Does your personal and business image do you justice?
As a personal stylist and a relatively new mum myself, I am often working with clients who are starting to re enter the workforce whilst juggling motherhood. Occasionally this leads them down the path of their own business, so as to pursue their dreams on their own terms.
The women I meet are all very intelligent, driven and extremely capable and I am inspired on a daily basis by many of them. They have often worked for years in large corporate business’s and have taken on the best of this world whilst filtering out the ideals or philosophies that may not work for them personally. The amount of time and thought that goes into defining the product or service that they will be providing cannot be faulted on most occasions. This is the point however where I believe a lot of people can let themselves down.
No matter how small a business is, even if you are a sole trade with no employees, you still need a very clear vision for your Brand. How do you want your business to look? Who is you target market? Who are you trying to appeal too? Do you have a consistent company logo, brand for cards, website advertising etc. How are you going to present yourself to your customers? This does not mean that you have to start with a huge investment in all these mediums straight up, in fact, I suggest really holding back until you have had a really good think about all these areas. Once you start getting things printed and logos and colours start appearing on cards and websites etc you really need to remain consistent with this for your message to get across to market. Is your business strong and graphic or arty and quirky or even natural and holistic?? Your colours, type and all other communication needs to reflect this message for maximum impact.
In addition to these elements, if you have an office space that you will be seeing clients in, continue with these themes. Often these are rented premises, however it is amazing how much you can get across though lighting, artwork and even music and greenery! Last but certainly not least is you…. You are the face of your business and these principles need to be the most thought out and refined on you the proprietor. No matter how stressed, exhausted or even broke you might be, make sure you are always showing off your business in the best possible light. You and your staff leave the most lasting impression, so ensure that you have given your business the best possible chance of it being a great one.
In the initial set up phase, you are really hoping that these new clients take a leap of faith in you and your product or service over others which are better known to them. You need to do everything possible to give these new clients confidence in what you have to offer.
All of these principles can of course be applied when re locating your business or in particular when changing industries. Best of luck and remember that all the hard work in the beginning can bring great rewards down the track!
Joanne is a personal stylist and consultant Brand Manager for small business, based in Sydney with over 20 years experience in the fashion industry, Contact Joanne for more info on Joanne.becker@bigpond.com
