by Brian McKay
Part of a successful business is making it appear like it's going places. This sleight-of-hand is what we all utilize to make sure that our business is getting more people involved, whether it's clients, customers or even employees. We ultimately have to make ourselves look larger than it is. This is especially true if you're running a business from a pokey broom cupboard in the middle of nowhere. But now, while there are so many other small businesses out there, we're not just in direct competition with these, we are also in direct competition with the larger companies as well. So what can we do to ensure that we are hitting the skyline and making our business look bigger than it really is?
Getting Extra Help
Most companies end up using outsourcing as a way to get extra help at the very outset. It's not just about the people you bring in to “bulk” your business out; it's also about using these people for the appropriate roles. Extra help isn't just in terms of getting people from the outside into the office but what you can do to make your business look bigger and more important is to use virtual assistants, or answering services, such as through businesses like Ivy Answering Services. A lot of these companies are used so the business maintains that important image and professional sheen. It's also beneficial because if you are a one-man-band, answering the phones yourself, and doing everything, it doesn't give off the right impression. You want the business to look like it's got many employees, and getting extra help at the outset will work.
Acquire A Central Business Address
Think about it from the perspective of a customer or client. If you're running a business from your home, and a customer sees a residential address on the correspondence, not only does it look unprofessional, but it could very well be dangerous to have your home address out in the open like that. A lot of people now make the most of a virtual office space. A lot of people have this as a way to add that extra notion of professionalism, but you don't necessarily have to pay for a virtual office space; you could get a box from your local UPS store, but the benefit of separating your professional work from your home-work is is that you won’t forever be signing for packages at home, especially if you're trying to do some work.
Use Larger Invoice Numbers
It's these little components that a client can use to get a handle on your business. If you are sending out invoices to clients, you should think about using larger numbers. Remember, this is all about the perception of your business. And larger invoice numbers make it look like you've been a business far longer than you have. A longer running business means a well-established one, so customers and clients are more inclined to trust your reputation. Even if you started your business a few weeks ago, it's important not to project an image that you are wet behind the ears.
Make Your Website Look Professional
It may seem obvious but a lot of people can skimp on this because they want to get a website up and running. A lot of people believe that the very act of being in business is more important than the image they project, especially at the very beginning when they are finding their feet. But you have to remember that your business image relies predominantly on your website and your social media. You will be spending a lot of time linking to your website through social media, so you have to ensure that the website looks professional, because people will click on it at any time of day, and the little things like this may very well entice them in further. While there are free platforms you can use, it's always better to go to a professional designer to make a look that is more in keeping with your style and brand. We can use numerous templates, but is this really going to communicate what we want to put the cross? Making your website look professional, and having the various touchstones that entice people in will make all the difference, especially when you're in direct competition with other brand new businesses.
A lot of these things you can pick up over time, but you have to ensure that the perception of your business as a professional entity is well maintained.
