Some believe that marketing is a black magic art.

Joanne Allday of Showing Off Limited says that the reality, however, is that most marketing is common sense and often businesses just need a helping hand.

Showing Off specialises in helping small businesses to promote themselves.

Here, Joanne conjurs up six tops tips for some marketing magic: 1 Banish the crystal balls. Get the facts about your customers identify who buys your products or services, what they want, and how many there are. If no-one wants to buy your product, or pay your price, your business will disappear in a puff of smoke.

2 Don't be a mythical creature. Customers cannot buy from you if they don't know you exist. Think about how your customers will find you do you have a logo, business cards, a brochure or website?

3 Spellbind your customers. Sell the benefits why should customers buy from you, or choose your product over those of your competitors? How are you different?

4 Throw some new ingredients into your cauldron. One size doesn't fit everyone. Give people your marketing messages in different ways, at different times, to maximise the response you receive.

5 Get on your broomstick. Get out and network with new people - look for mutually beneficial strategic partnerships. The local Chamber of Commerce and Business Network International meetings are a great starting point.

6 Don't be afraid to use your powers. Don't offer the same as everyone else. Use your imagination and stand out from the crowd. Cumbria is full of creative businesses let some of them loose on your marketing and design and you'll be amazed at the results!

So is marketing Black Magic? It's not magic, but it is great fun.. or at least it can be. This is one area of business you don't have to learn, as there is a huge amount of experience in Cumbria for you to buy in, so put the magic wand down and hire in a professional magician!