This month we’re talking about “What Every New Business Should Know” in New Business Denver.
Anne Grinney-Colomban is featured in New Business Denver’s December 2010 issue. In the article, she answers some your burning questions, clears up some myths and discusses the importance of professional graphic design for new businesses.
So much goes into starting your own business. It starts with an idea and snowballs into several tasks you never thought you’d even be doing. The key to staying sane during this process is research and planning. Going into a business that you know nothing about probably isn’t the best start. There are so many resources out there for entrepreneurs and people who are considering starting their own business that there is no need to go into it blindly.
Throughout the whole process of starting your business it is always good to ask advice. Ask people who are already in the market that you would like to enter and ask people who do the job tasks that you will need to do if you start your own business. Even if you chose not to follow their advice, it is always good to get a different point of view for something that is so important.
First Step – Research and Planning
The first step is to have an idea of what you would like to do. Research this idea by finding out what it would entail, what the market is like for your idea, what do you need to know to be able to be successful with your idea. Figure out how much money it will take to start your business, if you need a loan, where to find your loan, etc. What would your daily activities be for your business? Will you need outside help to conduct them? Where will this business be run? Will any further permits be needed for the location? What will the name of your business be? Have you researched the name to make sure it is available and not copyrighted by someone else? – All of these questions should be assessed before starting your business- this is your planning stage.
This is when you write a business plan. Step By Step on How to Write a Business Plan
Second Step – Implement
The second step is to start your business. Everything that was researched and planned for will now be put into play. This is when you obtain your tax id number, any necessary permits will be applied for, location will be finalized, company name will be finalized, you will purchase your website name (if applicable), any applicable insurance will be purchases, you will start on your company brand with a logo, signage, business cards, etc.
Last Step – Grow
The next step once your business is up and running is to start on it’s growing process. Now is the time to find more clients, market your services/product and bring in more business. This is also the time when hiring more employees might come into play. You might already have a website at this point, but now is the time to make sure that it fits your company brand and is easily searchable under the keywords that target your audience. You should assess your company image and make sure it looks professional. It is important to brand your company and image and portray a professional business image, which includes having a company email addresses phone number other than a home address/phone number. If you didn’t have a marketing plan before, now is the time to get one. Referencing back to your business plan is a good way to start your marketing plan to make sure you are targeting the right audience for your business.
The step of “growing” is a never ending one. You should always be assessing your company, finding out how to better your services and or product. Staying up with the latest news and trends in your field is important. Making sure you have the technology needed to continue to have your business grow is an important part in the growing process.
Related Articles:
First 5 Things Every Startup Business Needs
5 Fatal Mistakes That Hold Back Start-up Business Owners
Prioritization is foundation for success
Green Jeans Creative’s client, Bob Mickus, was recently highlighted on the International Wine Guild website. Click here to read: Guild Member Spotlight On: Delizios Wine & Tapas Bar
Bob opened Delizios Cafe and Wine Bar in the spring of 2010. Since then, Delizios has been a great success. They recently expanded their food menu and are up for nomination for “Best Romantic Restaurant” by 2010 Denver’s 7 A-list. Click here to cast your vote for Delizios
Along with being highlighted on the International Wine Guild website, Bob has also been interviewed by the Denver Post and Delizios was written about on 5280′s website. Click on the links below to read what was said.
Denver Post/YourHub.com: Business focus: Delizios Coffee, Wine and Tapas Bar, Littleton
5280 Website: Rainy Day Eats at Delizios
If you’re looking for a great spot to relax or have a romantic dinner, Delizios is the place to be. They are located right off of Main Street in Historic Downtown Littleton, CO. Delizios serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with happy hours Monday-Friday from 4:30pm – 6:30pm.
Follow Delizios’ on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with their events, promotions, and updates:
Read what Anne Grinney-Colomban, Art Director and Partner of Green Jeans Creative has to say about what every new business should know about graphic design.
“What Every New Business Should Know – Special Report” (article link on upper left side of page)
Support our client and help them get in the top 5 for Channel 7′s A-list competition!
Click Here to Cast Your Vote Today!
Green Jeans Creative’s client, Dippers Ice Cream and Coffee, is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!
Dippers Ice Cream & Coffee
Dippers Ice Cream and Coffee had their grand opening today, August 3rd, 2010.
