Thanks Daniel - great stuff there!

Another idea to think on is how you can pool your time and resources with other non-competitive businesses. Let's say you find 7 other businesses that sell complimentary products or services. Let's say that each of you contributed $500 into a pool. For you to invest that $500 on your own you would not get much in ad space or direct mail pieces.

Collectively though, you have $3,500!

With that you can buy some significant ad space - or a much larger mailing campaign.

I would suggest you organize some kind of special event day where you all get together in one location (or it could be all on one web page and one shopping cart setup). Advertise the event day in your local papers (targeted ones!) - and send out as many direct mail pieces as you can to existing clients of all your businesses.

Each company donates something for a door prize. Of all who visit or buy on your special day, there are draws for door prizes.

With each product shipment that goes out - or order confirmation - you need to remind people of all the other options that are available to them through your "co-op". A print brochure or min catalog. Maybe an autoresponder series on everyone's behalf.

Don't forget to offer numerous bundle options where you combine everyone's product and services into a Grand Enchilada" package. Have numerous bundles put in place - they will spend the money if you give them good reason to!

Get creative with this - some serious money can be made with these ideas. And they are perfect for slow sales seasons - or just cash flow crunches. Try it - and let us know your results.

To your success. Troy