Once you have your business cards, you’ll need to develop a marketing plan. Until you have enough business that will support you, you’ll need to dedicate 25% of your time and resources in marketing your business.
Your marketing plan should include becoming active in organizations that can refer you business. The owner of Affordable Payroll is a member of nearly every chamber within the area. He actively participates in several leads groups, is on the board of directors of a credit union, human resource groups, and nonprofit organizations. His staff produces the payroll and this allows him to spend more time than average towards his marketing efforts.
I have only met about three company owners who have broken even on the phone book ads. It really depends on the type of business you choose. An accountant might do very well with an ad, but most service businesses develop their new client base through referrals. Ads can range from $125 to $1,000 a month. How many clients would you have to gain to make the ad cost effective.