It doesn't matter what kind of business you are running, become a local celebrity in 2009. What do I mean? Get our and meet people and do it every day. Visit local businesses and introduce yourself. Talk to people in coffee shops and on the street, especially in the area that your business is in! Promote the local businesses by buying there rather then diving to the mall to go to Walmart.

 The fact is people like buying things from people they know. If you are running ads like the type we suggest here, ads that are sales letters, then put your picture in the ad. However, not in uniform, get a business picture done and add it to the bottom of your ads. Get your face out in the public!

Try writting a column for your local newspaper. If this is not possible because you are in a large city write letters to the editor. Get your name out there! One change I made in 2008 was my school was called "The Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute", now it is called "Art Mason's Peaceful Warriors' Martial Arts Institute". Did this make a difference? BIG TIME!

One other thing, while you are doing all this.....improve your student service!!!!!!! (yeah I know, here he goes again). Nothing will kill a bad product faster than great marketing.