If you create a surprising offer, people will pay attention. If you offer something of real value for free, people will listen (and oftentimes share with others). In fact, "free" can convert price shoppers into loyal clients. This is the model that online print company Vistaprint used to generate over $500 million in revenue in 2009. The "free" offer the company makes has a certain appeal to their target market: small businesses. While these companies need printing, they're often very cost-conscious customers. So Vistaprint offers 250 business cards for free, with a nominal $5.67 shipping and…

Too many businesses get caught up in trying to find the "perfect" clients. The reality is you can't find the perfect clients; you have to create them. You must give your clients reasons to keep coming back for more. You must connect with them so strongly that they cannot help themselves from telling their friends, family and colleagues all about you. Because in today's slow economy, there is no better advertisement for your business than a happy customer who can't help but sing your praises.The following five core marketing principles will get you started on the road to creating perfect …