For example, one mini-contest that clients just completed

For example, one mini-contest that clients just completed was to raise their gross income by 30% within a 60 day period. The prize was a valuable e-book, by small business marketing expert Sandra Martini, titled "How to Repurpose Your Work: Do It Once and Get Paid Again AND Again". It normally sells for $147.00.

Initially, most clients didn't think they could win, especially since the 60-day time period extended over the months of December and January (not usually great months to increase business).

But, the women entrepreneurs took the challenge seriously! Before they knew it, the 60 days were up and a whopping 50% of participants had succeeded in winning the prize! And, they now know what it takes to increase their income by 30% in a short period of time, which means they'll be able to easily do it again.

Can any coaching, consulting, organizing, training or other service-style business create a contest? Of course!

Here are a few simple small business marketing ideas to spark your creative thinking create clever and motivating contests for your clients:

For the Executive Business Coach - Create a challenge for your clients to increase their team's productivity by 20% in 30 days. The prize? A pair of tickets to their favorite professional league game, or a private lesson with a semi-pro golf instructor at a local exclusive club.

For the Marketing Coach - Challenge your clients to increase their mailing lists by 20% or their income by 30% in a 60-day time frame. The prize? A coveted information product.