New year, new you, new business opportunities. The last year was a doozy, leaving many business owners and managers reeling from a roller coaster of economic uncertainty. The markets were down, then up, then down again. The lockdown was on, then lifted, then on again. Who could possibly predict what would happen tomorrow, let alone next quarter?
Thank goodness that 2020 is behind us, the COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed and the world can begin to recover both personally and professionally. With that in mind, it’s time to think about the business advantages you have at your disposal in 2021. It’s time to think about growth and envisions all the opportunities at your fingertips this year. Read on for some ideas to consider for the best business advantages money can buy.
Online Visual Content
The year we all spent online may be in the rearview mirror, but that doesn’t mean everything is going back to normal right away. Online commerce will probably be important for a while, yet. As a result, online marketing and social media presence continue to be more important than ever. Meet people where they’re at, the old adage says, and there’s wisdom in that sentiment. Your potential customers are online, so that’s where you need to be as well.
Not only that, but your potential customers are also connoisseurs of online content by now. They can tell the difference between product photography that’s professional and on point and product photography that was taken in a bad light on a smartphone. Don’t look cheap or unreliable. Invest some money on some truly excellent photos that showcase your products, services, and brand in a way that truly puts your best digital foot forwards. If you put together an archive of product photos ahead of time, say in the first month of a new year, you’ll know that your visual content is taken care of in the best way possible.
Extra Capital
Every business needs extra capital to invest in projects, growth, marketing, and just day to day organizational costs. That’s not news. What is new is that there are more options for business owners who are looking into their loan options and considering becoming borrowers. For example, if you’re a franchisee, did you know that there are specific lenders out there who work within the franchise realm?
Franchise Lenders know the ins and outs of franchising in a way that helps them better understand a franchisee’s specific needs. After all, franchisees aren’t the same as other businesses, and they have specific organizational structures. That can be a lot of hassle to explain to a less experienced financial lender, which is why franchise lenders provide a great opportunity to take advantage of this year.
Custom Business Cards
Folks may tell you that you don’t need business cards because everything happens online anyway, but don’t listen to them. The people who are dismissing the importance of business cards probably aren’t in sales and management, which is why they’re underestimating how crucial a personal touch is to business success. There’s something about a business card that was handed to you by someone you met, spoke to, and shook hands with. When you pull a business card out of your wallet or pocket and connect it with the person who listened to your needs, you’re more likely to contact that person and buy from them.
Custom business cards take this human connection to the next level by adding an element of your specific personality to the tiny rectangle you’re handing out. Maybe it’s your headshot, or your signature, or a phrase you feel connected to. Maybe it’s the color scheme or the font. Whatever you do to customize your business cards, you’re sure to make an impact on the people who walk away with a little piece of what makes your business special in their pockets. That’s a business advantage if there ever was one.
Cloud Storage
Safety first! This is true for any business, but especially when it comes to files and information that’s pertinent to your running business without a hitch. Knowing that your documents, photos, and other files are both completely secure and right where you need them when you need them is huge and can be achieved simply. Great cloud storage will allow you to access files and photos from your mobile device while making sure that not just anyone has access to them.
The best photo storage app will streamline collaboration and workflow across your teams, and when things are streamlined they move faster. Wasting less time means more revenue, which means more business growth. If you’re still storing photos and files on individual computers or servers, take the new year as an opportunity to make a change for the better. You won’t regret it.
Outsourcing Services
You don’t have to do everything on your own. Even though you may be a very hands-on manager or business owner, that can actually hinder your progress. There’s an app, and a contractor, for everything now. From marketing services or online contact centers to accounting and bookkeeping services, you can turn to pros who will work as contractors. That means you’ll save on payroll and benefits. Plus, delegating some of these responsibilities means you can focus on being the visionary that guides your business to success in 2021.
The year 2021 is already looking up for many reasons and on many levels. After all, whatever this year brings, it probably can’t be quite as terrible as 2020 was. Actually, it’s a season of motivation and opportunity. If your New Year’s resolution was to take your business to the next level, there’s plenty you can do to keep that resolution. Make use of great product photography and video services, find cloud storage to keep your business secure and agile, get your hands on extra capital to fund your business dreams, and don’t forget to print custom business cards that you can leave in the hands of potential clients and collaborators. The world is in your hands, go out and grab onto it.
