I have found that having no money makes me more agressive and creative when it comes to self promotion. In fact, some of my best and most succesful self promotion stories were done on a very limited budget.

Never let a lack of funds be an excuse to stop you from doing creative self promotion. In this brains – versus – bucks approach, brains win, as long as you have a clear understanding of yourself and what kind of work you do. Money is not the answer. Use what the others don’t have, creativity, time, well thought out strategies. Be thought provoking, original, humorous, personal.

Be a ‘rogue warrior’ when it comes to promotion. Be resourceful, living off the land. Be fast on your feet, ready to take advantage of sudden opportunities. Do the grunt work yourself to save money.

What can you do right now to promote your talents? Think before you spend. Is there a better way? A cheaper way? Here are some free, almost free and affordable ideas to help you get the word out (some even pay you back!).

• FREE.  Tell everyone what you do. Befriend the person who serves you a espresso – she could be the daughter of a studio executive.
• ALMOST FREE.  Barter your services with other creative professionals. Team up with complimentary services and put together a package. Co-op(erate) and save.
• FREE.  Blow people away. Wow them with your ideas, carry your prototypes around with you, modestly show pictures of your work.
• FREE.  Who said there is no free lunch? Rotary and other service clubs will feed you in return for a short talk on your area of expertise. Seminars are a great way to generate leads. Speak at trade shows, conferences, bookstores. Trade for cool stuff like a trip to Maui for a writers conference.
• FREE.  Turn your passion into a cause. Evangelize it. Make people feel a part of your team. They will spread the word.
• FREE.  Get celebrity endorsements. Just ask. If they say no, ask somebody else.
• FREE.  Do pro bono work, and make sure your name is on promotional pieces and press releases. Let them announce you at their meetings and events. Perform at an event. Offer free seminars or consultations. Get your name associated with positive things. The caveat here is to use this as an introduction to your services. Don’t spend all your time working for free, or you will starve to death.
• FREE.  Tell two friends. Word of mouth is the ultimate way to expand your business and grow your career. Spread the word and get others to spread the word. If you do a great job for a client, there is nothing wrong with asking for a referral. Give clients materials to help them promote you.
• FREE. Referrals are a two way street. Network with other creatives, and be free with your overflow work. Be a good neighbor. Share leads.
• FREE.  Offer demonstrations.
• FREE.  Offer free online consulting.
• ALMOST FREE.  Get celibrities to use your stuff.
• FREE.  Hang your work in a great place to work for creatives
• AFFORDABLE. Let people see your work.  Have it up in your home. Have an open house at your studio. Throw a party.