By Maria Marsala

Summary: If you don't enjoy writing, this article may help you see "writing" in new and simpler light. And if you enjoy writing, this article could help you leverage what you've already created.

If you don't enjoy writing, this article may help you see "writing" in new and simpler light. And if you enjoy writing, this article could help you leverage what you've already created. How do you leverage your marketing efforts? Think about it... You've created a marketing piece or paid someone a good deal of your hard earned money to do it for you. And it looks great. Usually you think that's it. However before you even create the piece, I'd challenge you to create a list of 10 other ways you'll be able to use that item - in whole or in part - at least 10 ways. I call it "The Power of 10" and you can use it every time you (or your marketing assistant) create new marketing collateral, letters, articles, class, etc.

1. Write

What's an article? It could be two short paragraphs, two sentences followed by five bullets followed by a conclusion, or it can be more than that. It does not have to be a novel. Hey, this top ten list is an article. Get it?

2. Ezine, Blog, Ecourses

If you have a web site and no way to capture the email addresses of those to visit, you have really created a very expensive brochure. And you can place your articles in your ezine (online newsletter), blog or use a few based on similar topics to create an ecourse. And each could be as simple as a tip and call to action (ad) The main thing a is that you send it out at least once a month.

3. Article Banks

You deposit your article to article banks. Then others withdraw your article to use in their Ezine or web site along with your authors box and link back to your web site. If you use articles as a way to market your business, first place the article on your web site and then submit then to the article banks.

If your business is writing, you can also use article banks, but be careful. Many magazines won't accept previously published articles -- they want first rights to the article. If your business is writing, you can also use article banks, but be careful. Many magazines won't accept previously published articles -- they want first rights to the article.

4. Printed Media

Once or twice a year (or more often of course) put your best articles and information about your business in a newsletter. Distribute this newsletter by postal mail or by hand, in person. Consider using your newsletters as your brochure.

5. Newspapers

Research local newspapers to see which ones your ideal client would read. Get a feel for the type and format of the articles in that publication. Next, send your article directly to the editor of the section in which you'd like your article to appear, with a handwritten note. Call the newspaper to find the name of the editor if you're not sure. You'll be amazed to see your article in print!

6. Print them #1

Put an article you've written on your business stationary, along with a summary and your picture. Mail the article to your clients, prospective clients, networking buddies, or your friends. Again, include a short handwritten note with the article. "Thought you'd be interested" is a simple and terrific note to include.

7. Print them #2

Always carry your articles with you. If you have a car, purchase a plastic container that holds folders to keep them neat and crisp. I also keep business cards and other promotional materials in the container. When I attend networking meetings, I hand out an article or assessment with my business card. Gives people something timely to read.

8. Turn it around

Consider this: some printed media or Internet marketers who use articles from others don't like "Top Ten," or even "Top Five" lists. However, if you remove the numbers, they'll print your article. So use "top" sparingly - such as at www.topten.org or when you're asked specifically for "top" lists. Otherwise, turn your "top" list into a bulleted list that doesn't contain numbers.

9. Get known...

Peruse your local bookstore's magazine section for ideas of where to submit your articles after carefully reading the guidelines. Consider purchasing a Writers Market Book or the online version of their writer's directory.

10. Tweet it...

Tweet it, Facebook it, Linkedin it... Every social networking site has some sort of way you can promote your article and get folk to your website to learn more about you and your company.

©2009 Maria Marsala, Profitability Specialist at Elevating Your Business. We provide insightful input to high-achieving women business owners looking for powerful results. Specializing in boosting the productivity, profitability and performance of their company simpler, easier, and faster! Will you be next? Visit www.ElevatingYourBusiness.com today and take our free Business Checkup.

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