Page 230 - 101 Ways to Market Your Business

ANOTHER 20 MARKETING IDEAS

108 Do a desktop publishing course

Most small businesses have computers these days. In fact,
it is hard to imagine any business getting by without one.
With the computer revolution has come the software
revolution. Programs are readily available that give any-
one the resources to produce reasonably good flyers and
promotional material. These programs are not necessarily
expensive and they are getting easier to use. The problem
is knowing what to do with them.

One of the best investments any small business operator
can make is to sign up for a desktop publishing course.
On these courses you will learn how to lay out a range of
documents and promotional material that will really help
you in marketing your business. These courses are offered
all of the time in various institutes and private tuition is
available in the classified section of most newspapers.

A desktop publishing course will not make you a
graphic designer. These people are generally very skilled
individuals who specialise in high quality artwork and
promotional material. It will give you the ability to produce
a range of flyers and simple brochures to promote your
business. There are also excellent books available to teach
you the basics of desktop design and layout.

I had never touched a computer until about seven years
ago. Now all our promotional material is produced in-
house. This not only saves money but it also gives us the
freedom to design promotional items on the spur of the
moment. With the advent of laptop computers you can
make up a new brochure next time you visit the beach.

Desktop design is becoming an important skill for all
small business operators. You can save a lot of money and
improve your overall corporate image simply by learning a
few basic skills.

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