Essential Tips for the Entrepreneur

Small business owners and entrepreneurs understand better than almost anyone how hard you have to work to succeed in your industry. There are so many challenges that need to be overcome, especially when you are first starting out. You don’t have the ability to fully shut down at the end of the workday because at the back of your mind you are always working; always second-guessing yourself; always trying to come up with ways to maintain the business you have while growing and expanding to reach more clients. We’ve narrowed down the five most important elements for entrepreneurs here to help you navigate through client relationships well developing your business.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Branding

The first thing a potential new client sees is your business card and, one step further than that, your website. It is so important to use these to your advantage and show yourself and your business in the best possible light. While it starts with a business card and a website that explains a little more about what you do and why potential clients should work with you, it doesn’t stop there. In today’s age, social media is a powerful tool and allows you to reach demographics you never even dreamed of. By developing a complete brand by working with a Digital Branding & Marketing Specialist, you can ensure that all of your letterheads, business cards, invoices, website, and marketing materials match and coordinate in a professional way. This makes your company look more polished and put together which translates to reliable and a worthwhile investment to your potential clients. Investing in your branding is equivalent to investing in the growth of your business.

Make Frequent Contact with Clients

Part of what many clients love about working with small businesses is the one-on-one service that they get. Play into that by reaching out to past clients on a monthly or quarterly basis to see if they need further assistance. Ask if they’d like to join your mailing list so that they can stay up to date on trends in your industry and any special features your business might be offering in the future. Be conscious about not letting your current clients slip through the cracks. Just because you don’t hear from them other than for payment or renewing contracts, doesn’t mean they don’t want to hear from you! Ensure that you are providing your clients with progress updates on your business relationship and be aware of any questions or concerns they may have, taking the time to explain all details to them.

Don’t be Afraid of Adding a Personal Touch

Another reason why clients choose to work with small businesses is because they can get to know the person they’re working with. Even if the work you do together is remote, your clients can still put the face to the name, so to speak. You can set and keep professional boundaries while still being friendly and developing a positive and appropriate business relationship. Think about sending holiday and special occasion greeting cards or monthly tips and reminders that subtly or not so subtly have to do with your products. A special thank you note included in a product shipment can go a long way, as can sending flowers on a launch day.

Networking and Referrals are Key

Almost every business relies on networking and referrals to onboard new clients, but small businesses rely on them more than most. There is nothing more reassuring for a potential new client than to hear from a trusted source how wonderful you were to work with and how far you exceeded every expectation. Do not be afraid to ask your clients to pass on your information to any of their friends or colleagues who are looking for something in your industry. If you have a product line, loyalty gifts with your logo are a great start, and if you offer a service, considering creating a referral or ‘friends and family’ discount for your current and referred clients. A little bit goes a very long way!

Keep an Organized Office

For entrepreneurs in particular, it is so important to keep organized. Most small business owners don’t have the extra time to waste in searching for a lost invoice or contract which is why it is so vital to keep your workspace and files clear, concise, and easy to access. Not only will having an e-filing or hard filing system in place make it easier to track down yours and your client’s documents, it will also help to give each workday an outline and schedule so that you can effectively manage your time and your client’s needs. For a more details on how to keep an organized office, head over to our blog post on Top 5 Tips for an Organized Home Office.