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10 Ways to Build a Positive Reputation For Your Small Business

If you're just starting a new small business, you have your work cut out for you. It's important to establish a strong web and social media presence to make sure that your brand and philosophy are reaching your target audience. But what's the most efficient way to build your small business reputation when you don't have any customers yet? Here's how.

1. Get organized.

You're going to be having a lot of meetings, phone calls, and lunches with potential clients and supporters, so be sure to give off an air of control. Even if you feel overwhelmed, you must not look it. Establish a filing system for business cards, contacts, and bills. Make sure your calendar is updated and easy to read.

2. Facetime is key.

There's a great benefit to online networking platforms such as LinkedIn, but you do not want to rely on the web entirely for building your reputation. Join physical networking groups that meet on a regular basis and target an audience similar to the one you're targeting. Search for opportunities to give presentations and talks at events. Get your message out there. Word of mouth is not just a thing of the past -- it actually works.

3. Get published online.

If you're able to publish a short, direct article on an online publication, you can link it right to your website and generate traffic. Posting boosts SEO! Just make sure your content is not spammy. Keep to factual information and make it relevant to your audience.

4. Get your social media game on.

Social media is the future of information dissemination. But make sure that you engage your community in a conversation -- don't just share links. Have a voice, a point of view, and a philosophy that defines your brand.

5. Be prepared and follow up.

In your meetings, be professional. Always have something to take notes on (don't take notes on your phone!). Always give your business card and follow up within two to three business days. Let whoever you're talking to know that you care.

6. Give a little.

When you're first starting out, you'll have to give in order to receive. Volunteer your products or services to nonprofit organizations. Get your name out there. Show people what you can do. Even if you feel like you'll be working for free, it'll pay off in the end. The community will see how hard you can work for little profit, and be more willing to trust and support your business.

7. Be legit.

Just like an antique needs authenticity papers, so does your business. If your business would be more credible with certifications, make sure you get them and display them throughout your place of business, on your website, and on your business card. People trust third-party evaluations. Here's how you can make it official.

8. Have a classy website.

Invest in appearance. Internet savvy is sexy. If you're not confident about your web skills, it's worth it to check out some online resources (we're assuming you know how to use a search engine). You can either learn some simple design techniques yourself or have a friend help you out. Try out Squarespace or Wix. Along with your site, make sure you dress well to reflect your professionalism.

9. Go above and beyond.

In your first months of operation, you're out to impress, so do nice things. This means, throw in a free estimate, bring along a free gift, or give some great (free) advice. People will appreciate you taking the time to give them personalized attention. Customer experience is the most important part of a successful business. This also means, after a meeting, send a handwritten thank you card, for example. Remember small details. Don't be afraid of being old fashioned.

10. Do what you say you're going to do.

If you can't deliver on your promises, no one is going to trust you. So if that means setting smaller goals, set smaller goals at first. Then, once you get your flow, you can scale up to reach your original goals. It's always better to impress someone who doesn't expect a lot than to disappoint someone who expects the world!

With a little patience, a lot of following up, and a sweet website, you'll have all you need to develop a great reputation for your small business, even before you get any customers. Keep these tips in mind and let your business grow.


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The 5 M's Of Starting Your Own Business

Starting your own business may be your lifelong dream. Big believers in their product or service want to form their own name in the corporate world without being held back by big business or working for someone else.

While faith in one's self and a go-getter attitude is a positive start, there's much more that goes into launching a start-up or small business. A great portion of this comes down to personality type and what you've got to offer. Even the best ideas can fall flat without the perseverance and attitude that gets you past the finish line.

How can you be sure you're cut out for this venture and ready to roll? Ask yourself these "5 Ms" for a better idea if your goals are actionable, attainable, and as amazing as you think they are.

Motivation - Are You Passionate and Determined?

A drive to succeed is more important than you may think. Belief in yourself, your company, and your success is the first building block to your future castle. A positive attitude, strength of character, and a true love for what you plan to embark upon will give you the steam to push through every obstacle you'll no doubt encounter on your journey. Entrepreneur notes, while passion alone won't seal the deal, it's essential to be truly excited about starting. You'll need to be your own cheerleader before anyone else joins in. In this case, there is an "I" in "team."

Marketability - Is Your Business Idea New or Better than What's Out There?

A novel idea or a newer or better approach to an existing concept or business is part of what will make your potential start-up stand out from the pack. Do your homework and find out if you've got something the market is lacking. See if there are existing patents for a product or prototype, and search diligently online to the point of exhaustion. There's no reason to leap into something you won't be able to bring to fruition. If you think your idea is gold, then paired with your passion, bring it to life. People don't realize what they want or need until it's presented to them. We all got along just fine before cell phones, right?

Must-Have - Do Friends and Family (even strangers) Like the Concept?

While you may think you've got the brains and business sense to make your start-up soar, a little (or a lot) of validation is imperative. You're going to need clients, customers, and consumers, so get yourself a range of potential users or buyers to confirm that your concept is on point. Ask friends, neighbors, and even people on the street what they think of your idea. Would they buy it or utilize the service? What would they do differently or expand upon? A pre-launch, self-administered market research project will let you know if your idea is interesting to more folks than just yourself. As posted on Entrepreneur, sometimes the vision doesn't align with what customers want, so make sure there's a market.

Money - What's Your Budget Like?

You're likely going to blow through money like it's water while launching your start-up, and there's no guarantee you'll make it back (plus more) quickly. Talk to a financial advisor to plan intelligently and accordingly, and be realistic. It's important to do your research as to how much everything from parts, to space, to salaries, to advertising will really cost you. Plus, you'll need to be sure you've protected yourself from dipping into your retirement or other savings so you don't bleed yourself dry. As Money puts it, a good rule to follow if to limit your investment in a start-up to no more than 30% of your savings. Insurance is smart as well, and Money recommends a general liability policy for your business to protect yourself. With this in mind, make an appointment with your banker and work out a doable plan that will help you launch with enough gas to push through the start-up phase.

Management - How Are Your Time Execution Skills?

Before you're able to hire a part- or full-time staff, you're going to have to wear a lot of hats and juggle more balls than a circus clown. Are you the type of person who can multi-task, yet still get things completed? Are you versatile and knowledgeable about many, if not all facets of your business? Wall Street Journal warns that if you're not the type of person who can manage numerous roles, entrepreneurship may not be what you're cut out for. Self-discipline and strong decision-making skills are key as well. You're the boss now so the motivation comes from within. Entrepreneur suggests looking inside yourself and be honest if you've got the skills to do it all (at least at the get-go).

This is only the start, but with affirmative responses to these "5 Ms," you will better gauge whether or not you're ready to start up your start up!

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