Many of us are nervous about asking for business but the truth is that if we don’t ask then it will go to someone else. It’s often the reputation that pushy sales people have that puts the whole process in a bad light. These tips from SmallBusiness.co.uk should help to point you in the right direction.

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The DSA promotes direct selling and advocates good practice. Visit www.dsa.org.uk for more information, call 020-7497 1234 or email: info@dsa.org.uk

With Marketing Plan Pro. Fast, easy, and complete this easy-to-use tool will enable even the most inexperienced marketer to create and implement practical marketing plans to find customers, raise awareness of your business, and increase sales.Click here to find out more

Relationship marketing is a good way of building long-term relationships with your customers. Click here to find out how to implement it.

Guide from the Royal Mail and Chartered Institute of Marketing, providing practical advice on improving marketing reach with limited resources. Go to www.royalmail.co.uk for details.

Factsheet giving tips on a range of marketing techniques and strategies available to small and medium-sized businesses when times are tough.

Click here to access it.

The Royal Mail's DM Online service can help you set up a cost-effective direct mail campaign. For more information click here.

- Postal Services for Businesses
- Direct Market Services Guide.

Available from Royal Mail Sales Centre, tel: 08457-950950.