A day wasted on others is not wasted on one's self. - Charles Dickens

Over the weekend, I was Stumbling around and came across a story from smallfuel.com discussing three different experiences with giveaways as a tool to build business. The author found that a free fifteen minute presentation to a networking group resulted in the greatest return of all of his giveaways.

I have learned a great deal starting my own business. I liked the article because it mirrored some of my own experiences. We have attended open houses and trade shows in hopes of landing clients. We have spent valuable assets on flyers, cards, and brochures. But, it is time and knowledge spent and shared with others interested in what you have to say that always results in quality business relationships. There are catch phrases for this kind of marketing, but what it comes down to is people interested in doing business with you want to know you.

Networking guru, Ivan Misner (founder of BNI), describes how publishing articles helps brand you as an expert and leads to building better business relationships. The same is true of presentations to dedicated audiences on your specialty. These are not knew concepts, but writing, networking, and speaking in public are hard. Misner predicts less than 2% ever follow up on his advice that writing consistently is an excellent way to build networks and business.

I am interested in comments on this. How do you use your time and knowledge as marketing tools? How do you avoid being taken advantage of by those who take what you have taught to a competitor or try to do it themselves without hiring you?