If you’re a business owner, then you probably already know that the vast majority of your success won’t be built on your ideas or anything else: it’ll rest on how other people perceive your business. If you’re seen as a good but limited, small-time company, then your sky will be limited. However, if you’re seen as a prestigious, professional outfit, then there’s no telling where you can reach. If you haven’t yet given much thought as to how people view your company, then incorporate our tips below.
Becoming Professional
People will only take your company seriously if you take it seriously. An unprofessional attitude isn’t just about using bad language or not dressing properly for your position; it’s about not going the extra mile to let everyone know that your business is real and can help them. People like to hear jokes, but not when they’re trying to work with you. People don’t mind waiting an extra ten minutes if their friend is late; they will mind if you’re late and don’t call them in advance. In short: your clients are not your friends, so don’t treat them like one.
Hire an Assistant
In all likelihood, you’re a small outfit with just a few staff members (or it might just be you). You’re the CEO, marketing expert, and delivery person all wrapped up to one. It shows that you’re willing to work hard, but prestige doesn’t rest with hard work: it’s about perception, remember. If your potential customers are calling up and you’re the one to answer, it’ll show that you’re a small fish. So why not hire an assistant, and have them answer all the calls for you? Even if you could answer them yourself, there’s something about waiting to speak to someone that’ll shift the power towards you.
Your Company Address
People pay more attention to a company’s location than you might think. A business located in a trendy, thriving quarter of a city will have a grander image than one that’s based on the fringes of a town, for instance, so give some thought to your location. You don’t even need to work from a location to glean the benefits. More and more companies are using virtual offices in desirable locations, which means they’ll get all the benefits of having an in-demand address, without the associated high office fees. It’ll look a lot of better than using your basement as your location!
Promote Yourself
Take a look at some of the world’s biggest companies. How many would you say act with modesty in mind? None of them. It’s a crowded enough world is it, and no one else is going to shout from the rooftops about how great you are: only you can do that. The general public doesn’t admire confidence when it comes from an individual, but they love it – even if they don’t know they love it – when it comes to businesses. Stand tall, act with confidence, and sell yourself; if you do, prestige will follow.
