In the last blog, I discussed the advantages of inputting your invoices and proposals on a computer. The same goes for business cards and advertising pamphlets. Professional looking brochures and business cards can now be easily and inexpensively designed and printed in your own home; all it takes is a little time and some creativity.

For my business cards, I took a picture of a job I had done recently that had some attractive design elements. I had a local grocery store put them on a disk (this was before digital cameras were cheap and easy) and simply uploaded my favorite picture to a publishing program with a business card template. The program actually came free with my computer!

I printed the cards on photo paper, cut them out with a paper cutter, and they look great. Brochures can be done the same way. Local lumberyards, hardware stores and other retailers will often let you leave a small stack of cards or brochures on the counter next to the register, making it easy for potential customers to discover your business. Remember: Always ask permission first!

This method works. In fact, I have actually had a lumberyard in a nearby town call me and ask for more cards because they had run out and people were asking for them.

Advertising your small business doesn't have to cost a month's income. Get creative with your PC and generate more business by professionalizing your business. Go hi-tech!