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Step 1
Put together a detailed business plan. There are many resources available that will walk you through this process step-by-step, but it is something that cannot be overlooked when staring your own business. While it may seem like a tedious project, laying out your goals, objectives, etc. will help you in the planning, building, and success of your company.
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Step 2
Define your target market. Deciding who you are going to target in your marketing efforts is crucial in allocating your marketing time, budget and resources. Brainstorm not only who you are going to target, but how to best target each one of those groups of people. Where will you advertise? Where will you direct your networking efforts? How can you best get your company, product, or services in front of the eyes of these individuals?
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Step 3
Build your client base. Offer to let a few friends, friends of friends or relatives use your product or service, then ask them to write up a few reviews and to spread the word to their own social networks. Consumer reviews can be powerful marketing tools because individuals are more likely to trust those they trust than a random business owner trying to sell them their services.
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Step 4
Build a website. In order to broaden your clientele and make it easy for your customers and potential customers to learn more about you and get in touch with you, it’s important that you build a website. Your website should be a reflection of your company and should be professional looking, easy to navigate, and display your contact information prominently.
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Step 5
Network. Network. Network. Not only should you be building out your personal and professional networks, but social networks have taken business to a whole new playing field with platforms such as Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc. Building up your networks through attending tradeshows and conventions is still an important aspect of networking; however don’t disregard the power of social networks for growing your business.
