When you’re a business owner, your mind just shifts, and it’s like you’re never off the clock. You’re always getting ideas on how to improve your business, what you can do to make your business run better, and so on.
But with all of that said, however, you also have to keep in mind that when it comes to your business, sometimes, you have to think of strategies on the go. After all, your business is your livelihood, so you really need to try to do what you can on nearly a daily basis to make sure it gets bigger and more successful.
So, with all of that said, sometimes marketing needs to come in different forms, as traditional print marketing and digital marketing might not always be enough. When you’re out and about things such as running errands, grocery shopping, catching up with friends, or even attending networking events, it can still be helpful to market business because you never truly know who your next customer might be.
But at the same time, you don’t want to be pushed because no one likes pushiness! So, there’s a balance to it; there needs to be an art. But where? But how? Well, here’s how you can subtly market your business while you’re out of the office, away from your phone, and just living life!
Mention It Organically in Conversations
One of the best ways to market your business is to talk about it naturally in everyday conversations. Whether you’re at a networking event, catching up with friends, or chatting with family, there are countless opportunities to weave your business into the dialogue. For example, if someone asks how your day was, you can mention an interesting project you’re working on or a recent success. This not only highlights your business but also shows your enthusiasm and passion for what you do.
When you’re at a networking event, it’s perfectly normal to talk about your professional life. Share your business journey, the challenges you’ve overcome, and your future goals. The key is to keep it conversational and not turn it into a sales pitch. By sharing your story, you make it easy for others to ask questions and express interest, leading to potential business opportunities without the awkwardness of a hard sell.
Consider Adding Stickers to Your Car
Turning your car into a mobile billboard is a smart and subtle way to market your business. So, you do not want a whole bunch of stickers on your car, that’s the last thing you want to do. Instead, a simple sticker or magnet with your logo, business name, and website can catch the eye of pedestrians and drivers alike. It’s an unobtrusive method that keeps your brand visible wherever you go.
Plus, you can extend this strategy by giving stickers to friends and family to put on their cars, broadening your reach. Just make sure you don’t make it super obvious that it’s your business because this could cause negative reviews on Google (such as people who are mad you cut them off while driving). So, just add the sticker, but again, don’t make it obvious it’s your business just for safety.
Anyways, just think about the places you often drive—your commute, the school run, weekend outings. Your car becomes a moving advertisement in all these locations, reaching different audiences without any extra effort. It’s a low-cost, high-impact marketing tool that works around the clock.
Leave Business Cards at Local Businesses
So, if you’re out shopping or dining out, it could help to always have a stack of cheap business cards with you because there might always be the chance that you can have your business cards displayed at the checkout counter.
For the most part, local businesses often support each other, and one way to tap into this community spirit is by leaving your business cards at local shops, cafes, and other establishments. Obviously, you’re going to have to ask, but many places have a designated spot for business cards, providing a perfect opportunity for you to reach new potential customers.
Next time you visit a local business, politely ask if you can leave a few cards. You might be surprised at how willing other business owners are to help out. This reciprocal relationship not only helps you gain visibility but also fosters a supportive local business community.
Consider Branded Clothing
Wearing clothing with your business logo is another subtle but effective way to market your brand. A shirt, hat, or hoodie with your logo can spark curiosity and prompt questions from people you encounter throughout the day. It’s a casual, non-intrusive way to showcase your business. You could be in line at the grocery store, and who knows, maybe someone will Google the logo!