Some brilliantly frugal brand-building ideas for your business plan

I’m hearing from a lot of people who are now either actively taking steps to start a business, or currently building their existing business to new heights, and I have one bit of advice — go for it!

Speaking from experience, one of the biggest challenges new businesses face is to effectively build and expand your brand name and getting the word out about all that you offer. Many are under the impression that effective marketing and branding are synonymous with “expensive” — not the case! Read on for highly-effective strategies that worked well for me, and with any luck, will get the word out about all you offer at zero cost to you.

First step: Blogging Take all of your knowledge in your area of expertise and start channeling it into a blog. The magic of blogging — and its proven reputation for helping the world beat a path to your door — is legendary. Don’t believe me? Rent “Julie & Julia” from the library and get back to me. Blogging software is free, easy to use and eagerly awaits you on the internet, allowing you to effortlessly put your first entry into the blogosphere within minutes. A paragraph of two will do, but you can make it as long as you wish. I try to update my blog every month or so, but I’ve connected with other bloggers who update their sites on a daily basis — there really are no rules. Hit a website such as WordPress.com and get started. Within a few months, you’ll find a marvelous worldwide following that would have been impossible had you kept all of your fabulous thoughts to yourself. Next step: Workshops Think about the subject matter that you’re most passionate about. What is the topic you constantly find yourself bringing up amongst family, friends, co-workers and strangers on the street? Is it books and movies you love? Cooking? Card tricks? Saving money? Think about offering a 90-minute workshop on your favorite subject — chances are excellent that there are a dozen nearby locations (high schools, community centers) that have “Continuing Education” classes, and they would love to have you join them as a paid Instructor! This works for you on a number of levels — you enjoy fantastic opportunities to do some paid networking and share your ideas, and it builds your brand name beautifully.

Next Step: Put out the

Word Let your local news stations, radio stations, newspapers and magazines know about all that you do. Don’t forget to mention your outstanding blog and workshop schedule. Chances are excellent that your expertise in certain subject matter will interest them for a news piece. Go get ‘em!

Kristen Hagopian is a Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host & Columnist. She co-hosts WCHE 1520’s Morning Show, as well as “The Kristen Hagopian Show” Thursdays at 5 p.m., and “Dad and Daughter Talk Real Estate” with local Keller Williams Realtor John Herreid Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (www.johnherreid. com). She was raised in Delaware County, and now resides in Chester County with her husband and kids. You can find her online at www. BrilliantFrugalLiving.com