Try these best practice tips to set up your small business for success in 2012 and beyond. Develop a plan to get started today!
- If you don’t have a business plan, think about the direction you want your business to go and develop a business plan. If you already have one; see if it needs updating.
- Commit to participating in social media – LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter – at least for 10 minutes a day to help brand yourself and your business.
- Consider creating a quarterly e-newsletter to stay in your clients’ minds.
- Refresh your website – be sure it is updated with new content and information to help current and potential clients make a decision.
- Get SEO smart. If you don’t know much about SEO (search engine optimization) – learn more today. Be sure your website is SEO-friendly to attract potential new customers.
- Don’t neglect yourself! Take some time to develop yourself professionally and personally to enable for more creative and innovative thinking about your business.
- On occasion, reach out to your current clients with just a note (via email) that you are thinking about them. Consider providing them a link to an event that may interest them or an article you found. Try to arrange to get together for coffee or lunch to catch up.
- Think about how you might add services or products to your business – consider your client’s needs.
- Survey your clients to be sure you are meeting their needs; then resurvey them at least 2 times a year to be sure you continue to meet their needs.
- Learn about your competition. Why might clients buy from them instead of you? How do you stand out from the competition? If you don’t, how can you?
These are just a few things to do in 2012 to get your business off to the right start. What can you add to the list? What are you going to do to jumpstart your small business? Please share your ideas and best practices with others in the Comments field below. Thanks! And wishing you a Happy New Year!
