If you're looking for an effective marketing promotion on a tight budget, look no further than coupons. Coupons are hot. With the recent slowing economy, more and more consumers are shopping wise with coupon clipping or online coupon promotions. According to HitWise, the weekly share of U.S. visits to a custom category of coupon websites have increased 56 percent for the week ending June 6, 2008, as compared to the same week last year.

When you think of coupons, you probably think of targeting the price conscious consumer. Nothing could be further from the truth in coupon marketing. Coupon-research firm CMS Inc, reports the top users are highly educated and typically make over $150,000 household income. So before you dismiss using coupon promotional marketing, remember everybody is looking for a deal now days.

The first Labor Day was celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City. But what is labor day? Today, Labor Day has meaning as the last 3-day weekend of summer end. As defined by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, "Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country." Let us not forget the economic contributions of small business and their employees.

As big corporations begin to shift marketing dollars from traditional media to high return measurable online media, the competition is fierce for the little guy. Competing for paid search on the likes of Google AdWords or search engine optimizing for good keywords is getting tougher for small business. The one bright spot on the horizon for savvy entrepreneurs lies in local search marketing.

The majority of small businesses are local businesses. Consumers are using search engines and Internet yellow pages to find local companies. According to comScore, Internet Yellow Pages searches increased 15 percent in 2007 to 3.8 billion, up from 2006's 3.3 billion searches. Local search is now bringing together local consumers with local business. What are consumers searching for?

The Yellow Pages Association released the Top 10 Internet Yellow Pages Searches:

1. Restaurants
2. Physicians & Surgeons
3. Hotels
4. Auto Repairing & Service
5. Florists - Retail
6. Auto Dealers - New & Used
7. Dentists
8. Auto Parts & Supplies - New & Used
9. Beauty Salons (tie)
10. Hospitals (tie)

"According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy." ---Jerry Seinfeld

Jerry isn't too far off of reality. The words "public speaking" strikes fear in the minds of otherwise competent and confident small business owners. There are many ways to increase business exposure so why bother to overcome your speaking jitters? Stepping up to the podium not only positions you as an expert in your area of business but provides effortless referrals and improved sales opportunities.

Does the thought of speaking in front of a group evokes fear, make you sweat, starts your heart pounding? It's likely you have glossophobia. The fear of speaking in public. It's possible to master the art of public speaking by taking small steps. It may take an audience of one or the rapt attention of Fido but practicing until you don't have to think about your words can help lay the foundation for more speaking confidence.