7 Creative tips that could change the way you do business.

Sometimes momentum comes from making the smallest tweaks and changes. It’s not always about “going big.” Why not keep it simple for a change. Stop throwing everything at the wall hoping something will stick. Pick 1 or 2 things and make them work. Concentrate and focus on doing them right, doing them well and doing them consistently. Any one of the following tips could be a great source of rejuvenation, organization or inspiration:

1.  Specialize and stick with it. Don’t be afraid of creating a name for yourself. You should create your niche early in your business and continue to refine it. David Newman says, “Wannabes know 10 topics 1 foot deep. Experts know 1 topic 10 feet deep.
2.  Give away something free to everyone who brings in the print version of your advertisement. This is a great way to see which ads work, which ones don’t and which ones are effective.
3.  Got an overstock of audio CD’s or a product you just can’t seem to sell? Offer it up in gift bag or offer a “name your price” program.
4.  Cloud compute. Use web-based applications for efficiency, increased security (review and check them out first), to access your information for anywhere and for better organization. Always start with free before you upgrade to make sure the system meets your needs.
5.  Lessen your impact on the environment (personally and) professionally. (i.e. only print when necessary, use both sides, sign documents electronically with programs like Ecosign https://secure.echosign.com/public/home, turn your computer off at night and on weekends, change the light bulbs in your office, recycle your ink cartridges and reduce unnecessary car trips.
6.  Offer a proposition to your competitors to trade or exchange clients you were both unsuccessful in selling to.
7.  Make the most of networking opportunities. When you are at an event have an objective and purpose (i.e. to find 3 people in your industry, 2 people who need referrals to someone you may know, 1 person to remember who you are).

BONUS: Professional image. Just because you are a small business doesn’t mean you have to present yourself like one. Your entire profile should always be professional. YOU are your brand. Everything that has your business name on it (website, business card, press kit, etc.) represents you and your brand. Make sure your marketing collateral is consistent, clean and clear and that includes you!

If you want to change your business, sometimes you need to change. A tweak here, a tweak there can make all the difference in how your ideal clients see, connect and buy from you.

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A.Michelle Blakeley is in the listening business. As a Micro Business Therapist, she provides an open-minded and non-judgmental ear to listen to the real issues and concerns that start-up, emerging and women entrepreneurs experience and negotiate solutions through comprehensive discussions and practical micro business plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, contributor for the San Francisco Examiner and Fearless Woman Magazine; the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on BlogTalkRadio.com and author of the NEW e-book: “Get it Right and Move Along… a collection of practical tips, tools and techniques for small business owners.”

AMB

www.simplicitymastered.com

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