| As we begin a new year, it is time to refresh your | | | | business owner and his or her employees are still in |
| business brand and present a new you to your | | | | business. They also use it to judge how up to date |
| target niche. Using my seven tips, you will present a | | | | they are on the latest industry trends. If the date is |
| new you to prospective customers and clients while | | | | outdated, customers see the business as outdated. |
| increasing your credibility and developing your | | | | Attention to detail is important for you and your |
| expertise. | | | | business to succeed. |
| 1. Toss the t-shirts. This is the year you upgrade | | | | 4. Update your online business listings. Getlisted.org is |
| your business appearance for you and your | | | | a great resource to that will show you where your |
| employees. This is the year you toss the t-shirts and | | | | business is registered online. Business owners may be |
| start wearing a polo shirt with your logo on it or | | | | surprised that they are not listed where they thought |
| adopt your industry uniform. T-shirts are cheap, | | | | they were. You will also want to review your listings |
| comfortable and unstructured. As a business owner, | | | | online to ensure they are correct. |
| you want to present a polished and professional | | | | 5. Refresh your content. Review your website |
| appearance. Bakers and restaurant cooks may want | | | | content and your marketing materials. Is the content |
| to adopt the professional chef or bakers' appearance | | | | still current? Does it still reflect your mission and vision |
| for 2010. Take a few minutes, look, and see what | | | | for your business? |
| your competitor is wearing. Your business will stand | | | | 6. Remove the holiday images and greetings. Now is |
| out from your competitor this year when you adopt | | | | the time to double check that you removed the |
| a uniform that promotes your expertise. | | | | holiday greetings, videos, or pictures from your |
| 2. Review your marketing materials. Now is the time | | | | website or blog. |
| to review your marketing materials and replace any | | | | 7. Verify your business links. Does your business link |
| items that have an incorrect mailing address, phone | | | | to other businesses? Do you use links in your email |
| number or email address. You will also want to | | | | tag line? Now is the time to verify the link works. |
| replace any inventory that has become worn or | | | | When business owners make time to use my seven |
| faded. Your marketing materials represent you make | | | | tips, they will present their business in a positive |
| sure they do not make you look bad. | | | | manner for the New Year. This will aid in establishing |
| 3. Update your copyright dates. Business owners | | | | the business owners credibility so he or she is seen |
| need to make time to review their websites to | | | | as the expert, which will result in an increase in |
| ensure the copyright date is current. People do check | | | | business revenue. |
| the copyright date and use it to determine if the | | | | |