Monday, November 8, 2010

SMALL BUSINESS DO'S AND DON'TS

Charge your worth  First you need to do your research to see what your competition charges. Want more on Price Setting Process. Based on that knowledge, charge what your products and/or services are worth. Sometimes small business owners feel a little self-conscious about their fees; never compromise your value in order to get business.

Do:  Communicate the value of your services.
Don’t:  Be apologetic and tentative when talking about fees.

Be visible   Most small business owners are not as good at public relations as they are with their business specialty. But that is no reason to be a hermit.  It may feel awkward, however, you need to get out and be seen and heard. Attend community functions, meet your customers, and spend time socializing; the more you interact with others, the greater your networking opportunities. Remember, everyone is a potential customer. Find Local Happenings

Do:  Make appearances and talk about what you do.
Don’t:  Be pushy and overbearing.

Be Helpful  One account or customer can make or break a small business. By keeping the business "Golden Rule" you will be able to capture the big sales with the little sales. There is something about knowing you have had a positive effect on those you do business with everyday.

Do:  Make each interaction with customers the best one they have had.
Don’t:  Be arrogant and unresponsive.

Hire an accountant or bookkeeper to help with your finances
More than 50% of small businesses fail, and the majority of those failures can be attributed to poor financial management. Why draw yourself away from what you do best: producing your product? You may think that you will be saving money by doing your own accounting, but the truth is that a good accountant will save you money, and possibly your business, in the end.

Do:  Find someone who will do more than just keep your books; find someone who knows how to make your business more profitable.
Don’t:  Cut corners with your business bookkeeping.
 
Have a marketing plan  Remember Field of Dreams? If you build it, they will come. When it comes to your business you have more in common with Costner’s character than you might think; If you publicize, they will purchase. You need to get the word out in order to get customers through your door. Without customers, you won’t make any money.  Assign yourself a marketing budget and plan for your future. Want Help with Marketing Plan.

Do: Research marketing methods that work for your particular business niche.
Don’t: Spend lots of money on an unproven marketing technique.


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