When you work for someone else, your employer provides you with a computer, a phone, an email address, and business cards. The company has a logo, a website, and procedures established for how to get the work done.
But, when you work for yourself, you start with none of that. It’s up to you to provide these things for yourself. And even though many solo professionals came from a corporate past, they do not bring many of these things into their own businesses. That’s a mistake.
Many solo professionals assume that because they are small, they’re under the radar and they can get by without pulling together the necessary and essential components of their business. But, whether you’re just starting out or already established and sitting pretty, here are five things that let the world know that you’re a professional and that you mean business!
- Get a professional business card. Don’t get generic or do-it-yourself cards from anywhere; have one designed by a professional, with up-to-date information and a nice card stock. I still receive cards where I can feel the perforations along the edge, which is a clear sign they printed it at home on their printer. Your card makes an impression every time you hand it to someone – a small investment in a professional-looking card will make a good one. I ordered mine during a promotion which helped in reducing the cost.
- Use your company email address. I don’t mean using Gmail, AOL, Yahoo!, or Hotmail (eg. jane@hotmail.com). If you have a registered domain (www.YourCompany.com), it’s just a few more steps to use it for an email address at no extra cost (jane@yourcompany.com). It’s worth the little bit of extra effort to demonstrate that you’re serious about your business. Please leave nameofmycompany@gmail.com behind!
- Get a professional headshot. This should be retaken every few years and used on your website, your social media profile, your bio, etc. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be done by a pro in a professional setting.
- Have a consistent look. Presentations, brochures, online materials, etc. Anything you show your clients, prospects, and others should feel consistent, instead of reflecting a new expression of creativity in each piece. Use consistent fonts and colors, as well as consistent wording in the way you describe who you are and what you do.
- Don’t skimp on your tools. Make sure you have what you need to run your business well, including a good computer, a reliable printer, and a dedicated place to work without background/home noises. Invest in the software that you need now, not only to do your work but to maintain your business on the back end too. You can invest in additional tools as you need them.
These things are easy to implement and relatively inexpensive. By doing them, not only will you give the world a better impression, you’ll feel like a million bucks! 😃
Things I Can’t Live Without: Music, Music, Music
Who does not love music!? It stirs the soul, lifts the spirit, and adds that extra spring to your step. I love music, all kinds of music! 😁 Some for the words, some for the rhythm, and others for both.
I am, however, partial to alternative gospel and dance music (this includes any culture). Whether I’m working or playing, driving or walking, doing laundry, cooking or cleaning, and my favorite – doing nothing but singing along while putting my best foot forward. 👏🏽
With so many options and genres out there – there is something for everyone. Morning, noon, or night, music is one of the universal languages across the globe. So, go ahead, pick a song, any song – and sing and dance to your hearts’ content! 👏🏽 🥰
