Are You The Ugly Friend?

This question is a bit harsh on the surface, but you need to know if your company is the one your competitors compare themselves to.  

Today I'm going to talk about image and how small investments can bring in large sales.  Image is one of the biggest obstacles small business face, because of budget constraints or simply lack of skill and time to create the image you really want.  It's unfortunate that this is the one area that is so hard to master, but it plays such a huge role in how much your customers trust you or your company.  In fact, if you have a bad image the chips may already be stacked against you.

I'm not trying to imply that you shouldn't go into business unless you have a ton of start up cash, but there are definitely some areas that you can afford to improve that will get you more sales. 

One thing I always here is "I'll improve my image when I get more money to invest in better stuff." Sadly, by then it may be too late. Here's an example.  Lets say you have a hot date.  And I mean very hot date. Wouldn't you take a shower before you go on this date?  Maybe comb your hair, put on some irresistible fragrance to make you as desirable as possible. I bet if you had gas, you would do your best not to let one fly at dinner. You wouldn't show up to pick up your date, shower at their house, pick up some cologne or perfume at the gas station on your way to dinner and then comb your hair in the bathroom at the restaurant would you.  I've done it. Trust Me. It does not impress! 

Every thing you have with your name on it is an impression of you. An awful business card can translate to funky armpits.  A bad web site can translate to criminal. Many people in HR say that they know when they interview someone that it is going to be the best that person ever looks, because once they have the job they will begin to let their appearance slip a little.  They might have trendy clothes on for the interview but 10 years later still be wearing those same clothes. 

So here's your tip.  Invest in yourself.  I'll beat this to death, but don't get crappy business cards.  Don't show up to appointments without a brochure or service sheet that looks like you spent less then 10 minutes creating it and don't assume that you'll have a second meeting.