With so much uncertainty surrounding us from day to day, it’s easy for small business owners to lose focus and become frustrated. One minute we are open for business and the next we are required to close or change our process. Trying to grow and maintain a customer base is difficult enough in good times, let alone during a pandemic.
So, how can we use this time to improve our business? Are there things we could be doing now that will reap benefits even after Covid is no longer a factor? The answer is yes and the secret is that it’s in the little things. What do I mean by that? Well, now might be the perfect time to sit back and look at those small, seemingly insignificant things that can add up to a boost in your professional image. Let me give you some examples.
Let’s start with the signature on your outgoing emails. Does it include your tagline and company logo? Are you showing all the different ways people can reach out to you? Does it display your title as owner? How would you perceive this person if you received an email with this signature? Is it sending the message you want it to?
Next, you could move on to your social media platforms. Have you filled in all of the sections? Does your story appear where it should? Are your hours and method of sales updated to reflect your current situation? Do your banners have continuity across all of your platforms and with your website? Does your website need some tweaking? Look at your website through the eyes of your potential customer. Is it user friendly and is it easy to find information or do they have to click through too many options to see what they want?
Another area you could look at is doing a live video on a regular basis. With so many people missing human contact and face to face interaction, now might be a good time to let them see your smiling face and let them know that you are there for them. If you’re not comfortable in front of a camera, don’t worry about it. Let them see the real you. It will help build trust.
At The Small Business Centre, we understand the challenges you are facing and are here to help. We can work one on one with you to assess how you can tweak those little things that can make a huge difference. Covid has been and continues to be an exhausting thing to deal with; but it won’t be holding us hostage forever. The sun will come out again and we’ll be stronger and better than before. I promise!
*Brenda’s passion is seeing people achieve greatness. With a background of over 30 years working in sales and customer service and holding the position of Sales Coordinator for a national company, supporting sales reps from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Brenda has honed her skills as a communicator. As a Wordsmith and small business owner herself, she understands the challenges and triumphs that small businesses face. She is an expert at getting people motivated and believing in themselves. Brenda works both one-on-one with clients as well as in workshops to help them with social media and marketing. She is a public speaker and active member of the community, hosting a variety of events. Brenda’s philosophy is let’s work and rise together!
You can reach out to Brenda by emailing brenda@thesmallbusinesscentre.ca
www.thesmallbusinesscentre.ca