How to Grow Your Small Business in Any Economy, Part 2

The media attention placed on the recession could make almost anyone doubt a decision to enter the world of small-business ownership. But the fact is if you focus your attention on the right things, your business can actually grow, even in challenging economic times.

Last week, in "How to Grow Your Small Business in Any Economy, Part 1," I focused on the mindset piece -- getting your head in the right place for success. This week, I turn to more "nuts and bolts" subject matter to show you how you can increase your business stability and get your business growing.

Smart Strategies for Small Business

Leverage all the profit centers in your business:

Your business -- every business -- has hidden profit centers. You've probably got former clients who can be reactivated, points of impact where you can improve, processes that can be optimized, advertising that can be improved, passive streams of income that are literally waiting to be discovered. Leverage those profit centers and you could see an increase in profit that's virtually unlimited!

Protect Yourself:

A lot of small-business owners skip crucial elements to business success. I can't tell you how many clients have come to me, a few years into their businesses, without having set up their companies with the Secretary of State, the IRS, or having met with an attorney to help them set up their operating agreements. These are things that could get you in a lot of trouble if you don't do them the right way.

Don't Miss Critical Elements:

There are other steps that won't necessarily get you into legal trouble, but may cause headaches. Branding is an excellent example of one of the most missed steps in small business and can make or break your company. And, if you're marketing to the wrong crowd, you'll waste time and money. Get it right from the start, and you'll achieve success faster.

Do Your Research:

Market research can save you a lot of time and heartache. Before you head into any business startup, you want to know your target market inside out. The questions you want to answer are:

* Who is my target market?

* What keeps them up at night?

* What can I deliver that solves their problems?

* If I deliver what they want, will they buy it?

Leverage Low-Cost, High-Impact Marketing Methods:

A lot of new entrepreneurs develop complicated, expensive marketing campaigns without knowing what will really bring the biggest bang for their buck. There are countless inexpensive, high-impact marketing methods, and with the power of the Internet literally at our fingertips, it's easier now than ever to build awareness for your brand.

Plus, you really want to focus only on the strategies that will bring in the most business, and optimize them as much as possible to increase their effectiveness.

Grow the Right Way:

Adopt a "leap-frogging" approach to growing your business. Start your business using a low-risk business model and build from there, using the income to fund expansion and growth. This approach almost always allows my clients to start their own businesses without seeking any type of funding from lending institutions, venture capitalists or other investors.

Get the Right Help:

Whatever stage you're in with your business, choose to work with professionals who bring value to your business. The ideal business consultant is someone who understands different business models and can help you figure out the model that suits you best, help you uncover all the potential profit centers in your business, and show you how to increase your overall profitability. Work one-on-one with them to develop a sound business model and a strong brand with a viable, long-term marketing strategy and ask them to connect you to other professionals you need.