Marketing is the axle grease which keeps business moving. More companies of all sizes have begun employing non-traditional marketing in order to get a leg up on their competition. What can your business do to employ some non-traditional marketing strategies? Consider the following non-traditional marketing ideas for your business. Overall business advice: think out of the box. Do you remember any marketing that was unusual? Try it.

1  Sponsor Sporting Events: Not the big guys; try local adult and younger aged sports events and teams; parents are especially appreciative of businesses who sponsor their kid’s sports team. Make sure your logo and message are prominent.

2  Sponsor the Local Theatre Group: Same with a local high school or college theatre department. Maybe you can even donate your product for use in their plays.

3  Sponsor a Band: Marching bands will do all kinds of things for sponsors. See if you couldn’t work your product into their outfits or show. Or find a struggling rock band and offer help for showing your logo.

4  Car Wash: Another great way to make a name for yourself; offer a free car wash and let your awesome team clean the cars for tips.

5  Help with a Food Drive: If there is one thing everyone appreciates and talks about it’s a socially aware company doing good work.

6  Clean a Park or Other Area: Another way you can get your name out, spread the word about your business, and involve locals is by organizing a park cleanup in the spring and fall.

7  Ball Caps: Do you have caps with your logo on them? Why not? Spread the word and hand out caps for folks to do the marketing for you.

8  ”Forgotten Pens“: Of course everyone always needs a pen. Carry your own company name and logo pens around with you and leave them behind at the counter of the market, the bank, the gas station, and any other retail locations.

9  Bookmarks: Another great way to keep up with the kids is to have some bookmarks made and distribute them to area schools. Make sure there is one side with a fun image and your logo.

10  Pizza Party: Throw a pizza party for the cub  or girl scouts. Parents will love you. Sponsored by your business.

11  Donate Balloons to a High School Dance: Make sure your logo is either on the balloons or at least posted prominently.

12  Make a Fun Video: Involve local film students and run a contest judged by local parents and put the results on your company YouTube channel.

13  Radio Event: Run a contest to benefit a charity and partner with the local radio station and spread your businesses name via the airwaves.

14  T-Shirts: Same as the caps. Hand them out at local beaches, parks, or concerts.

15  Local Deli or Restaurant: distribute coupons to local places where your customers might go.

16  Sponser a Dance Party: Team up with a restaurant and throw a 60′s dance party with prizes for the best outfits.

17  Send Post Cards advertising any of the above events and use 20-1 cent stamps to draw attention.

OK, that’s just a few. I bet you can think of a whole lot more. Just think of fun inexpensive, creative ways to get your companies name out there.