I know Greg and Pyro Marketing and yes, it is a great book on the subject. Small world, Greg is now a marketing director at Thomas Nelson – the publisher of my upcoming book.

Thanks

Don’t get me wrong, I’d take all the advice as above, and this might not apply to the average small business, but I’ve been reading a few blogs about a TV series coming out in the fall that’s called Dragon’s Den (it was successful in England and Australia, and now it’s coming to Canada); they were (and might still be) auditioning entrepreneurs to pitch their businesses to VCs on national television… I thought it might be relevant to post since it falls under “cheap marketing”, has “huge exposure”, and yes, it’s still a win-win for viewers, CBC and exposure for those with businesses and ideas. (If I had something ready to pitch, I think I’d at least give it a try.)

I’m pretty sure they’re still taking applications online: http://www.insidethedragonsden.com

Anyhow, it’s not quite the “original social network”, but I thought I’d mention it since it might just be the quickest way to a million new best friends… and customers, suppliers, potential partners, financing… (I’m sure we’ll hear more than a few success stories after the series starts airing in October). I’d say this must be near the top of the list as one of the cheapest and fastest ways to network (I wonder if there would be anything negative from doing it though?, I couldn’t think of any.)

Much like the Pop Idol and other reality based programmes, the judges appear tuned into the fact that viewers enjoy the cringeable moments as much (if not more!) than the cuddly, praising ones.