TEN WAYS TO RUN YOUR BUSINESS PROFESSIONALLY
In Business, You'll be Dealing With Other Business Owners and Customers on a Regular Basis. Here's How to Make Yourself into a True Professional.
By Paula Demers
As I look through the various magazines and tabloids, I wonder how many of those people can possibly be making any money. The mail I get is even worse. One of the things I tell people to think about before they place an ad or do a mailing is to think, "Would I answer this? Would I send my money for this?"
It is very important that with all your dealings in the industry, to be as professional as possible. Here are some ideas to do just that:
1. Return Address--Always put your return address on everything you send out. It should not be handwritten There are several ways you can do this. Have envelopes printed with your name and return address. Use your computer to print it off on labels. Or you could have an ad designer create the address labels.2. Cover Letter--When you send a mailing, don't just stuff a bunch of circulars in an envelope, slap a stamp on it and mail it out. Take the time to write a cover letter explaining what you're offering and why. Your cover letter should be clear and easy to understand. It shouldn't be too wordy. You're not trying to show how educated you are. You're trying to sell something.
3. Typeset Code--If you're selling something on commission, don't handwrite your code number or name and address on the circular ad. If you don't have a computer, have a type setter make you numbers and address slips.
4. Readability--Make sure that every ad you place in a publication is clear and easy to read. There are many ads in publications and people aren't going to strain to read yours. They'll go after the ones that are clear.
5. Ready-Made Ads--If you're selling something and use ready-made ads, have a unique one designed for yourself. When I open a publication and see the same ads for the same thing,...they cancel each other out.
6. Clear Copies--When doing a mailing, make sure the circulars you put in the envelope are clear and easy to read. You must have a clear original in order to do this. Common sense tells you that the copier can only copy what it sees.
7. Names--If you use a business name, don't be afraid to use your real name also. With so many "scams" in the industry, people get skeptical. They like to know they're dealing with a real person.
8. Phone Number--Don't be afraid to publish your phone number. If you're proud of what you're doing, there is no reason people shouldn't be able to call you and ask about your product or service.
9. Stationery--You should have stationery with a letterhead on it. The letterhead should have your name, address and phone number. It doesn't have to be fancy. Again, if you don't have a computer, you can have the letterhead designed for you.
10. Computer--As you've seen throughout the article, I keep referring to a computer. If possible, you should have one. It will make your business 100 percent easier. Not only does it help to make everything you do look more professional, but you can keep track of everything you do with your business.
Many businesses, such as myself, have a trash can right near their elbow. I handle a lot of mail. If I can't read it, I trash it. I don't have time to try to figure out what the circular is saying. Make sure your business ads are read. It costs a little more to be professional. But it's worth the money.
Paula Demers has been running a successful business since 1990. She also publishes THE SCAM BULLETIN, a newsletter that reveal the various scams and rip off artists in the industry. For a sample copy, send $3 to:
Paula Demers P.O. Box 280 Fort Walton Beach, FL 32549
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