It can be hard to break into an industry and it can sometimes feel like you have just as many detractors as supporters. If you’re starting a business as a student, the market’s perception of you might even seem harsher. The fact is that there will be those who both see and paint your business as an amateur enterprise because you don’t have the experience, size, or history of your rivals. But you can get past that first impression or, better yet, make sure it never happens.
Present like a pro
If you’re acting and speaking as the face of your business, then you need to do it with pride and confidence. Practice your pitches, work on your public speaking, and make sure you’re projecting professionalism through your body language. Don’t forget that appearances matter. Besides dressing professionally, carrying the right business cards with you can help you seem much more serious and established rather than just another fleeting startup.
Make timeliness a key issue
Etiquette makes a huge difference as well, especially when dealing with clients. You need to be easy to reach and to get a hold of. Most importantly, you have to keep appointments when you make them. Starting a business can be a particularly hectic period of your life, so don’t leave things to chance. Apps like www.any.do can help you manage your time much more effectively and ensure that you are where you’re supposed to be at any given time.
Develop a real brand
You can’t undo the launch of a brand or a website if you haven’t prepared it as much as possible. If you haven’t shown your brand to the world, it might be a good idea to hold back on it until you can work with a team like www.vistacomm.com. A little professional polish can go a long way, with the visual design and the brand storytelling to make your business seem a lot more thought-out and to develop an impactful message. There’s nothing to say you can’t relaunch your brand if it didn’t make enough of a splash last time, either. A great brand is the difference between an exciting new startup and another local venture that looks smalltime.
Don’t give the game away
You don’t have to lie about the business, but you don’t have to tell anyone that you’ve just opened your doors or you’re operating from your dorm. Use a virtual address from sites like www.earthclassmail.com instead of your home address for any business correspondence. Consider using a virtual assistant to act as your front desk if your team consists of only you right now. If you’re arranging meetings, consider taking it to a café or restaurant near them. This way, your clients don’t have to see your home office and it also makes it look like you’re putting in the extra effort to travel to them.
While you should keep your ear to the ground and be aware of your business’s reputation, try not to weigh negativity any more than you appreciate positivity. We have a tendency to focus on the bad more than the good when it comes to our own efforts. Besides following the tips above, ensure your perception of your reputation is balanced and fair.
No comments yet.