If you need to drum up business fast you have to take marketing and sales action now. However, while your choice of methodology will depend on elements like target markets and budget, there is just one effective strategy that gets results fast.

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Whether you are advertising, cold calling or networking (in their many guises), the single fastest way to put your results in to hpyer-drive is to come up with a compelling offer, because only a strong offer will motivate people to make a decision quickly.

Here are five tips to help you create a compelling offer:

* 50%+ discounts or get-one-free offers -- GrabOne is doing this very effectively at the moment;

* “For a limited time only” offer -- this message engages the scarcity principle. As human beings we hate the thought of losing out. So time limits are very motivational;

* Money back guarantees mitigate risk and may persuade people to try something they would normally be wary of attempting;

* Prize draws and gifts may also encourage action;

* Make free samples available;

* Offer a free trial.

The key element, however, is to make a strong offer -- for example a 50% discount -- and then put a time limit on it.

These are just some ideas, and I will welcome your feedback on any other ideas or techniques you have.

And finally, make sure you offer is genuinely good because nothing flops like a phony.