One of the hardest parts about starting a business is finding the capital you need to get your business up and running. Bootstrapping and lean startups are still very much a thing and with the consistent rise of online business startup over the last two decades, it is easier than ever to get your business up and running online.
But what happens when you need to project a professional image online? Is your website’s facade enough to show the world that you are legit? Many small business owners struggle with this piece, often spending money they don’t have to present a front to the world. Keepin’ up with the Joneses is a very real thing, especially in business, where you cannot afford to present a poor image to the world. Wondering how to make the most of your limited startup dollar and appear like you’ve got your act together to the world? Read on.
Don’t Focus on What You Don’t Have
Lots of business owners lack the resources, equipment, money, and time to get their businesses up and running. You can’t focus on the things you don’t have. Instead, focus on what you do have to present your positive and professional image to the world. Many small business owners repurpose a corner of their home, basement, or garage – setting up a desk and perhaps adding garage cabinets for practical storage – to create a functional workspace with a reliable internet connection.
If you don’t have enough space or a desk, any table will do. All you need is a place to sit and work. You can pick and choose the elements you wish to share with the world. If you run your entire enterprise from your laptop and your couch, then show that to the world. There’s no need to pretend you are something you are not, especially if it is the thing you are most proud of. If you get to work from anywhere, then show the world how you do that. Focus on what you have to work with and forget about what you don’t.
Rent a Coworking Space
If a dedicated space to get work done is on your wish list, then consider renting a coworking space. While you don’t need to invest a lot of money in a professional office, you get all the perks and value from a coworking space that you would have in your own private space. Many coworking spaces are equipped with private boardrooms, meeting rooms, and places where you can work quietly, even if you have to move desks every time you show up to work. It requires some flexibility, but it comes with a lot of opportunities to show the world you are out there and doing it. Plus, coworking is cool.
Many wildly successful startups have gotten their start from the free-coffee coworking spaces in their neighborhoods. They are often modern and bright and photograph really well for your marketing and promotions.
Plan for It
Part of showing the world your brand and business is doing a little planning. If you plan it right, you can rent a space every few weeks or months, do all your photography and set up for marketing there and then take your images back to your couch and work the images into your social media. But is it really necessary? It depends on who you ask. Some people want their business to look put together right from the start, while others are perfectly comfortable using stock images to represent their brand. Whatever route you choose, you need to plan for the image you want to portray and make time to gather, edit, and utilize the images you curate or create.
Make time each quarter to figure out what you want the world to see of your business and create time in your schedule to do photoshoots. Consider that an evolutionary approach is also a trending approach to business these days. Showing your humble beginnings is no longer seen as below standard so don’t let your “have not” thinking slow down what could be tremendous opportunity and growth for you and your business. Hack it together, make it happen, and keep on moving toward your goals, and you will build a professional image from the ground up.