By Bob Cooper

During these tough economic times, you need to watch every dollar. One way of controlling your advertising costs is by implementing what we here at Elite refer to as “Grass Roots” marketing campaigns. These are any campaigns where you reach potential customers while they are outside of their homes and workplaces. Little league games, charity drives, local fairs, etc., are all good examples.

So do this … Each Monday put 10 business cards in your pocket, and make sure you pass them all out, off premise, by the end of the week. When you meet people at your local hardware or grocery store, take a moment to introduce yourself, and give them your card. People do business with people, not with businesses, so when you meet someone outside of your workplace, not only are they unthreatened, but most people are always on the hunt for a good, ethical auto repair facility.

When I still owned auto repair shops, I used this cost-free auto repair marketing technique to develop some of the most successful shops in America. You have my promise: Passing out just ten cards a week will cost you nothing, and the customers you bring in will be pre-sold … on you.

For additional strategies for increasing your car counts from Elite President Bob Cooper, learn more about Elite’s automotive repair marketing solutions.