How Can I Make My Small Business Look More Professional

Over 60 percent of South Africa’s annual GDP is created by the entrepreneurs of this fine country. Small businesses and micro-enterprises somehow manage to “make a plan” as they forge ahead and make a living for the hardworking souls behind the wheel.

Let’s be frank though; as a small business owner, you don’t want to just eke out a living, do you? Living from month to month has its own unique stresses, and there are times when we just crave a little stability!

That stability is most likely to come as your business grows and gradually morphs into a professional entity with a regular income and a few more hands to carry the load.

So, what steps can we take to make our business look more professional?

Small Businesses! Wear a Suit

When you went for an interview for your first job, no doubt you wore a suit and tie. Indeed, first impressions are vital, but how can we apply this rule to your business?

A Professional Online Presence

When you consider that over 80 percent of your customers are going to research you online before doing business with you, it becomes apparent how important your online business image is.

If you’re not a web designer, then hire someone to put together your online “face.” There is simply no excuse for a poor website today and as well as being a means for people to contact you, it also serves as a silent salesperson even when you’re away on holiday.

Registering a domain with an ISP and hosting your emails is an excellent start to taking your small business out the garage and into the office park. Your email communication should, ideally, not come from johnsplumbing@gmail.com, but from your own domain. A generic (free) email account does little to instil trust in your new customers – if you can’t afford R79.00 for a domain then what sort of business do you run?

A Dedicated Phone Number

This is an area where so many small businesses fall down. Having a dedicated phone number which exists purely for your business is critical, yet too many SMEs just use their personal cell phone. We understand that you’re probably a little cash strapped if you’re just starting out, but there are ways of getting a “landline” number without the cost.

For example, Huge Connect offers a fixed voice solution for small businesses which looks and acts like a business landline (you can even include a geographic area code if it suits your needs) but is a flexible, cost-effective way of bypassing the hassle and expense of fixed-line operators. Proven GSM tech allows for excellent call quality, call reporting and quick installations.

Customers have a single business number that they can call, and if you are not available, they will be forwarded to another member of staff. It’s a brilliantly simple option and one which will easily scale with your burgeoning business.

Internet Solution

While on the subject of communications, have you considered an Internet solution?  A reliable Internet solution is essential to any business today, no matter how big or small or your business is.

There are a myriad of solutions available in the market today, but your Internet solution is largely dependent on three aspects:

• The address of your business premises
• What you want to use it for. I.e. browsing, e-mail, specific applications, etc.
• How critical this Internet solution is to the day to day running of your business

Huge Connect has the ability to assist you with your unique requirements, making sure you buy only what you need, something that is cost effective and simplified.

Get a Business Address

If you work from home, then consider setting up a post office box to direct your post to. There are also virtual offices springing up which offer a business address in a well-known and respected location. This is just another layer of privacy and professionalism that you need as an SME.

Get Your Accounts in Order

There are many free accounting packages that can be downloaded, even if it’s just the basic “lite” version. Whatever your choice is, make certain that you invoice your customers promptly and on a branded and professional document. If you need added security and remote access, then make use of the Cloud in which you can safely store all your sensitive information.

Of course, over and above these suggestions, the professionalism of your small business lies in a great product or service, coupled with excellent customer service.

Ask us – we’ve been there, and we’ve grown; now we’re Huge!