Small Businesses usually do not have marketing budgets. It is therefore essential to optimise opportunities to promote your business with the minimum expense. Networking forums allow you to meet people and build relationships which leads to referrals. Not all networks are worthwhile though, so attend a few meetings and see which ones work and which ones not.

I have built my little business on networking. I was lucky to have been approached by previous corporate clients, but all the new guys came from word of mouth referrals and presentations done to networking groups.

I have spent R300 on business cards and have created a free Yola website. I do spend money on entertainment such as dinner or shows to strengthen relationships and also reward successful referrals. My business is unique though, as I can only accommodate 4-5 clients at a time on a consultation basis. So it may not suit everyone to do it this way. I have been going for 3 years now and am not looking back.

Try networking. You'll be amazed how much you can learn from other people.