Issue link: https://docs.hic.us/i/403552
• offer summer employment to local high school, middle school and college students • become active in the local chapters of the Big Bothers or Big Sisters • organizations. • volunteer in a local literacy program. Other inexpensive ways of promoting your business that doesn't encompass community involvement are: • employee tee shirts, hats, aprons or jackets with the name of your business and logo. • ball point pens with the name, telephone number and logo of your business. • balloons with the name, telephone number and logo of your business • free samples • a door prize for the 100th or 1,000th customer to enter your business. While it is impossible for you to participate in every event or program in the community, you should at least get involved in one or two activities, even if it's only on a part-time basis. People tend to be more supportive of businesses, organizations or individuals who give something to the community. And, this is the image you especially want to project in your promotional activities. No plan that anyone provides will show you how to promote or advertise your business. These are techniques that you, yourself, will have to develop. Talk it over with your family and community leaders, then decide which activities you can afford to sponsor and have the time to commit to before becoming involved. Involvement in the community doesn't necessarily have a price tag attached. Find a project that you can afford, that you have time for and is of interest to you. www.hsi.us care@hsi.us 60