Guest Post by Andrew Lisa:
3 Things Every Startup Needs to Have to Be Successful
So you’ve gone into business for yourself. Your startup has a product, a plan, a customer base and some capital. Your team is in place, your sales and marketing training has been completed and you’re ready for business. But are you? Before you launch, make sure you have the following basic necessities in order. Without them, your startup is at a huge disadvantage, no matter how good your product or sales techniques.
If you’re starting a business, focus first on the basics.
A Great Phone System
No matter how much technology evolves, your telephone system is still the most direct link between you and your customers. As discussed in “3 Business Essentials: A Great Phone System, Funding Solutions, & Web Presence,” your mobile phone or a landline is no longer good enough. Voice over Internet protocol – or VoIP – systems are inexpensive, they don’t require an investment in hardware, they’re customizable and they can be upgraded as your business expands.
A Social Media Strategy
A good social media strategy is more than just a business page for Facebook. it must be specific to the target demographic of your customers. Instagram, for example, skews heavily toward women. Twitter is dominated by younger users. LinkedIn is predominantly male, and Pinterest is frequented by tablet users. It is possible – and wise – to get incredibly specific. Know your audience!
An Amazing Website
Part advertisement, part store, part reception desk, your website is your business’s home base. It is where customers will go to get information, give feedback, ask questions and make purchases. Your website must be easy to navigate, informative and attractive. But perhaps most importantly, it must be compatible with mobile devices! Websites that aren’t created with responsive web design (RWD) – or some other mobile-friendly method – frustrate customers who try to reach your site on their phone or tablet.
Every startup needs a great website, strong social media and a top-notch telephone system.
Every startup’s future is built on the foundation of the preparation they do before the business launches. Communication, web presence and the all-important social media strategy will play as much a role as your sales techniques. Yes, spend time on hiring the best employees, securing capital and performing sales and marketing training – but never at the expense of the foundational basics.
Andrew Lisa is freelance business writer. He covers business startups and the stock market.
Following these guidelins will help to achieve the Smooth Sale!
Read Addtional Strategies and Techniques:
Nice Girls DO Get the Sale: Relationship Building That Gets Results, Sourcebooks
HIRED! How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself On Interviews, Career Press
