Appearance Pays Big Dividends for the SOHO
by Mike Burstein
Promotion takes many forms in the small business arena.
A key piece of the success puzzle is appearance. This sounds
like a simple task- to have your business appear to be more
than it currently is - but in reality there are numerous
facets to consider.
Your corporate image is immediately on display by your
business cards, brochures and letterhead.
Don't scrimp here - buy the best quality that you can afford
- maybe more!
The way your phone is answered speaks volumes to your size
and stature in the business world - buy a small office phone
system that utilizes an auto attendant to route your calls.
This immediately creates the appearance of size for your
company.
Spend the money necessary to have the latest and greatest
in computers and software. Nothing makes your company seem
small more than telling a prospective customer that you
are unable to open a document because the software version
you are using is too old or that your Internet connection
is too slow to download a large file.
Every successful business has a presence on the Internet
now. Create or pay to have a website created under your
own domain name. Using your domain name in your email address
is standard practice today. Insert this address on all printed
materials and signs. Your personal appearance tells a story.
Depending on the type of business you are running, always
dress sharply. If it's a service business, clean uniforms
are required daily. If it's a professional service, dress
the part - nothing spells success better than an expensive
suit with matching accessories. The vehicle you drive can
be a great promotional tool.
Don't scrimp on signage for service vehicles and whatever
type of business you run, be sure that your vehicles are
always clean - inside and out. If your business is home
based, there are lots of great places to get acquainted
with customers when a meeting is required. The lobby of
most upscale hotels has an appropriate area to hold a meeting.
Even a local Starbucks or similar store can make a suitable
meeting place.
Always pick up the tab for your prospective or current
customer -it's just a cost of doing business. Promotional
items are an expense that pays you dividends.
Try to select items that your customer or prospect will
have a need for throughout the year - keeping your name,
number and URL within easy reach.
Keep in mind that people like to do business with those
that appear to be successful. Your image needs to make you
appear to be a thriving businessperson in your chosen field
- even if you haven't hit the jackpot yet!
About the Author
© 2003 ODEC Mike Burstein may be contacted at http://www.SOHOWiz.com.
Mike Burstein has been helping the SOHO and Small Business
community grow & prosper for over 20 years by solving start
up problems, creating best practices, automating their offices,
getting free publicity and dramatically increasing traffic
and sales. Visit http://www.SOHOWiz.com
for the latest FREE business tips.
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