Recently I’ve been helping a few people brand new into business with no advertising or marketing budget whatsoever.

One of my main methods that I tell everyone to do is to develop some strategic alliances. “what is that?” is the general response that I am receiving!!

A strategic alliance is where you develop a win-win situation with another business who targets your same market. For example, a beautician targets stressed corporate women, and so does the hairdresser up the road. Both provide ‘anti stress’ and relaxation devices in their salons. They both decide to work together and offer a package deal for both of their services.

Clients visiting the hairdresser only will be given a complimentary face scrub from the beautician and clients visiting the beautician will receive a complimentary wash and shampoo from the hairdresser. Both of these services do not cost a much to either business, yet they receive a powerful 3rd party recommendation, plus access to the other businesses database.

Think about how it could work with your business? Do you have a database? Do you currently market to it? Then start searching for someone else who targets the same people you do. Ask them to work together with you. This could be in the form of newsletter swapping, referrals, competition prizes etc.

This marketing idea is truly a ‘outside the square’ one, so take some time, and your thinking cap and start building your business relationships!!