Advance Notes: Promotion and advertising can be expensive for stock photographers. But there are many low-cost and free ways of promoting yourself and your business. Here are some from marketing expert, Pete Silver.

No, I'm not speaking photo image-wise, but promotion-wise. To promote your photo research business, are you taking advantage of these low-cost promotional tools?

BUSINESS CARDS. Do you include your card with every mailing? Do you give two of them to your prospects and request that they pass them on? Is it a creative card? Does it stand out from the ho-hum cards which are rarely remembered (or rarely tacked up on a client’s desk bulletin board)?

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS. Your prospective clients will see you in a leadership role as you present a luncheon talk, seminar, or trade show presentation. Increase your impact by enhancing your delivery with good visuals. Join local and national organizations that can help you improve your speaking performance and keep you informed about the opportunities open to you through public speaking.

NETWORK. Develop a vital list of inner-circle contacts in the industry. Keep your list up-to-date, and keep these important persons up-to-date regularly with news about your contacts and services.

PUBLICITY. Not paid-advertising, but publicity. Which is free. Maintain a local, regional, and national list of columnists, clubs, schools, organizations, workshops and seminars, magazine editors, newspaper and newsletter editors, and freelance writers, who could all add to your contacts and present prospective clients. According to the latest BACON'S PUBLICITY CHECKER there are 6,108 trade magazines published in the United States and Canada. Make a media person's job easier by preparing a well-edited news release of interest to his/her audience, involving your services and projects appropriately targeted to their interest areas.

AUTHORSHIP. Pulitzer prize-winning essays aren't required by your trade publications --just a down-to-earth 750 to 1500 words that will bring new insight to readers. You no doubt have a slant, tip, or an opinion on some subject of vital interest to others in your field. Share it with them. If you discover you have writing talent, publish a small newsletter and multiply your exposure. For more info: http://www.ezinearticles.com .

JOIN. Crank up the synergy at local, regional, and national organizations in your field such as ASPP (American Society of Picture Professionals, 117 South Saint Asaph St., Alexandria, VA 22314; 1- 215-383-6300). The exchange of ideas, tips, first-hand accounts, and new trends more than pays for membership costs.

Pete Silver, marketing specialist and professional speaker, is a former photojournalist whose work has appeared in NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, TIME, NEWSWEEK, THE NEW YORK TIMES, etc. He co-authored the book, "Secrets of Sales Champions.” He can be reached at 561-674-2244.