4 great ways to make your small business more professional

How to increase professionalism in the workplace

Whether you are at a pre-launch stage or have been in business for a while, running a professional outfit is a must if you want to grow and succeed. Most start-up businesses fail within the first two years for one reason or another, but, if you run a small business, and you are methodical, professional, and are not intimidated by hard work, you should have a decent shot at making it a success.

Here are 4 great ways to make your small business more professional.

Brand recognition

Look at any successful business, and they will have a solid, recognisable brand behind them. If you already have a logo, make sure you use it on your packaging, website, and social media platforms.  Continuity is key, and the more people see your brand, the better chance of it becoming recognised.

When it comes to packaging, use eco-friendly and sustainable products where possible. Not only will it show you care about the environment, but it could attract a wider customer base.

Insurance

If you have company vans or cars, you must have insurance in place. Not only does this cover your staff driving them, but provides peace of mind that you are insured should any third party be injured or hurt. Insurance intermediaries such as One Sure compare the market to provide you with competitive quotes for car and van insurance. They can assist you with commercial and liability insurance too.

Every business needs insurance so, if you don’t yet have it, you must deem it a priority.

Deliver when you say you will

Part of being professional means making sure that you stick to deadlines and communicate with your customers. If orders are regularly shipped late, or you can’t keep up with demand, customers will start to lose faith. Be realistic about delivery times and let your customers know what you expect. If you are struggling with the number of orders you are receiving, hire another pair of hands, even if only temporarily.

Issues can arise once in a while, but you must do everything you can to not disappoint your customers. One wrong move and you may lose them for good, so focus on delivering when you say you will, and you shouldn’t go far wrong.

Connecting with your customer base

From advertising and marketing to after-sales, the way you interact with your customer base can make or break your business. If a customer has a concern, handle it professionally and politely, even when you don’t want to. The customer may not always be right but pretending they are could greatly benefit you in the long run.

When running a marketing campaign, be articulate and keep things on a professional level. Ranting about late delivery of stock on your latest vlog or moaning about a disruptive client will not give a good impression and could deter other customers from ordering from you.

Conclusion

Always remember that you are the face of your brand, and your actions and the decisions you make could be the difference between a professional, successful business and an amateur one that’s destined to fail.