Our local business community is predominantly comprised of small business owners, with more home-based businesses than ever before. Today, image is extremely important, and most small and home-based businesses strive to convey the most professional image in order to give their prospects confidence in doing business with them.
There are so many subtle nuances that can give off an image of professionalism. Here are a few ideas:
1. Did you print out your business cards yourself in an effort to save money? Remember, your business card is often the first chance for a prospect to judge your company. And yes, people do notice the perforated ends! Spring for the $30 – you can’t afford not to have professional business cards!
2. For self employed or home based businesses – do you answer your phone with a simple “hello”? Think about the impression that makes. If you want to seem bigger, answer with the company name.
3. How does your literature look? Does it look like it was done at home? You don’t have to spend a lot to get sharp looking brochures. With the right paper and layout, you can do it at home and have it look like the pros….or you may want to get it done at a printer.
4. When talking about your services, instead of saying, “I can do this” or “I offer this”, use “we”. If you want to be a “we” someday, then think and talk like a “we” now.
5. When asking for a sales appointment, do you say, “sure i can do it any day this week, i have nothing else going on all week.?” How about, “I have several appointments this week, but maybe I can squeeze you in on Wednesday…”
6. For home based businesses – Do you have young children or babies at home? Nothing makes it more obvious to someone that they are dealing with a home-based business than hearing children crying or screaming in the background while you’re on the phone. I know you want to give them that personal family feeling, but remember that you’re trying to gain their trust and confidence. Here’s a creative way around this problem: insulate your door jamb with inexpensive weather striping, and close your door when the phone rings…you’ll be amazed at how good this sound proofing technique works.
7. Do you conduct all business calls on your cell phone? That may be OK for some businesses, but keep in mind that it’s usually obvious to someone that you’re on a cell phone.
8. Do you use call-waiting on your business line? Most businesses do not use call waiting, but instead have multiple phone lines. It’s just another subtle thing that can make it obvious that you only have one phone line. Instead, consider having that second call go directly to voice-mail. It’s a bit more professional.