Building Buzz Without a Budget: Atlantic City Small Business Owners Get Advice at Free Workshop

"Marketing is not always about money, it’s about momentum."

That is just one of the many criticallessons presented to a room full of local entrepreneurs during a free marketing seminar offered by the City of Atlantic City Economic Development division of the Planning & Development department.

“Coffee and Conversation: Marketing Without Any Money” drew a full crowd at Beat the Grind Café—a fitting location, as the small business itself has benefited from some of the same guidance now being shared. The workshop was led by Joe Molineaux, a respected small business development expert known for helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Molineaux has partnered with the City of Atlantic City to hold a series free seminar just like this one.

‍

Molineaux encouraged attendees to think critically about their approach by asking these essential questions: WHO are you marketing to? WHAT are you saying? HOW can customers reach you? And perhaps most importantly, WHY should they choose you?

Throughout the seminar, Molineaux shared straightforward, no-cost or low-cost strategies every small business can use, such as:

• Fast and Current: Get your message out as quickly and keep everything up to date. Outdated information is worse than no information at all.
• Make it Memorable: Flyers should stand out, and business cards are still an essential tool and can now be digital.
• Own Your Digital Space: Drive customers to your website, a platform you fully control.
• Leverage Social Media: Instagram and TikTok were highlighted as powerful tools to showcase a business' story and engage directly with customers.
• Build Relationships: Networking, following up, and finding common conversation topics were underscored as simple yet highly effective ways to create trust and connections.

The intimate café setting sparked engaging dialogue, with many participants eager to swap ideas and apply Molineaux’s tips. For the entrepreneurs in attendance, the seminar was about building confidence, creating community, and realizing that powerful tools for success don’t even have to cost a dime.

Molineaux shared his contact information, encouraging all attendees to reach out to him anytime with questions or for further tips. He said his contact information can also be shared right here on Great Day Atlantic City for any current or soon-to-be local business owners in need of expert advice:

PHONE: 609-204-4937

EMAIL: joemolineaux@gmail.com

‍