Starting out in business can feel like you’re walking across a minefield. The failure rate for startups puts off many from even trying. When people do decide to start, it can be hard competing with similar businesses who have been in the field for many years. Businesses that have been around for a while have established themselves being professionals and endured the test of time. When a business does not have a professional brand or image, it can be really tough to keep a customer stream flowing. You won’t have any word of mouth sales or repeat business from happy customers who want to keep doing business with you.
The key is to appear professional right from the start. Here are three tips to help you create a professional business image and build a strong brand reputation.
Excellent Phone Etiquette
Even with the rapid advances in technology, you will still have to do some business over the phone. This can be with suppliers, manufacturers, colleagues or clients. Therefore, your team must practice excellent phone etiquette. Be polite at all times and if something isn’t going your way, never hang up or be rude. Remember, this isn’t about you anymore. It’s about your business and how you act is a direct reflection of it.
You might want to think about what happens if you aren’t able to answer your phone. Perhaps a virtual receptionist can help. Consider hiring someone to answer your phone when you’re working on tasks, in a meeting or just not available. You could also have a specific phone number dedicated to certain incoming calls. For example, having a phone line that is strictly used for customer service calls.
If you have a team that works for you, spend time training them on how to answer calls. This may seem like something simple but setting a company standard can make a big difference for your companies reputation.
Ensure Your Website Is Ready To Launch
Launching a new business or product is exciting. So much so, you may move to quickly and not do all the proper checks beforehand. Launching when you aren’t ready can deliver nothing but huge reputational damage. This is true even when it comes to your website.
Take time to test the site to iron out any potential flaws. Make sure any links are active and any forms that need to be completed route to the right places. Have someone who represents your target market test the site to see if it is easy to use and customer friendly. You need to make sure your navigation is smooth and it follows a logical pathway.
As your website gains more exposure, ask for feedback and make updates. Do not take an approach of it’s done and you never have to update the site again. I meet with my website designer annually to see what updates I need to make to my website.
Brand Your Business
There will be businesses that offer the same services that you do. But, do not let that stop you. You want to create a brand that people will recognize and when they see your logo they will know it’s your business. Think of Starbucks. When you see their logo, you know exactly who the company is without having to see any words. Pick colors that resonate with you and represent what your business stands for. I chose blue as the primary color for my business, Infinity Coaching, Inc. Why? Because blue represents trust, dependability, and strength.
Create graphics and social media posts that have a professional look to them. Do not throw something together that is not appealing or eye-catching to your potential customer. Even take time to take a good profile picture that can be used on your social media, website and other promotions.
However, when it comes to branding, do not reinvent the wheel. Look at what has been working and make it your own such as having a 360 site that serves as a social media connector. It allows people to easily find you on all of your social media platforms, website, podcast, etc.
Implementing these three strategies can help you to create a professional image for your business. If you’re not sure how to get started, schedule a time to meet and we can come up with s personalized strategy just for your business. Here’s to YOUR success!
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Executive, and Leadership Coach. She is the President of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where she can help you up-level your skills so that you can up-level your income, career, business, or life. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides organizational training and one-on-one and group coaching. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
