Starting a business while maintaining a budget suitable to your current income is easier than most people think. Even if you have to shop cheap and choose a low-rent office or used vehicle, customers will never be able to tell as long as you uphold your appearance, provide them with sufficient products, and have organizational skills. You want to make sure that you and your office come across as professional. No client wants to show up to your office and see a mess of papers, disorganization, and the business owner wearing tattered or dirty clothing. First impressions with new clients are everything in the business world!
How to Impress New Clientele
• Choosing a Company Vehicle: When meeting with a new client for the first time, it is ideal to show up in a vehicle that doesn't have an obnoxious muffler sound or a thousand dents and dings in the front or rear end. When searching for the perfect company vehicle while on a budget, the car doesn't necessarily have to be new. There are multiple used cars Montgomery AL residents trust. The same goes for other cities; you can find a great used car that you can use for your business. Just do a little research. The great thing about being on the opposite end is that no one will ever notice if your car was bought brand new or at a used car dealership. All you have to do is buy something that catches your customers eye and doesn't make it look like you just picked your vehicle up from the junkyard.
• Attire: Even by shopping at your local Walmart, Target, or K-Mart, you can find many professional looking outfits at a decent price. The great thing about clothing is that no matter where you shop, all you have to do is match the right articles of clothing and you have found the perfect professional outfit. For women, be sure to find blouses that are not revealing to help hold your professional reputation together. For all the men out there, always make sure you are clean cut to help maintain your appearance.
• Business Office: Making sure your office is well-organized is very critical to every business. In order to become organized, you will need to shop for filing cabinets, folders, bins, and other office supplies which can be bought for fair prices online or at your local office supply companies. Once you have everything needed to keep your office up to par, it is up to you from that point on to keep everything where it needs to be so you are not fumbling around in front of customers while searching for their information.
• Business Cards: Every new thriving business needs business cards to help promote their company in the surrounding areas. You do not necessarily need to purchase top of line business cards. You can make your own online and have them delivered to your front door for a reasonable price. Be sure to add your company logo or a professional design to give your customer the extra boost needed to call your business.
Just because having a budget is necessary for most business owners starting out, it does not mean that you cannot purchase clothing, vehicles and office supplies that are suitable for show and in great condition. It just means that brand named items and top of the line vehicles are not always everyone's first option. By shopping on a budget, you are able to save money and put it aside in case of an emergency; the funds could be used for replacement or repairs if something at your business were to break down or become lost. If you choose to exceed your budget, there is always that chance that if something does need to be repaired, you will not have the funds to be able to do so. This might show your customers that your company is on a budget and running low on money. No business owner wants to admit or show that to their clientele. All clients should see is professional appearances at the business they choose to take part in.
