Creative Designs

Jim Rohn, a titan in the speaking business once said, "No matter what goals you set in life, there will always be some simple things you must identify - and do - along the way." For instance, if you want to lose weight, you'll have to cut back on saturated fats and sugar - drink lots of water - exercise - and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet. Do these things and, like magic, the pounds will begin to melt away. If you want to be a better spouse, you'll need to spend more quality time with your mate and family - help out around the house - and be more respectful of your spouse's time. If you accomplish each of these interim goals, you'll reach the larger one, too.

Your business is no different. Setting and reaching a few simple interim goals can lead you to the larger one - a recognizable business that soars above all others in your field. Here are a few simple tips that can make a huge difference.

First of all, remember the words spoken by the famous actor, Don Cheadle: "... mediocrity is what's rampant, but excellence is rare." Always produce a quality product. If you're sending emails, make sure your document is well written. If you're printing T-shirts or publications, use top-notch images or photography. Your attention to detail speaks volumes about you and your business. Quality always beats quantity - and your prices can reflect your demonstrated expertise and concern for your clients. Just ask Porsche or Rolls Royce.

Secondly, if you advertise in print, spring for a full page or cover so that you'll leave a large and lasting impression. Most business owners are satisfied with business cards or quarter-page ads. To achieve celebrity status for your business ... a full page is a must and repetition is the key.

The third tip that can help you become a business celebrity is to fall in love with taking risks and though you may be afraid to step out into the unknown, do it anyway. You'll separate your business from the rest of the pack when you take just one extra step. You don't have to run an entire extra mile. Trust me, you can soar above the crowd by doing a little bit more. Most people would rather remain comfortable with where they are, rather than move forward. So ... take a risk with one extra step and you'll get some attention. Always remember, succeeding in business is all about taking risks.

My fourth tip for you is to promote your business as an expert source. You know your strong points. Accentuate those attributes. Write them down. Keep them in front of you when you're talking on the telephone. What makes you an expert? Why do they need your product or service? Develop a catchy slogan or jingle and make sure you have a great logo and website design.

Tip number five: stick to your niche. It is better to dig one deep well than many shallow ones. If you're in the printing business, for example, set goals to increase your business progressively. You might start with your own printing press and progress to offering graphic design while planning to establish a full-service distribution company. As you add more services within your niche, your revenues will grow, allowing you to offer even more aligned services.

And finally, network, network, network. Promote your brand image as often as you can. Attend trade shows, health fairs and other events. Talk about what you do with as many people as possible. Increase your web presence. Pitch a TV or radio show. Write a book or an e-book to establish yourself as an author and an expert in your field. In other words, find a way to serve more people.

Stay on this "celebrity model" course to brand your business and the public will be more likely to remember your organization when they need your product or service. And increased revenue? That's a natural by-product of celebrity.

Jacqueline Benjamin-Thomas is the co-publisher of People You Need to Know, a publication which spotlights business celebrities in metro Atlanta. She is also the co-author of Grow Through It & Lead, an inspirational book about overcoming obstacles, embracing challenges and moving forward. Jacqueline invites you to visit her business website at http://www.sparkplugpeople.com and her podcast at http://myideas1.podbean.com to discover some of the top professionals you need to know in metro Atlanta.

posted by lks  # 2:49 AM