Most Small Business Owners are faced with this question at
some point. It usually comes at a time
when your hard work is starting to pay off and you see real progress in
reaching your initial goals.
It is
then you may start to think it is time to Grow Your Business. You may consider increasing your workforce,
entering a new market, or something else designed to generate new business.
While there are many possibilities as to what direction you
can take, it is vitally important to choose the correct one according to your
business and your new set of goals. You
should make sure you take into consideration your type of business and the amount
of time and money you are willing to invest.
If you weigh your options and decide to take the plunge, here
are some possible steps you can take:
·
You Can
Diversify
This works whether you are a
product or service base business. By
diversifying your business can choose to create a new product or service to add
to what you already have to offer.
By using this tactic, your
business has better access to different sources of income. It also keeps your business “fresh” and
exciting to your customers.
·
You Can
Target Other Markets
Even though the market you
currently target produces sales, taking a fresh approach and looking at what
you can offer additional markets could be just the growth push your company
needs.
Find out what other products
and services interest your current customer base. Then take the extra step and determine what additional
markets are also interested in those identified new products and services. Consider these your new “target markets”.
·
You Can
Buy, Merge, or Partner with Another Business
Pooling resources is a great
way to expand. You can consider
purchasing outright a struggling or bankrupt business. You can also decide to merge or partner with
another similar or compatible company.
Either way, there are definite
benefits; a “ready-made” customer base, the ability to retain the best
employees from both companies, and the chance to combine resources and
knowledge.
·
You Can
Open Another Location
This can be a tricky option,
but one many small business owners desire.
The main consideration here is the capital required. Is this step something you have existing
capital to fund or would it be necessary to borrow to finance the new location?
It is important to consider the
additional costs to run another location.
You should plan for more “man power”, utility costs, supplies, and even rent
or mortgage costs.
·
You Can
Increase Your Social Media Presence
Even in tough economic times or if no
other step for “growth” is possible , this option should be utilized. This can be a “no-cost” or relatively low
cost step, at least initially.
Most small businesses have created the
basic Facebook page, established an identity on LinkedIn, and many use Twitter
and Pinterest on a regular basis.
However, there are also additional
platforms to consider. For example,
writing a blog is a great way to establish a “voice”. A blog can help your business build
credibility and establish yourself as an “expert” in your field. Writing an ebook can accomplish much of the
same. Either way, it is a definite way
to get your business noticed and widen your reach.
What I would caution, however, is
that establishing a strong media presence can be extremely time consuming. While the “voice” you create definitely needs
to be consistent, employing a professional company to run your social media is
a valid expense.
Growing your business can encompass a
“full blown” charge ahead or can simply be a few small steps designed to move
your company in a forward direction.
What is most important is for you to fully analyze where your company is
at the moment and where you want it to be in the future.
No matter what you
decide, keep in mind these words from Benjamin
Franklin:
“Without continual growth and
progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”