It was a pleasure to walk into this colorful, upbeat, ice cream shop and I was more than happy to enjoy a cup of Mango Sorbet on this hot Colorado day! I look forward to going back and trying some of the more adventurous items on their menu,… such as the Dessert Nachos (waffle cone chips topped with 2 scoops of mexican chocolate ice cream, carmel sauce, fudge sauce, grated white chocolate, green M&Ms, maraschino cherries and whipped cream)!
Dippers Ice Cream and Coffee is located in the Heritage Greens Shopping Center located at the intersection of South Holly St. and County Line Rd. in Centennial, Colorado between Eskimo Ski Shop and the Sunset Grille. Currently their hours are 8am- 8pm.
Stop by today and show your support for this great local Ice Cream and Coffee shop!
Dippers Ice Cream and Coffee
Our client, Dippers Ice Cream & Coffee, will open it’s doors this Tuesday, August 3rd 2010, for their Grand Opening (8am-8pm). Go pay them a visit and grab a cold bite to eat: 8267 S Holly Street, Centennial, CO 80122
Green Jeans Creative has been working with Dippers Ice Cream and Coffee several months now on designing their logo, t-shirts, stationary, marketing materials, etc. They are now ready to open their doors to the public and start serving their Boulder Ice Cream, Coda Coffee and tasty treats. Dippers Ice Cream and Coffee is located in Centennial, Colorado, in the Heritage Greens Shopping Center located at the intersection of South Holly St. and County Line Rd. in Centennial, Colorado between Eskimo Ski Shop and the Sunset Grille.
There are so many effective ways to market your business these days. Unfortunately, without a researched plan, there are many unproductive ways to market your business. Below are some key steps to making sure you properly market your business and don’t waste your money.
Identify Your Target Audience
The first step to take is figuring out who your target audience is. Who do you want to target? Is there a specific age group, sex, race, etc.? What type of language/lingo do they use? Who are your marketing efforts targeting currently? How can you grab the attention of your target audience and how can you speak directly to them? What do you have that they want? Where are you advertising? What social networks are you on? What age groups are most likely to be found on the social network that you are using? Which type of professionals read the magazine that you advertise in? Is your advertisement relating to them by stating a problem that your company/product could solve? Who has need for your company’s product or services?
One of the common mistakes when marketing is going into it blindly. There needs to be a research, a game plan, and tracking of efforts. There is no need to continue to spend money on a specific marketing plan when your company hasn’t seen any return. Business owners need to be aware of their spending habits and track the return that they get from their marketing efforts.
“People see and receive so much advertising that the one-time marketing tactic is no longer effective,” says Peter Geisheker, chief executive of The Geisheker Group Marketing firm. “A prospective customer may need to see your advertisement seven to 12 times or more over a period of several months or even a year before they will buy from you.” 1
Business owners must also understand that their passion isn’t always the passion/point of view of their company’s target audience. You must remove yourself from yourself and your personal preferences and delve into your company’s brand. Example: Just because you “like” the color blue, there in no need to include it into your marketing materials if your brand is already established and blue is not a common color within the color guidelines of your brand.
Be Special
It is very important that you figure out why your company is different from your competition and focus on what makes your business so special. Why would someone come to you or use your product? What do you have/offer that others do not?
“Instead of trying to market to the world, select a niche market and market to the same group of prospective customers every month. It is marketing repetition that builds trust and brand loyalty so only market to a group of people or businesses that you can afford.” 1
Be Consistent
A great way to make sure your marketing efforts are received in a memorable fashion is to have your brand image stay consistent throughout your materials. This cannot be stressed enough. Your logo should be on all marketing materials (not as the focal point, but as a branding mark). Your message should be clear when reaching out to potential/current clients – making sure all marketing materials match in look, feel, and message is important for achieving this.
Related Articles:
Not Just The Yellow Pages Anymore – How People Find Local Businesses
12 Ways to Market Your Brand Better
Marketing vs. Brand – Made Easy
How Small Business Owners Can Maximize Their Marketing Budget
1. Geisheker, Peter. “How Small Business Owners Can Maximize Their Marketing Budget.”Investment News – NuWire Investor. MainStreet Staff, 21 June 2010. Web. 08 July 2010. .
Great article for any Denver, Colorado, entrepreneurs looking to start their own small business. The below linked article gives 9 steps to help you on your way, along with government contact info and website links if you need help. It is a great resource for anyone looking to start their own business in the great city of Denver!
Denver 9 Steps to Starting Your Own Small Business: Click Here to read full article
Great article that talks about 10 Steps needed for successful business advertising- Click Here
