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Expert Answers to Biz Questions Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz.
5 Proven Tips to Take Your Small Business to the Next Level
Small businesses are mostly born out of passion. This happens when you change something you enjoy doing to a profession. For the experienced business person who has operated for some time, the next challenge is always to expand. You don’t want to remain in the same store for decades.
Every business should have the vision to grow. However, you must have a good plan in place to avoid overwhelming your small business when expanding.
The following tips will help you to improve your small venture without going bankrupt.
1) Focus on Building a BrandBrand recognition is one of the surest ways to build a community of loyal clients. When a consumer sees your advert, slogan, or logo, they will recognize your business immediately. A strong brand can survive tough times and has a long-term appeal to consumers. For instance, PUMA’s “Forever Faster” slogan is a phrase that sticks with people for long.
To establish a strong brand, you need to engage in effective marketing campaigns. It would help if you started by promoting your brand online through your company website and social media. Ensure your site is optimized and hosted by a suitable server for a great browsing experience. Check out this post by ServerMania on how to select the best server for your small business.
2) Reinvest WiselyIf you are planning to open a new branch, the amount of capital you use from your current business might affect your cash flow. Remember that your new business will need time to break even. This means over-reliance on your initial branch might overwhelm the resources you have. Only expand when you feel that the company is doing good enough to support your new branch.
It’s also crucial to consider other financing options, such as taking a loan. However, try to finance your new business with more of your own money. Loans can be costly to service, especially if your new branch struggles during the initial stages.
3) Be More InnovativeWhat separates a successful business from its competitors is how innovative it is. To have the edge over your competitors, you must do things differently. Instead of investing your resources on improving your products, shift your focus to other areas. For instance, try to adopt new technology, such as having a live chat service to serve your customers better.
4) Prioritize Your Existing CustomersThe biggest mistake that a small business can make is focusing too much on acquiring new customers and not giving enough attention to existing ones. This is setting your company for failure; you will be adding on one side and subtracting on the other.
According to research, only 6% of small businesses focus on retaining customers. You should put in measures to make your clients feel valued. For instance, create a platform where customers can give feedback about your product or service. Such information will help you to make the necessary changes to push your venture to the next level.
5) Delegate DutiesWhile it might not be possible to afford employees during the initial stages, it’s good to look for some assistance once the business picks. If you want your venture to have long term success, you must be ready to delegate duties to other people. In case you fall sick or go on a trip, there will be someone to cover for you. It will also allow you to concentrate on other vital aspects of your business.
Final ThoughtsAlthough expanding is inevitable, you should not be overambitious. Take time to strategize before opening a new branch.
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