You’ve built your company from just a couple ideas and a couple of dollars.  You feel you can compete with the heavy hitters in your field.  But you just can’t get over the hump as you feel overwhelmed by your competition.  Even if you’re still working out of your basement there are some ways you can create an impression that you’re in the big leagues even if you’re on a minor league budget.  Here are some ideas to get you in the game:

1. Be presentable.  If you’re sending out mailings or establishing a web site make it look as professional as possible.  Nothing sends a poor message like misspellings or shoddy work.  Look at the big boys out there and see how they portray themselves in the limelight and mimic them if you must.
2. Add Inc. to your name.  Incorporating your business immediately makes your name stronger.  “Joe’s” doesn’t carry as much clout as “Joe’s Inc.” 
3. Don’t play games with the phone.  Elaborate phone systems may set you back a couple thousand dollars.  If that’s unattainable then at least get another line.  A busy signal in this era is unacceptable.  Unable to receive a fax and a call at the same time also screams weakness.
4. Make purchasing easy for the customer.  Accepting credit cards is mandatory this day and age, especially if you’re transacting business on the internet.  This will also provide you with instant credibility.
5. Go to them, don’t make them come to you.  Always make things easier for the customer.  Go to their office or set up a business lunch.  This simple idea creates an aura of flexibility from your end.
6. Create an air of a bustling company.  Even if it’s just you and your kid brother, always use “we” instead of “I.”  Saying, “we have to check this over with our board,” tells your customer that you’re constructed in a very business-like manner even if you are just doing this as a part-time job from your college dorm.
7. Have a proper address.  If you’re working out of the house and you live on Easter Bunny Way consider getting a P.O. Box to look more professional.
8. Customer service is job 1.  Treating the customer like royalty will set you apart from the field and should be at the forefront of your business model.  This is one thing money can’t buy.  Present a great attitude with your customers and they’ll keep coming back.

By-line:

Heather Johnson is a freelance business, finance and economics writer, as well as a regular contributor at Business Credit Cards, a site for business credit card and best business credit card offers. Heather welcomes comments and freelancing job inquiries at her email address
heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.