In business today how often are you spending because you are told to do so. Market your way out of the recession. Spend, spend, spend. Instead what about creating. Often I see businesses spend there money through means of ego and image instead of practicality and creativity. Don't spend money because you are told it will boost your image. Take time to create, plan and systematize. Most small businesses in the world today can find a way to create value instead of buying it.
    Think about what you are trying to achieve first. In marketing for example do you need to pay for printed advertising? Or can you create a value added benefit to your product that can do the same thing.
    In closing just because you are spending money on a marketing budget does not mean it is affectively speaking to your customer. Sometimes thinking of your business as a small camp fire can build more interest than conducting a forest fire.

Think Creativity, Don't Buy It!