From creating a website for your business to being active on social media, all that counts while your are in a business
BANGALORE, INDIA: We all dream big and long to become a Warren Buffet in life. But we do not work hard or take right steps in that direction. Most of us Indians are the proverbial frog in the well. No wonder many startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs/SMBs) in our country fail half-way through and face an untimely death.
It is true that India's atmosphere is not very conducive for a business to grow, compared to developed countries like the US and UK. But it is noteworthy that it is not the atmosphere that decides the success or failure of your business, but it is your willingness and the right move you are taking in the right direction and right time.
It is not at all easy to get fulfilled your realistic dreams, unless and until you are ready to work hard. Each and every decision you take during the course of your business will one way or the other impact your business. From creating a website for your business to being active on social media, all that counts.
Here are 10 tips to make your small business look bigger.
Website
The website is the first contact point for your customers to know about your products or services. So, create a website that looks simple and elegant. People should feel that you are very serious about your business. The design must be simple and the description about your products or services ought to be short and crisp. You can have the demo of your product on the website, so that the customer gets a virtual hands-on experience.
Logo
The logo of your company can make wonders. From the logo itself, the customer must get a feeling that you are a professional firm. So, get a nice logo designed by a professional. This will help you to make in brand building.
Email address
You might be thinking that what is the big deal about an email address. Well, your email address does matter a lot. A simple email address might make your customer feel that you are not very serious about the business.
Having an email address that are more complex than simple 'name@company.com' is, in fact, very important. Emailing “prasad@company.com” makes it seem like a small company. So create an address which has at least an initial or “firstname.lastname@company.com”. This is a standard email address format.
In the email signature, fill it out with as much relevant contact information as possible such as social networks, fax/cell/office lines, etc. But don’t forget to include a confidentiality notice. This will elevate the level of seriousness.
VoIP technology
VoIP technology gives small businesses the ability to project a “big business” image to incoming callers. Calls can be greeted and routed to any phone in any location to give businesses a professional countenance, when in fact, a company may simply be 10 employees working remotely from home.
Social media
An important growth accelerator for your business. Your company’s social media presence with lots of connections will come handy. So spend time building up your social networking sites. Be active on LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+. A company with 50,000 fans will seem much larger than one with 500, even if they have the same amount of annual revenues.
Network
Another important factor. You need to go out and meet people. Go and attend chamber of commerce events. Be a part of international business if possible. Get your name out there and be seen and heard. Let other individuals you meet help sell for you.
Confidence
Be confident and master the art of speech. A little humility goes a long way. If you speak to someone you look up to, take the time to listen and learn. The listener might be your potential client.
Be part of associations
Are you a member of any associations? If not, go right away and register with any association. These organizations provide an image seal of approval. Use these to your advantage as social proof to gain trust and credibility.
Testimonials and reviews
Collect testimonials and reviews. People will expect some sort of testimonial to check your credibility. The old age of static, boring text testimonials that you manually put on your site are no longer effective. Encourage happy clients to leave you positive reviews on sites like Google Places.
Believe in yourself
Believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, your skills, your knowledge, or your capabilities, why should someone else?
