Networking and Marketing inexpensively?

[Jess T]

Hi - does anyone have any tips on how to market oneself inexpensively?

I find that many times - experienced hosts charge $20+ to create an event where you meet people you can work and trade ideas with. The problem is that $20+ multiplied by 1-2 times a week for maybe 3-4 new contacts a month doesn't seem very effective.

Are there any ways that you know how to go out there and make new connections that doesn't always involve bagels and coffee or appetizers and wine? Maybe things that aren't events - maybe activities or something?

I ask because I would like to get to know my political/activist community better, as well as find people to market my skills to - for the ultimate goal of finding people that can put me in contact to those that would like to hire consultants.

Thanks in advance!

[thetazeta610]

you need to leverage social media, its free it has a tremendous reach and ITS FREE!!!! sites like twitter, facebook, linkedin, myspace (ok maybe not myspace but you get the gist) are great for this!

[weebler76]

Join groups or clubs that interest you. I live in a small town and have just about every kind of club you'd want. We have walking clubs, cycling clubs, breakfast clubs, coffee clubs, etc.

Set up a networking luncheon. Find a restaraunt with a meeting room that doesn't charge for the room. Many will offer you a discounted price or offer a limited menu with lower prices. Go out and invite other business owners, politicians and let them know they can invite others too. The restaraunt may even let you post some info there.

It's easy to find the political community. Ask around. Search the web for activist groups that you agree with. Many of them will have info about or links to local groups.