Prime Your Business To Succeed Now
If you're hesitant to start or continue running a small business after the pandemic, remember that great entrepreneurs can problem-solve for customers in any market and capitalize on the current conditions. Separate yourself from the rest of the pack with these reminders, courtesy of Web Design by Rick.
Getting Started
If you plan on working from home, set aside an office area where you can work. If that requires some renovations, like finishing a basement or garage, remember that some home improvements have the added benefit of improving your home’s value! Next, you should invest in an expert to make sure you’re represented by a professional, highly visible website. After all, people can't buy from you if they don't know you exist!
On a related note, don’t neglect cybersecurity. Nowadays, protecting yourself against a cyber attack is a must – especially for small businesses, since they can often be targeted by hackers who assume they’ll have more lax security protocols.
Have You Mastered Marketing?
Sales and marketing is possibly the most essential skill for a business owner. That means you’ll need to create eye-catching marketing materials. You can find great royalty-free images on Pexels or Unsplash for no charge. As you build up capital, consider investing in paid options like Adobe Stock or Shutterstock because free services get overused and won't make you stand out. Design custom images and photos if you're creative and have the time.
Many skilled professionals have fizzled out because of poor promotion. Conversely, even mediocre companies have flourished on the strength of clever marketing. Dedicate sufficient time and money to sales and marketing. One survey showed that businesses now spend on average at least 10% of revenue on marketing.
In any case, learn how to share your favorite images with a graphic designer or web designer. JPG files are the standard image format, but it can be time-consuming to email many JPGs. You may be tempted to compress the images to send them in fewer emails. Compression degrades image quality, and your website or marketing material will be fuzzy and dull. To keep a crisp and professional look, use a JPG-to-PDF converter to turn multiple JPGs into a PDF. Your images will remain high-quality and easy to share in bulk.
Should You Form a Limited Liability Company?
A limited liability company (LLC) is a business entity that offers flexibility and protection to business owners. If you are sued, litigants cannot pursue your personal assets as long as you follow regulations. An LLC requires less paperwork than many other entities, and you can still functionally operate as a partnership or sole proprietorship. Check your state's rules for LLC formation since requirements vary. A formation service is often quicker and less expensive than hiring a lawyer.
How Can You Choose the Right Business?
If you're starting a new venture, pay attention to where public interests lie and meet consumer demands. Don't focus on trying to be original so much as delivering what customers want. Be unique in your branding and mission. Consider trends, talk to experts and move fast to get in on a lucrative industry.
Where Can You Find Reliable Support?
To get workers, information and connections, network everywhere. The pandemic led to the Great Resignation, and people are looking to invest their time in satisfying employment. Keep social media connections strong and reach out to everyone. Don't hesitate to contact former school buddies to rekindle friendships. Online tools can help you reconnect, so give one a try.
Just be sure to offer mutual advantage to connections and don't "pitch slap" people — connecting with someone only to immediately sell them a product, service or investment. Take a genuine interest, and the benefits will come naturally. Share knowledge and opportunities, and contacts may reciprocate with valuable information and resources. Connections can help you find freelancers and professional help to handle necessary jobs without the stress and cost of hiring employees. You can also discover suppliers, investors and clients.
Circumstances do not determine a business's success. If you apply yourself to mastering the foundational principles of business operation by putting a good network and proper resources in place, not to mention representing your business with a highly visible and professional-looking website, you can prime your business for enduring success!
Web Design by Rick offers everything you need to start an e-commerce business or give your current brick and mortar company a presence online. We offer unparalleled customer service, online visibility, and custom website design in Syracuse, NY, the surrounding areas, and beyond. Call 315-652-3820.
Photo via Pexels
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