We all know that smaller businesses get the short end of the stick when it comes to public perception. Sure, people might feel good about supporting ‘mom and pop’ stores. But there’s always a decreased estimation of your abilities. Well, we say “no thanks” to the condescension. We’re going to tell you how to make a real splash, no matter how small your operation might be.
Puff yourself up
One way to get rid of the immediate disadvantages of being perceived as a small business is to stop that perception. A professional website and an organized approach to your online marketing will make you seem like you have the buzz of a much bigger company. You can even support that illusion by using things like a virtual assistant and a different business address. Frame yourself as a superstar, not a small business.
Be impressive
If your website and your address are telling your clients and business partners one thing, you better not be telling them another. Your personal demeanor (and that of your colleagues) is going to play a huge role. If you want to be impressive, it’s about being professional. About being personable and having the right etiquette. At the same time, it’s about being firm and proactive. Don’t get pushed around in negotiations and make sure you have the answers to the questions that will most likely come your way. Learn the habits of a real professional.
Have something to say
Appearance isn’t just going to solve every problem. Having all the answers is good, too, but you can go a lot further. You can start really drawing attention by having something brand new to say. On the internet, a piece of content can be like the butterfly flapping its wings. It can become a tidal wave. But it needs to be worth it. It needs to be informative or engaging. If you’re in the position to perform a case study that could rock your industry, push for it.
Be an event hawk
All the tips above are only going to work if you have people around you. You need a buzz and chatter to start building. One of the best ways is to start appearing at all the big events. At Steelhead Productions, you can get a good idea of how to attend trade shows without embarrassing yourself. Make connections, win over fans and make a show of it.
Kickstart the conversation
As we said, you want others around you, because you want them to talk about you. If you want to make a big splash, your reputation has to precede you. So, how do you get them talking? You can get psychological with it. Learn the triggers that get people talking about things. Mercenary marketing, evangelical marketing, and philanthropy. These are all terms that should make a big appearance in your marketing strategies.
It’s all about the motion in the ocean, not the size of the boat. Craft a professional image, one that has new things to say and find every opportunity you can to say it. Then you’ll really start drawing some attention.
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