Yes, mistakes are inevitable, and they can work to your benefit if you learn from them. But committing the same error repeatedly, to the point that it becomes a bad habit, can cost you.
Here are five bad small-business habits, plus some tips for breaking them, from marketing consultant Shawn Graham.
- Putting all your energy into web marketing — No one would argue the power of online marketing. According to Graham, “With tens of thousands of small businesses already online, you can’t just assume prospective customers are automatically going to find your website or engage with your business on social media. To be successful, you need to develop a marketing mix of both online (website, social media, email marketing) and offline (events, brochures, direct mail) tactics.”
- Overlooking local influence — Small-business owners may underestimate community connections, especially if they’re focused on gaining national attention. But success starts at home, Graham notes. “As a small-business owner, you need to take advantage of every opportunity to make meaningful connections and gain exposure for your business, especially in your own backyard,” he says. “Local events, media outlets, and strategic partnerships can all be great ways to get noticed by prospective customers.” And, once you get good at connecting on a local level, you’ve set the stage for establishing a wider customer base.
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