If you’re a small business and looking for ways to excel in 2018, then this is the perfect article for you. I’ve curated my top four tips that will help you increase profits, streamline your branding and ensure that you have the best possible year for your business, no matter where you are in the process. One of the first places companies need to look when they’re trying to move their business to the next level is their branding. If you’re working as a sole trader or the owner of a small scale business, you might find it hard to break through work barriers. Investing in a mentor is a wonderful way to ensure that you’re smashing your targets, destroying mental barriers and locked into a growth mentality. If your finances are out of order, then you’re going to want to invest in an accountant. Setting a time frame to create rigid goals for the year is also a wonderful way to ensure that you are moving in strides.
1. Custom Branding
There’s nothing more important to a small business than branding. You want a cohesive brand that fosters brand loyalty and ensures your entire product or service line feels professional and reliable. Depending on your business and what you offer, you might find that investing in custom pouch making is a great place to start for your products. Likewise, you’re going to want to investigate whether digital package printing is a good fit for your company. Investing time and money into your branding will go a long way to help encourage brand loyalty and also help you to attract new clients. A company that has a polished brand is much more appealing than another that’s chosen to cut costs on the branding.
2. Find a Mentor
If you’re feeling a bit lost and not sure how to scale your business, then looking to find a mentor or coach is a wonderful way to transform your business. Sometimes we put up mental blocks and use limiting language without even thinking about it. Having someone who’s a professional coach or experienced mentor will help you to have a fresh outlook on your business and provide you with direction.
3. Get an Accountant
Unless you’re a trained accountant or thoroughly enjoy balance sheets, then you’ll probably find that hiring an accountant is one of the best moves you can make. Often accountants offer staggered packages, meaning that you will generally pay a fee proportionate to what you earn. An accountant can help you save money by highlighting tax benefits or allowances that might be applicable to you, ensure that you’re filing your taxes correctly and ensuring that you don’t end up with any nasty tax bills at the end of the year. A good accountant is worth their weight in gold!
4. Set Quarterly Goals
Having clear direction for the year is absolutely essential in moving forward and being able to upscale your business. I like to set goals every three months as that gives me enough time to implement changes, see the results, and then to know what the next move should be. If you’re going to work with a mentor or coach, it can eb a good idea to work through the goal setting with them so you have extra accountability.