As an entrepreneur, it goes without saying
that you want your business to be successful. But while many oversimplify the
formula to success to offering a great product at a reasonable price, it
actually goes well beyond that. In fact, it is critical to represent yourself
and your company as positively as possible, which in turn will allow you to be
successful.
With this point in mind, let’s look at a
number of pro tips that will help business owners like you to represent yourself
as effectively as you can:
1- Look into Identity Theft Protection
Business owners typically have access to a variety of personal data and other sensitive data, like your customers’ names and addresses as well as their credit card numbers. Unfortunately, cybercriminals know this as well, and may try to hack into your computer to access this information.
To avoid this from happening and keep your customers’ identities private—as well as yours and your employees’—consider investing in an identity theft protection program using the LifeLock discount for new customers. All of your company’s information will be carefully monitored and you will be immediately alerted if there is an issue.
You can focus on running your business, secure in the knowledge that your most sensitive information is being carefully watched.
2- Learn How to Listen Effectively
Another solid tip for entrepreneurs is to learn how to truly listen to your clients. Instead of being the business owner who focuses on delivering your personal message and trying to get more clients, earn the reputation as the entrepreneur who actually listens to what your clients want.
Strive for the 80/10/10 rule, which means listening 80 percent of the time, clarifying 10 percent and using the remaining 10 percent to respond.
3- Network as Much as Possible
Networking is a crucial part of being a successful entrepreneur and an ideal way to represent your company and your team. Even if you feel a bit shy about tooting your own horn and speaking with people you don’t know at networking and other business-related events, it is a super effective way to get others to know you.
As you network and increase your number of contacts, you will not only increase the number of people who know about you and your company, but you will also have a variety of professionals who may be helpful to you and your business. For instance, if you need advice on what program is best for invoicing and tax purposes, that accountant you met at a small business seminar can not only answer your questions, he or she may be willing to barter services.
4- Always Go the Extra Mile
To represent your company in the most positive way, always strive to deliver more than you promise. If you tell a client that you’ll have the product to him in a week, do what you can to get it there in 4 days. Reward new clients with a bonus freebie added to their order, and give long-term clients a discount now and then.
This willingness to go the extra mile will inspire clients to think of your business as one that is trustworthy and reliable, which in turn will lead to repeat sales.
5- Represent Positively and Reap the Rewards
Granted, a solid product and price will go a
long way in helping a business succeed. But as you can see from the
aforementioned tips, growing a company means being constantly cognizant of how
you are representing yourself and your business. By keeping everyone’s data as
safe as you can, becoming a great listener and an active networker and being
willing to give 110 percent at all times, your company is bound to not only
survive but thrive.
