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A lot of other people have given, in my opinion, spot-on answers...basically that you shouldn't be competing with huge corporations to begin with and that you should have that direct, approachable, niche-market sensibility that often propels small businesses to "big" business status. But I understand your question. As a small business owner and entrepreneur, I am constantly struggling not necessarily to look "big," but to act professional, to deliver like the big boys do, and it's tough. It's a 24/7 commitment, and there are very few tricks involved other than working your ass off.

One thing I will say is this -- the place that small businesses often fumble is with customer service, since we don't have the man power to compete there. But customer service, and client relations, is "make or break", so you need to find solutions that work. Paying for a totally pro website, for example, may cost but it makes a big difference. Another way to think big is with virtual phone systems; I use a gotvmail plan for precisely the professional edge you might be needing. A small company like yours with its own 800 number, and call-routing, and multiple extensions (even if some go to cell-phones or team members' private home lines, hehe) makes a big difference, and it's not as costly as a receptionist (who could flub intros anyhow). And the other side of that coin is manning those phones, checking your voicemail constantly with email notification or whatever, and getting back to clients. I think that in a world where ten minutes on hold is the norm, customers may PREFER you to a big business.

I wish I could say that I have the answer. I do not, and I believe the day that persons view my company as a medium business or corporate entity might be the day that I am in process to move into those shoes.

For now I will stay small, and focus the needs of efforts outside of my present capabilities on partner companies.

Good post!

I would say, start with a very nice on-line Web site. People think I'm loaded and doing nothing but jet-set and rub shoulders with the stars all the time. Little do most know I have really a day job and do my jewelry at night and weekends.

All I can say is IMAGE IS EVERYTHING. We deal with businesses all day, every day and one thing that alot of small businesses have in common is that they don't realize that LOOKING BIG is not far out of reach. Your marketing materials (ie, business cards, brochures, sales sheets) have to look like you know what you're talking about and look like you spent time and money on them.

Alot of bigger print services offer templates that you'll find every "Joe Small Business Owner" ordering. No kidding, I went into this local restaurant that allowed business patrons to put their cards in for others to hopefully pick up. WHY did I see 5 businesses with the same card design??? I don't know if it's the thought that spending a few dollars on getting a custom business card or marketing promotion made is going to break the budget, or if it's just that people are in such a rush to make money that they take the path of least resistance---which would be the dreaded do it yourself business card. Whether home printed on an inkjet or publicly available templates that you and millions of others in the world will have.

Doing it yourself works when you're a graphic designer, but the honest truth is, if you're not--stay in your lane and let the professionals create eye-catching PROFESSIONAL designs that speak of your business. Never forget that YOU ARE YOUR BUSINESS & YOUR BUSINESS IS YOU.

That said, visit http://www.businesscardplanet.com for custom graphic design and lower printing prices than the cookie cutter shops. You will get Expensive Big Business Printing and Design for the small business man's price.

5000 12pt 4x6--$99
1000 14pt Business Cards: $25
Full Color Banners $5.50 sq.ft.
http://www.businesscardplanet.com
877.797.8096

Hi

I would like to recommend that you become extremely Googleable.

What does this mean?

This means that when someone types your name or your companies name in Google - you will 'own' those first few pages of Google.

It is very natural behavior for us today to 'Google' a new companies name when we hear it. Many times the results that Google will give us - will also give us some indication about this company.

How do you become Googleable?

By putting your self out there in Social media! ( the results show up in Google..)
Be active in forums, article directories and social networks.

My brand new Super Website Marketing Handbook is the complete guide on how to do it!
http://www.iyazam.com/our-book.html

Make as many promotion as possible.