One of the smartest business strategies in today's increasingly competitive market is to embrace a green ideology, one that supports an eco friendly identity. You can connect more completely with your potential customers if you present yourself as economically responsible, and you can use this image for any promotion or event that you decide to hold or sponsor. Your popularity has the potential to increase as you utilize these five green strategies around your office or business and for any of your promotions.

The Green Team. Assign a few of your staff members to form a committee whose sole purpose is to focus on environmental concerns specifically related to your business. If you know of anyone in your employ who participates in green related activities, hobbies, interests, or who has spoken to you before about how they recycle at home, then ask them to head up the committee. If no one has an eco friendly agenda, you can simply assign your future committee members to the group with plans to research to the best of their abilities. A group of people brainstorming will be able to come up with more ideas than you will alone.

Advertising strategies. Cut out paper where and whenever you can (and you can let your customers that you practice these strategies by posting a "Did you know ...?" list of facts in sight or on your business's website). This is easier than ever, as faxes and emailing PDFs means that you can cut out the copy machine. Use your website, Twitter account, or your Facebook page to promote an online newsletter to publicize future events and to communicate with interested people who might attend. Twitter and Facebook are also good for sending out paperless invitations. As an added benefit, you can track your traffic more easily.

Recycling. If you must use paper, try to use the recycled kind. When printing just for yourself or around the office, use both sides of the paper. Clearly label your recycling bins and make sure that your employees - and you! - actually use them. You can also reuse old furniture or something fun or funky like silverware drawers to come up with eco friendly display stands that will send a powerful message to your clientele about your green concerns.

Green transportation. Encourage your employees to car pool to work. You can even organize an office car pool yourself. If you hold an event or some other promotion, place it near a hotel so your attendees will be able to walk to it. You will save gas and emissions that will help prevent pollution as well as setting a strong example that will encourage others to think about alternate transportation.

Don't forget the food! Food that is dyed to look green is usually rather unappealing, so if you truly want "green" food for your promotional events, make sure to purchase organic food from local vendors, which reduces emissions and sends a strong message that you support local businesses.

Be sure to include everyone involved in your business with these promotional strategies!

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