Article Contributed by Hannah Whittenly
Being a new entrepreneur can be a difficult and time-consuming endeavor. While you might have a great idea and vision for your business, if you lack the credibility and hard-earned trust of your target market, it can be hard to get anywhere. That’s why it’s so important to show potential customers and business partners that you’re serious, trustworthy, and knowledgeable. This is especially true when you’re just starting out and trying to prove yourself to be a competent, successful entrepreneur. Luckily, there are many ways you can get yourself taken more seriously as you start your business.
Have a Great Elevator Pitch
Elevator pitches are a powerful tool. Having a strong 30-second pitch will help potential business investors decide whether or not to put capital into your new business. It will also give potential customers an idea of what to expect from your company. If you want to be taken seriously, you will need to build trust, and having a great pitch will help you achieve that. A clear, well-articulated vision will inspire confidence in your customers and prove to them that you have a solid business plan. Remember to deliver your pitch with a sense of confidence and authority for maximized results.
Create Seamless Branding
One of the most important things you can do for your new business is designing cohesive branding. Your logo, font choices, and color scheme should all represent your business and the message you want to convey. Having consistent branding across your products, advertising, and website copy will make your company seem more professional and trustworthy. Potential customers will see the branding and get a sense not only of your businesses mission and identity, but also of your commitment to excellence. Having seamless branding shows the world that you take pride in your company and are serious about providing customers with superior service. For an idea of what your branding should look like, research other successful businesses in your field.
Distribute Business Collateral
Something that all businesses struggle with when they are just starting out is visibility. As a new entrepreneur, if you want to build your brand and get your business taken seriously, you’ll need to share business collateral far and wide. Advertising pamphlets, event fliers, and business cards are all great ways to get your name out there and find potential customers. For example, you should choose a business card design in Chicago or wherever you may be located that matches the rest of your branding and distribute it to businesses, friends, and new people you meet. You can even give business cards, fliers, or other marketing collateral to family and friends to help distribute further. The more people see your business name out in the community, the more likely they are to trust you and remember your company when they need your services.
Ask for Reviews
If you want people to take you and your business seriously, you’ll need to be knowledgeable, confident, and provide excellent products or services. However, it can be hard for potential patrons to know this about you and your business when you’re first starting out. It can be beneficial to ask your first customers to review your company on online sites like Yelp. Since word of mouth can be a great marketing tool, getting customer reviews can help build your credibility as an entrepreneur. If you’re having trouble getting enough reviews, consider running a testing program, where you offer interested customers free or reduced-priced goods or services in exchange for their honest opinions online.
Being a new entrepreneur comes with no shortage of challenges, not least of which is getting yourself seen as a legitimate business owner. In order to be taken seriously as an aspiring entrepreneur, you’ll need to build confidence and inspire trust in your business. Once your new customers view you as the legitimate entrepreneur you are, your business is sure to take off.