Seek out personal referrals for business services

Dear Karen: I need new marketing materials but can’t spend a lot. Where do I look?

Answer: Personal referrals are the best way to choose service professionals. Ask other entrepreneurs what graphic design and printing firms they use, meet with two or three and choose the best quality and service for your budget.

Note how long it takes to get responses, said Andrew Field, president of http://www.PrintingForLess.com . "You want a fast answer when you first approach them. If they can’t answer quickly, they can’t do other things well either," he said.

By Karen E. Klein, Special to The Times

Full Story: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-inbox5-2008may05,0,4266602.story