Guest post by Laura Burkey
Congrats on jumping into the entrepreneurial world.
It’s an intimidating and exhausting realm that can be the most rewarding career move you’ve ever made.
There are tons of tips for first-time business owners, but we compiled a list of the top ten that you need to know.
1.Check out VoIP services
Voice over Internet Protocol means that your phone runs through the Web, as opposed to a landline provider. Many companies offer small business packages, and these could save you money versus getting a standard mobile phone or land line. Be sure to look into the equipment add-ons and network coverage.
2.Create a set of values and a mission statement
What do you and your company stand for? This is a list of core values to which your company sticks. Character, customer service, honesty, integrity, communication. Narrow it down to five morals and operate your business interactions with those in mind.
Then, create a mission statement. Make it one to two sentences that embody your core values as well as how you view your business. Post them in a visible location and look to these documents when making business decisions.
3.Set tomorrow’s schedule
Before closing up shop, review tomorrow’s plan. If you didn’t have time to create a schedule, now is the time to map it.
Construct a to-do list of tasks that must be accomplished, calls that need to be made, and meetings scheduled.
Remember to include breaks every fifty to sixty minutes.
4.Meet with at least two clients a week
Growing your company while maintaining a superior quality of service is the sweet spot for entrepreneurs. Since there are limited resources and people, a lot of the prospecting falls to you. Make a requirement to meet with two clients – one new and one old – a week. This will keep the cogs in motion without sacrificing too much time away from the day-to-day operations.
5.Hire people to strengthen your brand (an accountant, a call center, etc.)
We all have weaknesses, and it takes a strong person to realize this and react to it. Pick an area or two where your company requires help. For example, if you’re not comfortable keeping the company’s books, then hire an accountant. Spending the extra cash now will save you headaches later, not to mention that extra time can be put toward tracking down new clients.
6.Compare office supply prices
Depending on your trade, paper, pens, ink, and other supplies drive up overhead costs. It’s important to research reward programs and to take advantage of them.
7.Research the competition
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Know what your competition offers, their strengths and weaknesses and general pricing structure. Explain to prospects what makes you different from the other guys, which doesn’t always have to be price.
8.Advertise creatively
Think church bulletins, community newspapers, or newsletters. Other options include social media sites and industry sites. Join the conversation and create a positive online reputation.
9.Attend at least one training seminar a year
It’s easy to get wrapped up in the daily grind of sell, sell, sell, no matter what industry you’re in. The only way to improve is to learn. Check out industry seminars or webinars that can help you bring your company to the next level.
10.Network
Join area business groups, and network your tail off. This isn’t just to cultivate clients.
Such acquaintances can provide sound advice or make key introductions when you least expect it.
They might not be important today, but you never know who or what they will be in the future.
About the author:
Laura Burkey is a blogger who writes about a variety of topics including gardening, social media, and gutters for a range of websites including Reputation.com.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: lisapatb
February 4, 2013 at 6:45 am
Tom, I find #3 so important! If you don’t have a plan you will not get anything done. I love to check things off! #7 is a good one too that often gets overlooked. Great tips! Thanks for sharing. Have not thought about #1 yet.
Lisa recently posted..WebMeUp Software for SEO and Much More
Twitter: tlmarketing_net
February 4, 2013 at 8:59 am
Hi Lisa! I agree, planning is the key to success.It is so important to do something everyday and having a schedule will make it a lot easier. Running a business online is a bit “dangerous” because it is so easy to watch videos on YouTube or playing games instead of marketing.
For any business to grow and prosper, you need to set a goal for it. When you know what you need to achieve, then it becomes easier to work towards it and put the required efforts. For me planning and organizing is the main part of progressing in the business.
Only setting up a business and operating it will make no difference for it. One needs to promote it as well. People should know that this company exits and offers these particular products and services to the customers. Therefore, a businessman should work on his marketing skills.
A first time business owner needs to be clear with the basic business ethics when he starts his own company or firm in order to stay ethical at his work. These basic business rules helps a businessman put in the required efforts to make his business successful without harming anyone.