How to Grow Your Small Business into a Big Business

Many small businesses struggle to achieve significant growth whereas others grow rapidly overnight, hitting the big league. What is it that makes a business leap forward? What can you do to turn your business into the brand powerhouse you envisioned?

EveythingBranded was founded by Paul Rowlett, whose incredible story sees him going from benefits and working from a laptop in his bedroom, to CEO of a thriving company that exceeded sales of 20 million last year. Here’s what he had to say: “I started working on EverythingBranded over seven years ago and it’s incredible where the journey has taken me so far. “I started working from the bedroom in my wife’s house. Those early days were tough but we always stuck to our core company values. Passion, listening and respect. We were passionate about what we did and we listened to our customers and really went the extra mile for them. It helped us build a base and grow out of the bedroom into an actual office. “Over the years we’ve grown as a company but we still maintain those same core values. It has got us this far and I believe that it will take us further.

All types of businesses are capable of significant growth, the constraining factor isn’t the business model, it’s more of the ambition, dedication and capability of the business manager.

Networking

Make sure you are continuously networking, creating connections with potential customers and other business owners. It's important to remember that networking is a mutually beneficial process. You never know when your skills and resources can prove to be beneficial to others in your network. Once these connections have been made, ensure you maintain and nurture them. Networking events are a brilliant way to gain connections in your industry, improve your skill set and stay on top of the latest trends in your industry. Networking events also provide a meeting place for prospective mentors, partners, and clients, and gain access to the necessary resources that will foster your career development. Exhibitions and trade shows allow you to meet other like minded business people.  

Consistent brand image

Brand consistency is part of building trust. You want your brand image to be so consistent that when a consumer sees your brand logo or colours they are already thinking about you, without you even having to ask. Brand recognition is not just about getting your name out there, it's about helping people get to know your brand on a personal level. If you have set colours for your brand, make sure these colours are used across all your visual touch points. This will mean that your customers will eventually recognise these colours as being associated with your business. Developing a seamless look for your brand across your website, social media channels, even in your store and on your product packaging will make consumers feel more comfortable with your brand, and will make them more likely to purchase from you again.      

Thank your customers

60% of businesses have lost a customer because they feel the business is indifferent to them. In order to get around this, the easiest thing you can do to make a customer feel valued is to continually thank them for their business and loyalty. Customer retention is one of the most important factors in business, making sure you establish that relationship so that they keep coming back to your brand. Small promotional gifts are an easy way of sending a personal ‘Thank You’ to your customers and a great way to ensure they remember you for the right reasons.