Striking out in the world of small business can be a daunting enterprise, especially when you’ve been a salaried worker throughout your career. Your every move and decision is plagued by the nagging feeling that you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re winging it or that in an important meeting with a key client they’re going to drop their briefcase, point at you and yell “FRAUD!”. Don’t worry. This is a perfectly natural feeling amongst nascent entrepreneurs and while this impostor syndrome does recede as you become more adept and experienced… it never really goes away. If you have an important meeting with a key customer, client or investor coming up and you feel like you need to puff out your chest a little here are some ways that you can make a big impression, no matter how small your business.
Be confident in yourself
It’s an oft used cliche that people buy from people rather than businesses, but it’s absolutely true. Yes, your business plan, your strategy and your products are also extremely important but if people forge a positive relationship with you personally, they’re far more likely to demonstrate loyalty and help to grow your business sustainably.
Be confident in yourself, your abilities and your business and don’t be afraid to give yourself credit for everything you’ve achieved thus far. You may not feel like it sometimes, but you’re crushing it!
Invest in a virtual office
Everyone has to start somewhere. Richard Branson started off running a record stall in a covered market in London, and Alan Sugar started out trading machine parts out of an auto garage. Even if your business is run out of your home office and spare room, that shouldn’t be allowed to impede your chances of success. Investing a little of your capital in a virtual headquarters can really help your business to make that all important first impression with a prestigious virtual office address and a virtual receptionist to direct calls to you. It’s a little flourish but one that could help that key client or investor mark you out as a professional entrepreneur rather than a chancing amateur.
Paint a flattering portrait online
The digital realm is a great leveller. With a little coding knowhow and a working understanding of web design dos and donts, you can craft an online presence that’s every bit as slick and professional as the giant multinationals. Your online presence (your website, your social media presence and your content marketing) plays a huge role in establishing and growing your business so it should be an area where you invest a healthy proportion of your seed money. If you’re unable or unsure of how best to do this yourself, invest in the expertise of a digital marketing specialist safe in the knowledge that you’ll get one of the most guaranteed returns on your investment possible. Make sure that your website is updated regularly with fresh, informative content like blog posts and videos that establish your winsome personality while also demonstrating the knowledge and expertise to convince customers and clients that you’re a safe and expert pair of hands.
Want to learn more?
- Just starting out? CLICK HERE
- Been working in your business for two years or more? CLICK HERE
We’re here to help you to take action just like we’ve helped thousands of other entrepreneurs, business owers and creative professionals all around the globe.
Now is the time to let your passion SHINE.
Now is the time to Make Tomorrow Today!
To your success,
Vinh Van Lam & Stuart Horrex
Your Creative Coaches @ CoSydney & ArtSHINE industries
