Making Your Small Business Look More Professional
It’s not easy running a small business, especially when you’re surrounded by other companies, ones who have a seemingly instantly respect from the public.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t level the playing field somewhat. The first step is making yourself look and feel like a professional outfit, even if you’re a one-person operation.
This will elevate your standing in the eyes of your customers, who will have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes…even if you’re working out of your garage.
We take a look at how you can do this below.
Not Located At Your House
You can feel free to work from your home – indeed, it’s recommended: why pay all that money to rent an office if it’s not needed? – but your business shouldn’t be located at your home!
Instead, look at registering your business at another location. A virtual office is a great way to gain prestige and the look of professionalism, and it couldn’t be easier to set up.
After all, you don’t have to actually work there. You could be based in the middle of Montana yet look like you’re based in New York, for example.
No Direct Line
People want to get through to a human being when they call up a company. But if they’re calling up and you’re answering, well, it might look like there’s not much going on at headquarters.
So look at having someone else answer your phone for you. There are plenty of benefits of using a call answering service, including allowing you to get on with your work knowing that any important incoming calls are being handled professionally.
At the same, you’ll appear in the eyes of your customers to be much bigger than you really are. Win-win!
Looking the Part
You can tell a professional business from a non-professional business with ease, just by looking at their website.
A company that takes pride in themselves and their appearances will make sure that they have a watertight, modern website, one that has all the relevant contact information on display and which is easily navigable.
If you’re shipping items out to your customers, focus on your packaging. It pays to put a slightly greater emphasis on how your customer receives their goods; it shows that money isn’t the only consideration.
Customer Satisfaction
And talking of customers, make sure you’re putting them first. When you’re a one-person operation, there’s sometimes the temptation to argue your corner or dismiss customer complaints.
Everyone gets defensive from time to time! So put away the ego, and make sure that you’re always putting the customer first, no matter how ridiculous they’re being.
Believing That You A Professional Company
Finally, remember if you want other people to see you as professional, then you need to believe it yourself!
Don’t see your operations as just a side-project or small thing – treat yourself with respect.
A small business owner who acts in a professional way in everything they do will naturally convey that image to the public.
Insanely Clever Marketing 