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How to Market a Home-Based Business. Market your home based business as if you were a
Fortune 500 enterprise. Learn to cover all the bases and focus your efforts to gain the
greatest return. You will need Product or service Research Analysis Network Business
cards (optional) Brochures (optional) and letterhead (optional). Step 1. Define the
market for the product or service of your home-based business. Research and experiment
to determine your customer base and appeal and adjust your approach accordingly. Step
2. Analyze the competition to better promote what you have. Successful entrepreneurs always
find a niche -- a part of the market that no one else serves as well as they do. Step
3. Start casual conversations and network wherever you go to make people aware. You
never know when a business contact or opportunity will present itself. Step 4. Build your network
through chamber of commerce and PTA meetings, civic associations, trade shows, professional
conferences, and online social network sites. Design attractive and professional business
cards, brochures, and letterhead to distinguish your business as you promote it. Step 5. Ask
for business with cold calls or by offering bargain rates. Don't let pride get in the
way -- if you don't speak up for yourself, no one else will. Step 6. Establish a fair
price for your product or service to make a profit and remain competitive. If you undervalue
your product or service you could lose customers, and raising the price later will be near impossible.
Step 7. Read publications and learn from people in the field to expand your knowledge and
get ideas. Attend meetings and conferences to stay abreast of challenges and to get your
business name out there. Step 8. Follow up with potential customers. This is about developing
long-term relationships and a foundation of trust so that your name and company reputation
are circulated favorably. Did you know As of 2010, small businesses employed about half
of the private sector work force in the United States.