Some of the world’s successful companies started in a garage. Steve Jobs started Apple in his parent’s garage in Cupertino, California. First, he was presented with the Apple 1 computer by Steve Wozniak. He was fascinated by it and thought how that invention could change the world.
But one computer sale for the worth of $500 couldn’t make him rich. So he looked for more buyers. He made sure that everyone heard of the Apple 1. Then they built a connection with a local retailer that demanded 50 computers in a month.
The more demand Jobs and Wozniak got, the faster their small business idea grew. The next thing they knew was they got busy with hiring employees. And within a few years, they became a billion-dollar company. All of this happened because Jobs was constantly pushing his limits as an artist and a businessman.
The tips below are just some of his recipes for the massive success he got.
1. Hire people who want a second chance
Businesses who hire ex-convicts are bound to find diligent workers in them. These people are eager and are grateful to land a job. Some are even experts in particular fields as they receive training while being incarcerated.
There are also some incentives to businesses that hire “justice-involved” individuals such as tax credits. By doing this, you’re also making your local community a better place while building a good reputation.
2. Reach customers in different ways
Don’t just limit yourself to an online presence when marketing. Advertise your business through a sponsored podcast and radio show mentions. Get someone to hand out some flyers at public places.
3. Stay updated with technology
Social media and document programs are common yet necessary platforms to run and let a business grow. But, there are other platforms that are often overlooked like search engine optimization (SEO), video conferencing, and web design.
By learning SEO techniques, you help your business’ page gain traffic which attracts customers. With video conferencing, communication with business partners and employees improve from the usual “call, text, and chatting”. With web design, you can style your site to let it be more visually appealing and memorable.
4. Build networks
To start making networks with small business owners and veterans, join some networking events. You’ll learn a lot from professionals sharing their experience on how their businesses became successful.
You’ll also find some small business owners whose services can provide you with your business’ needs.
5. Encourage customer loyalty
A loyal customer base is the number one factor that makes a business grow. To have a large pool of loyal customers, first, you need to have a reliable way to communicate with them. Giving them your business number is a good idea. You can also give your business email.
When your customers are already loyal, offer them perks for their loyalty such as discounts and gifts. This technique will encourage them to stick around even more.
6. Find inspiration
Some successful solopreneur somewhere has been at where you are now. They might have a different business but their struggles with you were the same. By studying what they did to overcome such hardships, you’ll gain the knowledge for managing your business in a much easier and efficient way.
Take Allen Walton for an example, he was a security camera store employee with an $11 per hour rate. He considered himself a high school failure. When he left the store, he used what he learned and built his own online business that earned 7-figures a year.
7. Leverage Google
I search for business locations at Google all the time. Mostly, I find a lot of businesses with incomplete information. There are businesses that lack photo references. Others have no clear operating hours. Sometimes, there’s no contact info stated.
This is mildly infuriating to some including me. Don’t be this kind of solopreneur. Master the use of Google My Business. Fill out and complete all the information needed especially your business description. Respond to all customer reviews especially the negative ones. Keep your page up-to-date and post regularly.
Don’t settle for a stable regular revenue. Push the limits of how much success and profit you can get. As the author T.S. Eliot said, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
