Few things hold a more prominent place in the American imagination than small businesses. Even with behemoth international mega-corporations such as Disney and Microsoft ruling the roost, we like to think that small businesses are the symbol of the American economy. There is a certain magic around the idea that the little business you and your family begin today can grow into one of those mega-corporations some day.
That being said, it can be hard to be a small business today. As many as a third of all restaurants and new businesses fail within the first year. There’s always the existential threat of being beaten out by one of those mega-corporations. Even if you build your business up over the first few years into something sustainable, there’s still the risk of hitting a wall and having to sell it off to those major competitors. As a small business, you need every bit of help you can get, and that means figuring out how to make trends work to your advantage.
Appearance Is Everything
You can’t become a successful company if you don’t look the part. Make sure that your company is imbued with an aura of professionalism and chic stylishness wherever possible. You want clients and employees alike to think that your company is a great place to work for.
Networking Is Key
In business, it’s all about who you know. We’re all busy, but finding the time to network and build relationships within your industry is key.
Read, Read, Read
How will you know what trends to capitalize on if you don’t know what’s trending in the first place? Tracking and reacting to marketplace trends is crucial for transforming a small company into a force to be reckoned with. From social media to industry papers to the financial news and beyond, always make sure you’re up on the latest trends and events in your field.
Have a Filter
No one can shoulder the whole workload of their company day in and day out. Know what trends and ideas need to be acted upon now, and which can be filtered out to be acted upon later or cast aside.
With these tips, you’ll be on the right track for riding these trends to success.