Free Speech- Give a "free" speech about a topic involving your industry. Do not talk in terms of your product directly though; engage the audience with information that is beneficial to them and teases them with your product. If you're a Heating and Air Conditioning company for example, give a free speech on how to save money on energy costs throughout the year. This way you'll be perceived as an industry leader, not just another salesperson. You want people to think of you as a valuable resource. There are organizations that love to have guest speakers. When was the last time you had an audience listen to what you have to say concern an issue that your product addresses? When one of those audience members has a Heating or Air Conditioning issue, who do you think they'll call? Through your creative use of speech, you'll build rapport, credibility, and trust. People want to do business with people they like and trust! Do not you?
Creative Writing- Another valuable sales and marketing tool! Use the same concepts as in "Free Speech" above, but put them in writing. Write your way into their lives with valuable information they can use. Tease them with your products in a round about way. Promotional materials are more effective when people are interested in the content. People do not want to hear about your product or its features; they typically throw that type of literature in the trash can. Give them valuable information and they will keep reading and more importantly, pass it on. Newspapers have been doing this for centuries! Develop rapport through your writing style. If they like what they have read, who do you think they'll go to when considering the products in your industry? Get your articles published in newspapers, newsletters, and industry trade magazines to name just a few.
Give them Value- I have a friend who is an attorney and used this technique the other day. He gave a powerful and compelling presentation in the form of a testimonial from one of his clients who had been severely injured in a car accident. He spoke of how he was able to assist his client with legal representation that enabled her to receive a healthy lawsuit settlement. I immediately noticed the effectiveness of his ability to gain the full attention of the audience. At the end of his presentation he handed out accident cards for your glove-compartment, with important instructions to follow in the event of an automobile accident. It had contact information at the bottom as well as emergency contact information. Everyone went out of their way way at the end of the meeting to thank him. Now that's value! Follow this approach and you'll be amazed at the results.