Things are going great for you. You’ve been running your small business for a few years and you are fairly established. You are using all the same tools and skills since day one and they are continuing to be effective and beneficial. There is no need to change anything because everything you are doing is working. Or is it? Are there small changes and adjustments that can be done to take your business to the next level? Absolutely!
For any business or brand, there is always an opportunity to grow, learn, and expand on the success that has already been created. It doesn’t always have to big, major adjustments, because sometimes the smallest changes can boost your business and attract a bigger audience. According to Entrepreneur “to upgrade means to raise all of who you are and what you do to to a higher standard.” Take what has already been working for you and improve upon it. This increases the changes of your business thriving even more, and it also increases the chances of you being even more successful.
Dive Into The Digital Age
Does the thought of utilizing various social media sites and various digital platforms terrify you? It shouldn’t. Actually, it should make you excited because incorporating social media and various digital tools to your already successful marketing efforts can upgrade your communication style and help you reach a wider audience. It is best to start slow and do what you are comfortable with. Research various social media platforms and see what the best one would be for your brand. Think outside the box and try something new that your competitors aren’t doing.
Dr. Simon Ourian, an L.A plastic surgeon, became even more popular after he started posting pictures and even video clips of some of his skincare, laser, and aesthetic surgeries on social media. The bakery, Hayleycakes and Cookies, creatively uses Instagram to show off their baked goods and promote their brand. There are a multitude of ways to use social media to your advantage and use it to increase your brand awareness and grow your business.
There are other ways to dive into the digital age including upgrading the professional tools you use, upgrading your web presence, and upgrading your online content. Determine what works best for you and what makes you comfortable.
Set New Goals For Yourself And Your Business.
Many people want to start businesses but it seems so unrealistic and out of reach. The fact that you’ve already accomplished your goal of starting your own business is a reason to be proud. You are successful and accomplished.
But where do you see your business in five years? Do you want to make a certain amount of money? Do you want to grow your business or expand it to be online? Do you want to start an entire new business venture? Whatever it is, make sure to set goals and push yourself to complete, and surpass them.
It could be in the form of a list, a vision board, a business model, or any format you choose. Do whatever works for you.
Even if the goal seems unrealistic, strive to achieve it. You never know what your hard work can lead to.
Determine If You Are Overspending
Look back at your budget from 2016 and determine if your spending was where you wanted it to be. Did you overspend on office space? On salaries for staff members? On business trips? All these things can add up and effect the money that is going into your wallet.
One great way to save money, especially when you own a small business, is to consider a virtual receptionist. Even though an in-house receptionist is a great asset to a business, they can be expensive. A virtual receptionist can do similar tasks as a traditional receptionist, but for a fraction of the price. Even if you’ve never heard of a virtual receptionist before, it can be something to research and consider.
Also, look at your day-to-day spending and find ways to be better about saving money and sticking to your budget. There is always room for improvement. Look over your spending history and deside the best ways to save money going into the future.
Whatever you decide to do to upgrade your business, make sure it still reflects your brand the way you want. It is never a good idea to change something so much that it alienates and scares away your current customers. All your upgrades should inhance your company, put more money in your pocket, increase your business, and make you even more successful in the future.
