I have found that having no money makes me more agressive and creative when it comes to self-promotion.

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 other ones don’t have – creativity, time, well-thought-out strategies. Be thought-provoking, original, humorous, personal.

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. Befried the person who serves you espresso – she could be the daughter of a publisher;
• Almost free. Barter your services with printers, other creatives, accountants and sales reps. Pool your resources. Team up with complementary services and put together a package. Co-op(erate) and save.
• Free. Blow people away. Wow them with your ideas, carry your stories around with you, modestly show pictures of your work when everyone else is showing baby pictures.
• Free. Seminars are a great way to generate leads. Speak at trade shows, conferences, bookstores. Trade for cool stuff like a trip to Ibiza.
• Free.  Turn your passion into a cause. Evangelize it. Make people feel 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 for the charity. Let them announce you at their meetings and events. Perform at a charity event. Get your name associated with positive things.
• Free. Follow up. When somebody calls, make sure you get back to them right away, even if it is to say you can’t help them. If you say you will do something, get it done. More than anything else, this kind of servce will make you stand out.
• Free. Network with other creative heroines, and be free with your overflow work. Be a good neighbor. Share leads.
• Free. Do one interview a day. It is so simple and so powerful.

I know some creative heroines who feel they are above having to publicize their work. Then they wonder why other, less talented people get the showing, land on the best-seller list, or have a hit record. It is simply not enough to be a writer anymore. You have to hawk your work.