Successful promotional tie-ins involve businesses with similar value, integrity and goals

It's important to select partners who will enhance your company's image and have products that dovetail naturally with yours.

I recommend: Check with the U. S. Chamber of Commerce for companies in the area that you could partner with. Also, you may wish to read Walk Your Talk, an informative, well-known book on marketing and cross promotions of products.

Think of your customers and what would make their lives better when designing cross-promotions

Whatever motivates your customers to buy or to participate in a service is the goal for your business cross promotions. This could be cost savings, or it could simply benefit the customer to have products or services linked in some way.

I recommend: A  free online resource on cross promotions can be found at Brand Torrent. If you market yourself on eBay, they have made cross promotions tie ins easier. 
 

Be creative in your cross promotion ideas

Starting with a simple and low-cost initiative is a wise first step if you have never done cross promotions in advertising before. But that doesn't mean it can't be creative. In fact, the more creative the promotion is, the more buzz will surround it, thereby enhancing customer participation.

I recommend: Another website with an array of ideas to get your creative juices flowing is FrugalMarketing.com. Take a peek at the array of items available as part of a cross promotion at National Pen. Remember:  A simple item, if part of innovative cross over promotions, will make an impact with your customers.