FEATURE
GROWING YOUR BUSINESS
FINDING THE PERFECT PREMISES This was not an easy process as our list of requirements were quite specific. Be prepared to undertake a lot of viewings and to haggle. We negotiated the first month to be rent-free which helped massively when setting up a print studio as the initial outlay for equipment was high. We were also naively unaware that renting a premises is like buying a house - time consuming, costly and a solicitor required.
WEB AND BRANDING Make sure your branding is uniform across all aspects of your business and that your logo is one to be proud of. Branding promotes recognition and sets you apart from competitors. A website should be memorable, eye-catching and contemporary, but not too wordy. Choose inspirational images and update regularly with blog posts. Consider SEO if your budget permits and ensure your website is search engine friendly.
NETWORKING Turn every opportunity into a networking opportunity. Never be without a business card or promotional leaflet. Every person you meet is a potential customer whether directly or indirectly. Don’t be afraid to involve friends and family in the promotion of your business, word of mouth has been our number one marketing channel for gaining new clients and is highly cost effective. We would recommend getting business support from
your local council, we found that Blaby District Council promotes economic development for the local area. There are a wealth of free events and training courses to support a small business. Trade shows offer great networking opportunities, but ensure your stand stands out from the crowd. Invest in a quality display system and handouts to showcase your brand.
SUPPORT OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES AND CHARITIES M3 Create is proud to support a local charity, The Sian Green Foundation. We highly recommend charitable giving/sponsorship for any business. Aside from the warm fuzzy feeling of doing good, it
offers networking opportunities with other businesses and provides great PR. We are also passionate about supporting other local businesses and now share our workspace with The Willoughby Book Club, after its premises was destroyed by a fire. We gain a rental income, have a new customer and have created friendships. Sometimes good does come from bad.
HOST EVENTS We recently hosted a lunchtime yoga session, this promoted positive staff wellbeing and helped to build a great working environment. We also held a successful open day and invited potential and existing clients, this provided a great social media opportunity and an abundance of cake.
Here at M3 Create we have a favourite and very apt quote: “Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve” - J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
60 business network May 2019
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