In a reply, Gary Kopycinski wrote to Franco Rios:
 GK> What about advertising?  I was thinking about starting in the Parish 
 GK> Bulletin.  The bulletin company wanted a 1 year contract for $10 a 
 GK> week and a $60 deposit.  At first I thought the 1 year contract was 
 GK> a bit much, but, according to my sister who is in advertising, that 
 GK> is pretty standard.
 GK> 
 GK> Where do you advertise?  Word of mouth?  Newspapers?  What would you 
 GK> recommend for someone just getting started?
  
  My wife and I advertise the word processing business in different areas 
that we are trying to focus on.  
  For resumes, we use a two-line ad in the "Resume" section of the newspaper 
classifieds.  In our city newspaper, this section is just before the "Help 
Wanted" section, so job seekers are also likely to see our resume ad there.  
  Why just a two line ad?  Because it is the minimum ad and we can afford to 
pay for it out of pocket if we are having a slow month.  Our local paper 
offers 3 month and 6 month contracts, which I would prefer to a one year 
contract.  Whatever contract you negotiate, plan on using that ad for at 
least 3 months to give it a fair test.  6 months is a better test.  Look at 
Jay Levinson's book on Guerilla Marketing for tips on developing your 
marketing plan.
  For student typing, we find that posting flyers on bulletin boards at the 
area schools brings in a lot of business.  So does a classified ad in the 
campus newspaper.
  We prefer marketing to individuals rather than companies.  Most resume 
clients and students think it's cool that Tracy can work from home with three 
boys.  We don't expect the same reaction from most companies.
  However, the company accounts that we do have came from our resume and 
student marketing.  Some of the students are business people taking courses 
to stay current in their fields.  Some of the resume clients got a job and 
then called us back for word processing and transcription when they couldn't 
get it done in their new office.
  So, wherever you find your clients, always present yourself as a 
professional.  You never know what presenting a professional image will bring 
you.
  Be seeing ya!
  - Franco Rios
    franco.rios@EVillage.gigo.com
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