For most home business owners marketing is far from a favorite chore. However, for a business to be successful it has to be done. Here are a few tips to make it a little less painful!

Do join forums and discussion lists related to your business area. This is a great way to network and promote your business. Make sure to put a link to your business website in your signature and use it on every post you make.

Don't spam! Unless a particular site or list allows it, don't post ads for your business on them. Let your sig do the talking and make your posts interested and relevant to the topic at hand.

Do have a professional looking website. These days a website is an invaluable marketing tool. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it should look professional. Stay away from the free website services that plaster your site with ads. Purchase your own domain name and a webhosting service. Neither are very expensive. When designing it, keep it simple. Flashing text, animated gifs, music and the like will just drive potential customers away.

Don't let your resume get dusty. No matter how successful your business it, it's always a good idea to keep your resume and if applicable, portfolio up to date. You never know when a potential client may ask to see it!

Do invest in nice looking business cards. Do it yourself cards are easy and inexpensive but the fuzzy edges scream amateur. Instead, order them from your local printer or a service like Vistaprint or Overnight Prints. Both offer high quality cards at great prices. Vistaprint often offers deals such as 250 cards for free. Business cards are still valuable marketing and networking tools-don't skimp on them!

Don't be afraid of cold calling. It's no fun and we all hate it, but it's still an effective marketing tool. Just be polite and professional-and if you are nervous rehearse ahead of time with a friend.

Do make time in your weekly schedule to do some marketing. You won't regret it!