In today’s business environment, small business can look and operate just like big business.

Often small business is doing business with big business. When this happens, don’t feel intimidated, look at how they operate and do the same. Its all down to perception and thinking just like big business should be an integral part of your business strategy.

The key areas to address when it comes to thinking like a big business:

• A professional phone system with more than one phone and on hold advertising
• Source a good Graphic Designer who understands your brand
• A stand out brand image
• Trade Mark your brand
• Professional and consistent well designed and printed marketing material
• Well designed web site
• Professional presentation
• Deliver on your core delivery principals
• Integrate suitable technology
• Register as a company
• Ensure the right address
• Use ‘we’ in communications
• Meet at clients offices
• Accept credit cards
• Register a toll-free number
• Exceed expectations
• Capture customer feedback and integrate into your systems and processes
• Run a loyalty scheme
• Run competitions
• Form business alliances to add value and strength
• Get involved in sponsoring events
• Produce professional, well branded promotional collateral

Tips for thinking like big business

• Take the time to develop a strategic business plan
• Always display good business etiquette and best practice
• Develop a strong brand and tag line and present it professionally and consistently
• Have a good address and phone number that is easy to remember
• Develop a variety marketing materials that represent your business well
• Create web site that professionally represents your business and is easy for your target market to navigate
• Promotional products to help build your brand and customer loyalty
• Sign write vehicles to get your branding noticed-
• Have a display banner professionally produced for events and expos
• Develop a professional and streamlined sales pitch and tools
• Outsource quality suppliers and contractors
• Spend time on developing and refining systems, processes and policies
• Keep seeking ways to innovate and grow your business
• Focus on providing first class customer service
• See testimonials and referrals from your customers
• Ensure your business has addressed all areas of compliance
• Keep moving with technology and upgrading your skills by attending training seminars
• Subscribe to business magazines and newspapers to keep up to date with your knowledge and what’s happening around you
• Become an expert in your field
• Consistent networking and building relationships
• Create a positive storm around your business through doing something for your community, sponsoring a good cause, media press releases, regular editorial column
• Employ skilled staff and lead your team well
• Enter in Business Awards
• Form a board of advisors
• Form alliances with other complimentary businesses

For assistance with growing your business, call the small business specialists at I&IBS on 02 42832221 or visit www.i-ibs.com.au for more information on how our proven systems and stragies can work for your business.