Wear a sandwich sign to a location/event where people do not normally expect to see someone wearing a sandwich sign.

Have two signs made with your message. The signs seem to be more effective if they ask a question, i.e. "Have you tried it yet?" "Want to be debt free?" Be sure your telephone number, address or web address are big enough to be seen.  

Strap the two signs together over your body. Wear the sign to a trade show,  county fair, networking event, conference, etc. Take flyers,brochures, business cards, etc. to distribute.

Yesterday, I received something in the mail that really grabbed my attention - an EAR. At first I wondered if it was some "not too subtle" message from "The Godfather" but it turned out to be a very clever mailing piece from one of my clients.

The envelope included a large plastic ear, the type you find in party supply stores and a letter. The accompanying letter read like this:

"Yes, it's an EAR. You see, I just wanted to use this attention getting way of letting special customers like you know, the chef and I really HAVE been listening to your menu suggestions. So, last week we sat down and invented a whole new menu, a menu we are really excited about and I have included a copy for you to look over."

The letter went on to explain, with passion, why each new dish had been added then finished with:

"But, please don't despair, all your old favorites are still available as well. "

Then the letter added the all essential call to action:

"To celebrate the release of our new menu and sincerely thank you for being a highly valued customer and for your friendship over the years, I have included a gift certificate which will allow you to test drive our new menu - at our risk."

Now that is very, very, clever! Just think, in one very quick, very memorable, attention grabbing letter, he has told me: He has something NEW to tell me. He values my opinion. He values my business and regards me as a loyal friend, and of course he would welcome my opinion of his new menu - at his risk.

WOW! What do you think the chances are that I will tell a few people about this? Oh yes, and I almost forgot:

The ear can be used as a key ring, so it will be around forever, reminding me of his cleverness and his business. This concept can be used for any business that wants to let its customers know that it cares about them and listens to their opinions.

Here's a clever idea I read about recently:

Purchase a whole bundle of very cheap wallets direct from an importer, the Internet, Dollar store, etc. Put in coupons for whatever you wish to promote along with a letter explaining that to reward their honesty you are offering them - your offer,

 "Lose" these wallets around your community in high traffic locations. It's a fun way to get your message across and get potential customers/clients involved in your promotion.

It's obviously not going to work (economically) for low ticket items, but would make a great letter box drop for real estate agents and car dealers looking for something a little different to break through all the monotonous clutter.