Make a statement, Business tips

John in his element as a traditional barber

So for those who don't know both John and I are self-employed, this is both very exciting but also stressful as basically you are totally in charge of your future and your finances. The one thing I have learnt about running a small business or being self employed that visibility is key, if people don't know what you do or who you are you simply won't pull in the clients, thats what marketing tools are really key.

My business cards at the ready

So what are our top tips we have learnt so far on our journey into self-employment?

1. Never underestimate the power of networking 

Both John and I have benefited a lot by networking with like minded people, wether in a formal or casual situation if your passionate about what you do it alway comes across and usual makes the person you are talking too interested as well, we have both seen the benefit of this when a few weeks later that person has got in touch to know more or work with us. 

2. Have a clear marketing plan

Never get complacent when it comes to marketing - it doesn't need to cost the earth and a lot of the time you can do effective promotion for free or hardly anything. Firstly know who your target audience is and work on what the best way to reach them effectively is. The internet is a great way to promote yourself for free - get on Twitter and Instagram, have an easy-to-navigate website and why not have a blog attached to it too? You can also purchase followers for platforms like Instagram if you'd like your business to build up an online presence as quickly as possible. Rest assured that these will be a trusted buy when you purchase them from a site like Buzzoid! Moreover, in terms of physical marketing you should always have business cards and information on your business, do letter drops and take part in trade shows. Things like these will make sure you stand out, while having things like a roller banner and a clear well design table with promotional information is a must.

I love working with others, meeting up, sharing ideas and collaborating 

3. Collaborate

Collaborate with other small businesses that offer something that compliments what you offer and your services as this can offer your clients and extra dimension and open up a large market to you, the power of two is often much stronger than the power of one. Just make sure whoever you work with has the same ideals and standards as you do so that there are no issues later on.


4. Let your personality shine through and don't be afraid to be different

It can be ruthless out there and often what sells is the personality and character behind the business so make sure that does shine through and you are true to yourself. You need to be passionate about what you do because if your not people will pick up on that quickly and won't be willing to part with there cash with anyone who is not sure of themselves.

Through good customer service John has built up a loyal client base

5. Learn to say No

If you are offered something that is simply too much or too big a job or not suitable to what you offer don't be afraid to say no, other work will come around but don't put yourself in a compromising situation if you know you cannot fulfil an order you will only create a bad reputation equally if the quality or idea is not something your happy with don't bend on your ethics.

The main thing is to persevere, nothing happens overnight and anything worth doing is worth doing properly. What we have both found is when you are starting up you have to be ready for some knock backs, the road won't always be smooth but just be confident in yourself, your brand and your marketing plan and things will happen, don't be complacent and actively try and find opportunities for your business to grow in a natural and financially beneficial way and always have customer service at the forefront of everything you do. Never underestimate small pieces of work as you are building up a portfolio as well as gaining new contacts and clients and I have noticed that sometimes this connections develop into large jobs later on.

Do you run your own business? What are your top tips?