Whether you are just starting out in business or have been at it for a while now, growing that business can be one of the biggest challenges that you will face. And since access to capital, start-up or otherwise, is harder and harder to come by, here are a few easy low (or in some cases no-cost) strategies that will help your business grow:

(1) “Mapquest” Your Goals
It’s impossible to know how to get somewhere if you don’t know where you’re going. This concept doesn’t just apply to directions; it is also true for your business growth. That’s why it is so important that you take time to plot your course, including what goals and milestones you want to reach, the smaller steps that you need to take to reach those goals and a timeframe for each goal. You can change or add to your plan as goals are achieved or things change, but having a plan mapped out ahead of time will help you get to where you want to go much easier (and much more quickly!) than trying to figure it out as you go along.

(2) Spread the Word
It doesn’t matter how great your business is if nobody knows that it exists! And unless you’ve got stockpiles of money lying around to spend on advertising, spreading the word about your business can be tough. But there are all kinds of ways get the word out for free, such as local newspapers and press releases. The key to getting your information out there is to find some kind of unique or interesting angle that extends beyond blatant self-promotion. As a guideline, think about what would capture your own attention as a reader. And make sure to utilize social media as well; you’ll be surprised at whom you can connect with, how quickly the word can spread and much your company will grow.

(3) Seek Expert Status
This point ties directly into tip number 2. Becoming the “go-to” person in your particular field will help grow your business faster than virtually anything else. With so many options out there now, people want to purchase from those with the KLT factor (know, like and trust) and nothing builds more trust than having expert status. There are all kinds of ways to achieve this, including writing articles for different newspapers, blogs and websites (sites like Reporter Connection and Pitchrate are great free resources), and even doing media appearances through podcasts, radio and television. Customers will start to seek your business out in droves.

These are just a few inexpensive ways to help your business achieve growth. What other strategies do you have? Please share them below.


Thanks to Bill Todd of Immediate Impact Sales Coaching, Craig Wolfe of CelebriDucks, Jonathan Nowling of Rock Hill Lavender and Rosanne
Dausilio PhD of Human Technologies Global Inc for the inspiration behind some of these ideas.