Resolutions for Small Business Success
UPDATE: I originally wrote this article to use as a New Year’s blog.
But I think it’s time to call for a 2020 Reboot!
With so many people working, or trying to work, from home it seems like now is the time for a healthy boost of …
You. Can. Do. This.
It’s the New Year yet again, and if you’re like most people, you’ve been contemplating resolutions with the hopes that this year will be the year you have the fortitude to see them through.
As a small business owner, it’s even more crucial that you make resolutions you can keep — especially ones that will help increase business.
But what can you do?
Plenty!
Check out some of the latest possibilities to hit the www.
Oh So Social
The first rule of success for small businesses has always been networking. But it’s time to accept it, folks; the new face of networking may not have a face at all; it may have an avatar or a com-icon.
In other words, it’s all about being a part of the social sphere.
Promote yourself and your business via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, for starters. Heck, if Granny can Insta, so can you!
Exposing yourself and your business to the new age of social networking via these sites will open doors for you that you may not otherwise see if you continue to network old school.
Mobile Madness
For the Small Business or Independent Consultant, mobile is money.
Being Virtual, being Green, being flexible; these are what set you apart from traditional business and are quite often the key selling point for potential clients.
But are you really ready to put yourself out there as a mobile mogul?
It’s inevitable that you will be taking on more and more clients who have mobile help needs. They will be looking to you for the answers, so be sure you are ready.
Do the homework, learn, and brush up on the skills and techniques to claim your space as a mobile expert.
Skills and Thrills
You started a small business. Or maybe work as an independent consultant, so nothing scares you. It’s about time to let the thrill-seeker within tackle a new skill!
Get your adrenaline rush by adding a marketable skill to your already impressive resume.
If you’re a great website administrator, why not learn graphic design.
Excellent at marketing? Take on website development.
No matter how much you know, there is always room for another tool in your kit.
Prizes and Surprises
Birthday’s, Christmas, even Arbor Day is prize-worthy to most people (ok me).
All kidding aside, everyone likes being rewarded.
Why not reward your clients for referrals?
Research into marketing practices has shown that large companies offering even a low-quality reward earn positive long term benefits in the form of brand loyalty.
Just think about how much client loyalty you can garner with a well-placed prize.
For clients with a tight budget, offer a free service for referrals that result in a new client.
Clients who can afford to pay the bills offer a discounted rate based on a number of referrals.
Either way, everyone wins in the end.
Organization Sensation
Whether it’s business or personal, virtually no New Year would be complete without a resolution to be more organized.
So go for it!
Make a pact with yourself to be clutter-free.
The more organized you become, the more efficient your work is. The more efficient your work is, the more clients you can manage. And (here’s the big finish) — the more clients you can manage, the more money you will make.
If money isn’t your motivator, consider this; organization is an outward reflection of your inner strengths.
Now, imagine how much more confident a potential client will be when considering your services when they see how organized you are.
Want to take your organization game to a whole new level? Get a powerful CRM that can turn your business into an automation marvel!
Renew or Reuse
Take the time to take stock of the products and services you employ.
While it’s true that there has been a surge in technological advancements of late, that doesn’t necessarily mean that what you have is obsolete.
You don’t always have to heed the Sirens’ call. If your current Smartphone still meets all your needs, wait before buying that fancy new one.
Good things come to those who wait, and you may soon see a 40% off sign hanging from the Siren’s neck.
On the other hand, if you’re limping along trying to get the last drop of service out of software, perhaps it’s time to borrow the jaws of life from the local FPD and pry a couple of bucks from your wallet.
Investing in products or services may be costly upfront but keep in mind that investment allows you to provide quality to your clients, which in turn assures their satisfaction and continued support.
Press the Flesh
COVID UPDATE: So the original post below was all about being present, in the moment, with actual humans. Obviously, we can’t do that right now, but the idea remains the same.
We need to be actively present, meeting people, joining new groups, reaching out, and expanding our community. Right now, that’s our online community.
Since it’s not optimal to meet in person, try joining a community Facebook group. Most cities have several community groups and community classifieds, where you can actively talk with people and share your company info.
If you’re a health coach, try joining a chiropractic group. You need to meet and talk with people who might want to use your offer to help their clientele.
A Plumber doesn’t join a plumber’s group on Linkedin; he joins the roofer’s groups. Then he goes to their network meetings, brings donuts, and generally shows what a good guy he is so that the roofers will call him when they need a reliable subcontractor.
The same rule applies to you as an online provider. Find people who might need to offer your particular service to their clients. In the end, the relationship will benefit you both.
Original text …..
Press the Flesh
We’re not talking about the latest make you blush website to hit the www. No, in fact, this one is blissfully technology-free.
Ask Grandpa; he’ll tell you there is no better way to impress people than with a first impression.
In other words, don’t forget the human factor when it comes to business promotion.
Keep a stack of business cards close at hand — and then hand them out.
In the grocery store, the mall, or the carwash, wherever your day takes you, you’re in the presence of man; hence you have an opportunity to promote yourself and your business.
About the Author,
Michelle Bell
Michelle Bell is a Marketing Automation Expert and Keap Certified Partner with a passion for creative solutions. She excels at identifying needs and resolving them, creative and genuine communication, understanding business process efficiency, simplifying the complicated, facilitating relationships, and being herself in all things. She began her career in finance, later moving into regulatory affairs for the local public utilities, before finding her passion for working with small businesses and coaches. Michelle is all about family and believes you build work around your life, not vice versa!