Here are some ideas you can use to grow your business:

1. Form Strategic Alliances - "Two Heads Are Better Than One"

For example, if you are a Real Estate Agent, you would want to form a solid relationship with a mortgage broker or bank manager who would refer clients to you. You could also develop an alliance with a lawyer who deals with clients who need to sell properties. Home renovation contractors and building inspectors are also in contact with many of your potential clients. The welcome wagon in your area may receive calls from individuals considering re-locating to your service area. All of these individuals are not competition to you; actually they could become your strongest supporters.

What you need to ask yourself is "who" is handling your potential clients? How can you work with this strategic alliance to create a win-win result? The same hold true for larger organizations, they also have the ability to for powerful alliances. Contact owners, individuals, agents or corporations and inquire if they would be interested in some sort of strategic alliance.

2. Network At Business Or Trade Events

Have you ever heard the saying "People who network, get work"? Well, guess what? It's true! If you are out an about you will meet people, before you know it you will form alliances and contacts. When you begin to refer clients to respected colleagues it won't go unnoticed, they will start to refer business back to you.

The key is get out and be involved in your community. Clients very seldom come to the supplier, you need to introduce yourself and get out there.

Consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce or a networking group or club. - Start by getting out there!

3. Be Sure Potential Clients Can Find You

Do you have a website? Is it optimized (if they type in your services and area into Google does your website appear on the first 3 pages)? Does your home page clearly indicate what your business offer?

It goes without saying that today's shopper looks on-line to find the services and products they need. Be sure your Internet image is "top notch". Image is everything.

There are a multitude of free directories you can request to be listed in. Refer to our "links page" for some examples.

Marketing is about a "little of everything", networking, website, news paper ads, radio ads and even television ads. Every company should have an advertising budget. Take advantage of promotional offers with your service area's newspapers or media. If your business is home renovations, consider advertising in an insert, trade show or even sponsoring an event related to the cause or roots of your business. For example, if your business is pet care, advertise during pet care month. If you are in the private home care business (for the elderly), assist with local Heart and Stroke fundraising. If you own a sporting goods store, consider sponsoring a local children's soccer team.

4. Do You Have The Infrastructure (Or Foundation) To Build On?

Just like your house, your business needs to sit firmly on a foundation of strong human resources, technology (software and hardware), adequate space, community awareness and strong leadership.

These are all major components to growing your business; and each of these topics alone could lead us into a separate discussion. Overall, you need to ask yourself, can this business grow with the current resources we have on hand? It is likely you will need to make some adjustments or create a plan for strategic growth.

5. Know Where You're Going

Just like a map, your business plan will address all the aspects of your planned growth. Often business people relate their business plan with starting up a business; actually a business plan is a "living document" that needs to be updated on a regular basis. One suggestion might be to update your business plan quarterly or semi-annually. Doing regular updates will help you to stay focused. A business plan lists our business targets and goals, not to mention how to get there and what to do if something goes wrong (contingency plan).

Pull out your business plan and make necessary adjustments. If you don't have a business plan then you need to develop one. We suggest using this interactive business planner. It is secure and confidential; you can work on it at your own leisure.

One common mistakes entrepreneurs make (likely due to their need to "get going") is to avoid creating or updating their business plan until they are forced to by a financial institution usually upon requesting funds to open or expand their business.

Your business will change and evolve and may bring you down paths you never expected, just like traveling you wouldn't go on a trip without a map. The same applies in business; you can't expect to be successful if you don't have a business plan to follow.