Table of Contents Introduction Planning Managing Finances Marketing

Marketing

When you are growing your business, you want it to look bigger than it is. There are a number of very effective ways to do this.

Make Your Business Official

Pick a business name other than your own. Get a business license. Incorporate (if it is in your best financial interest). Get a Federal Tax ID. Use this number instead of your Social Security Number for 1099s and checking accounts. To your customers this says that you intend to have employees one day (whether you do or not).

Prepare Your Company Collateral

While there is no requirement to have a logo, it does say something about your professionalism. Pay a graphic artist to design a logo for you. Once you have the look you want, print stationary and business cards, and design your Web site.

A Web presence is mandatory in today’s world. Your Web site must be easy to navigate and professional looking. If your main business is Web site design, this will be your biggest sales tool. Do not treat your Web site like the cobbler treated his children. It needs to be a priority, not something you will get to when you have time.

Use the Royal “We” When Referring to Yourself in the Business

This gives the appearance that there is more than one person involved in the business.