Posts Tagged ‘expertise’

How Can I Promote My Own Business Online?

So you’ve finally decided to take the first steps toward exposing your small business to the vast ocean of prospects called the Internet; or maybe you’ve had a website for a few years that was built by your neighbor’s cousin’s daughter’s boyfriend. The fact is that if you’ve been in business for more than a year and you’re serious about your future and the future of your business then you need to continue reading because this post was written with YOU specifically in mind.

There’s really no good reason for any brick and mortar business to NOT have a web presence. Even if you’re a one man operation and the entire business revolves around your particular expertise or specialty, you owe it to yourself and your clients/customers to put forth the best possible image that you can for your business. Here are a few more reasons why a website is essential to business growth:

1. 1. A website can make your company look larger than it really is. Positioning is crucial to success.
   2. A website exposes your products or services to a wider audience than local advertising possibly could. Branding is crucial.
   3. A website gives you the ability to stay in constant contact with your clients/customers through auto-responders.
   4. A website that has been properly optimized will have you appear as the authority in your niche or field of expertise.
   5. A website gives your clients/customers a venue to make suggestions or offer feedback for you to improve your business while they can remain anonymous.
   6. More interactivity equals more satisfied customers which in turn equals more profit for you and your business.

Once you’ve decided to move ahead with creating a web presence for your small business there are a few things to consider before attempting to D-I-Y (do it yourself) or even hiring someone to do it for you. Make sure that you have some things crystal clear in your mind before you begin the process and you will save yourself time and frustration later on.
Things that you absolutely should have in place before moving forward:

1. 1. A mission statement. (If you didn’t do this when you first opened your business, do it now)
   2. A vision statement.
   3. A clear picture of exactly who your audience is.
   4. Short term and long term ATTAINABLE goals.
   5. A positive mental attitude.

If you’ve taken the time and forethought to really get these thoughts and processes ingrained into your psyche you’re well on your way to successfully taking your business to the next level and beyond.

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How To Use The Chamber Of Commerce To Your Best Advantage

First and foremost, by becoming a Chamber member you’re exposing yourself to the owners of most, if not all, of your area’s largest companies. If you properly cultivate and nurture professional relationships with these movers and shakers, you’ll assure your maximum exposure and influence.  You will become an asset that they will remember and turn to when your expertise is required.

Be sure to attend as many sponsored events as time and budget allow. By becoming more involved in your local Chamber you’re expertise and fields of specialty will be highlighted to more people.  Always hae a good supply of business cards that reinforce your services, and don’t be shy to hand them out.  You never know when someone will need to get back in touch to demand your services.

Volunteer to speak at as many member meetings as they’ll let you. By educating your peers (other business owners) about what an improved web presence can do for their business, you create a need.
You’re also educating them as to just how much they need you and your services to attain those benefits.

Always have more business cards than you think you’ll need when you attend events. Use the 3 foot rule at these events for sure. For those that don’t know, the three foot rule says that you should introduce yourself and give a business card to anyone who comes within three feet of you. By doing so, those people will have a reference when they hear your name again or need your services.

If you have the aptitude or inclination, run for office of your local Chamber. There’s no better way to give highlight to your business than by being the leader of such a respected institution as the Chamber of Commerce.

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