Growing your business

I haven’t had to work hard to grow my business, primarily because I’ve been with Heaven’s Best for over twenty years. Some of the things I did in the past to grow the business are outdated. I find that that there are three main mindsets. 1) STARING OUT: I have to grow big and fast. I need work now! 2) GROWING OR WORKING TO MAINTAIN BUSINESS BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMY: I would like to increase my business by 10-20% (or to make up for the down turn), increasing my work slightly. 3) CONTENT: Ya,I’m doing okay where I am. Ya, a few customer die or transfer out of my area, but I make up for it in referrals and word of mouth.

What are you doing or have done in the first or second phase of your business?
I spoke with an operator last week that he in the beginning 1) went to the “boys & girl clubs” doing free work for word or mouth advertising and churches also doing exchange work to be in their weekly bulletin or monthly newsletters. Making visits to property managers and doing presentations. Went to the local newspaper to get a “new business” write up. 2) Went after government contract jobs.
I feel this would be beneficial to all. What’s your story? What have you done or hear of doing?