, business support groups and other small business owners who can direct valuable leads your way or even swap survival strategies. Anyone who thinks they can go it alone in the present environment is not only fooling themselves but also doing a great disservice to their customers; they need you to be on top of your game.

Plan a spring or summer event. Invite your old friends (existing customers) and new friends (potential customers) and maybe even the media. With spring finally here, we can all use a good excuse to reconnect. Take advantage of the new season and budgets may actually spring open a bit. Regardless of why you choose to host your function -- whether its to announce a new product or to say thank you to customers -- if done right, an event can yield benefits and awareness that last the year long.

TPC brings more than 20 years of public relations expertise to its clients, from emerging small businesses to leading companies, such as American Express, America Online, Avon Products, CBS and Pitney Bowes.

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