Sunday, January 6, 2008

Image is Everything: Planting the seeds for long-term success!

Thinking long-term can be one of the best choices you make as a small business marketer. So many just go with quick, cheap solutions that they end up missing the mark all together. Developing an image that will build long-term success is like nurturing a seedling to maturity.

With that said, it’s important to understand that image is everything and can be the difference between catching a big fish or Nemo. How many businesses start on a whim (not necessarily a bad thing), but give out hand written business cards, poorly designed graphics, or the quality of stock used for printing is not just bad, but really bad! I know what you’re thinking. That’s all I can afford. There are definitely some things you can do on a shoestring budget that will help you improve your image and grab clients a little faster even if your look changes completely in a year or two. The idea is to get business as fast as possible without looking like it’s little old you running the whole company. A few “Inspired by Growth” tips:

  • One thing you should always consider is to invest in a professional logo with tag line
  • Always use a quality stock of paper
  • Less is more
  • Be consistent with colors, look, and theme
  • ONLY give out brochures printed on a quality stock even if you have to print them one at a time
  • Use templates and icons if necessary
  • Find a small business marketing consultant (this can be an affordable option)

Remember, the important thing is to get sales as soon as possible. You can always upgrade later down the road when your company is growing beyond your wildest dreams.


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