Starting, building, and developing a business isn’t for the faint-hearted.
It takes hard work, dedication, and time.
Time is often the biggest sticking point. As in most cases, we often become so caught up in the frenzy of onboarding new clients and delivering for them that we fail to dedicate the time and resources to continue growing and nurturing our own business.
In addition, with so much `noise`, how do you stand out from your competition? How do you grow your business profile, build your visibility, reputation, and create that positive buzz about what you do and what you have to offer?
In this post, we talk about practical steps to grow your business successfully, boosting your visibility and presence locally.
Online vs Offline
When we talk about visibility, we don’t always mean putting you and your business out there on social media (although, of course, this does play its part).
Visibility to us is about building strong community connections, both on and offline, that allow you to build your reputation and presence.
It is about showing up consistently in order to make your business more discoverable, trusted, successful, and sustainable.
But where do you start, and how do you successfully create that `buzz`?
How to build a buzz around your small business
Our top three ways on how to grow your business offline include:
1. Get involved in local networking events
Step out of your office space and register for local networking events.
At first, meeting and building connections with peers and putting yourself and your business name out there can be nerve-racking. We get it. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a big deal. However, networking does get easier with time.
Whether these are breakfast, brunch, or full-day events, (Eventbrite UK is a great place to find out about Small Business Networking Events in your area), networking is a great way to build up a presence and rapport, meet familiar faces, listen to others in the industry, share experiences, and nurture connections.
It is an opportunity for people to put a face to the business name. To remember you. For you to build your reputation.
Our advice…be prepared. Think about your elevator pitch. How would you describe who you are and what do you do to someone new? Why is it important? Remember to keep your pitch short and to the point, and know your elevator pitch off by heart.
2. Seize opportunities when they come your way
Leading on from being present and attending networking events in your local area is contributing to networking events and local business dinners, for example.
Daunting, yes. Rewarding, absolutely.
This, in turn, provides you with an excellent opportunity to raise your profile, boost your reputation, and share your experiences, expertise, and knowledge. People learn from people, and as business owners, we appreciate honest, real-life stories and information we can relate to and use.
3. Work with membership organisations
Membership organisations, such as your local chamber of commerce, can provide you with a schedule of networking opportunities and a range of events for you to be part of. Whether this be as an attendee or, if your experience allows, as a speaker.
For example, the British Chambers of Commerce provides a range of information on their website dedicated to supporting businesses.
We also recommend that you look out for membership organisations linked to your industry that may also offer local networking opportunities and events (check out the Federation of Small Business and IPSE).
4. Look into local co-working spaces
A chance for small business owners to network and socialise with others, stepping outside of your own office four walls into somewhere new, not only provides you with a boost to creativity and productivity, but it also introduces you to new people and connections.
Co-working spaces are increasing in popularity as they offer opportunities for people to connect and grow their business, where you can learn, share your skills and work with others.
Joining a co-working space (Specifically Welsh ICE) gave Hello Business Support both a place to work and a supportive community. It was and still is, a space that offers encouragement, collaboration and connection at a time when it is really needed and appreciated.
Whether you’re looking to grow your network, find new energy, or just not feel so isolated, finding the right co-working space could be a powerful step forward.
To get started with growing your business profile online:
1. Invest time in your Google Business profile
Your Google Business Profile is singularly one of the best ways to improve your visibility locally, which makes it vital that you keep the information on this page up to date and ideally filled with regular, relevant, and valuable posts and content.
Posting about your business achievements, local events you would like to promote, networking events in the local area to share with others, new business updates, opportunities, and more.
Simple, effective, and a great way to build online visibility.
2. Use LinkedIn
Social media is huge, and most businesses will be on a social media platform of some kind in order to reach their customers.
However, to build your business reputation and name when first starting out, think about LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a great platform for businesses. In fact, it provides you with the opportunity to build your online presence, connect with other professionals, showcase your achievements and also share stories and build rapport.
However, these connections rely on you being consistent.
This means posting regularly and creating valuable and engaging content.
Check out our advice on social media and having a Consistent Voice Online
3. Engage online
Whether you’re posting on your website or your social media channels, you must make sure that these online areas are managed responsibly and effectively. You simply can’t post something and leave it.
You must be available to reply to genuine comments, questions, and queries, responding to people online and engaging with genuine connections.
This is a great way to build your community and showcase the type of business you are, as well as what people can expect if they choose to work with you (i.e., how responsive are you).
Build your community
Creating a buzz around your small business and building your business profile starts and stops with you.
Building key connections with like-minded people and businesses helps to expand your professional circle.
Opening doors and leading to an increase in business opportunities, building your community connections helps to boost your visibility – allowing you to promote who you are, what your business does, and the benefits you can provide others.
As your community and network around you grow, you can:
- Gain invaluable insights into your sector
- Enhance your reputation among peers
- Boost your self-confidence
- Get access to additional resources
- Stay up to date and informed about local events and opportunities
- Have the opportunity to put your contribution into the mix
- Help others.
10 Tips When Launching Your New Business
It’s important as a small business owner that we’re never too busy to forget about growing and driving our own business forward.
This means setting dedicated time aside to network, plan content, and manage connections and relationships.
It’s not about blowing your own trumpet; it’s about owning your achievements and being seen.
How can you share your experience and knowledge if you don’t tell anyone about it?
How can you build your community if you don’t put yourself out there?
Book a free call to discuss how we can help raise your business profile and put a strategic plan in place to support your business growth.
