Every entrepreneur wants their business to grow. (I'm talking about those business owners who are not just hobbyists, but those that are working to build a self-sustaining business.) And since every entrepreneur wants their business to grow, then that means that you guys are all ready to handle 10 clients per month instead of 2 clients per month, right? Well, if you've answered, No, to the question, then we've got a few things to talk about. And if you've answered, Yes, read on just in case you want to tune up some of your tools and processes. Here's some suggestions to get you going...

Enjoy!

()Tell me your business process from prospect acquisition to product delivery

If you really take a look inside businesses that are bringing in top revenue, you will notice that they have certain processes in place. McDonald's has everything timed from the cooking of the fries to the dispensing of the soda. They know that from the time a customer places an order to the time they receive that order and walk out the door, should be within 5 minutes. What is the norm for your product or service within your industry? Make a list of how you interact with your customer and be sure to account each step including your response times and means of communication. You may realize that your process is too complicated or too simple to really give your customer the best experience with your brand or you may realize it's just right. But tweaking your business process and making it more effcient is important to handling a greater quantity of clients.

()Who's on your team - primary or auxilary?

Since alot of entreprenuers I know operate their businesses on their own, I know that building teams is something that we need to focus on in order to really realize the potential of our businesses. Getting the assistance of other professionals that can move your business objective forward is priceless and imperative. If you don't have a partner or can't afford to pay someone to assist you in your everyday business, try to solicit volunteers to lighten your load. And if the service you need is not conducive to being performed by a volunteer, then work out strategic partnerships and/or commission agreements ahead of time in order to be assured that you can present a professional product to your customer. Really think ahead in your business and visualize who would be in 'your' company's office? Do you see a receptionist and two other web designers, for example? Do you have an in house programmer or do you contract them as you need them? Once you begin to see who you would potentially need, that's who you need to begin to search for now and set up a lunch meeting to talk about how you may be able to help each other during heavy times.

()What do you accept?

Personal Check...Money Order...Visa...Mastercard. How are you accepting payment for your services? Wasn't it like the greatest thing since slice bread, when Wendy's began to accept credit cards? (I think I have a jones for fast food! I got to work on that.) But really, think about it. Before then you HAD to pay with cash. I can only imagine how MUCH more all of the major fast food restaurants make just for adding that little machine. If your customer can get to a computer, press a button and take 2 minutes to pay you at 10 pm when they get some quiet time, that's a much better deal than the client that has to print out your form, fill it out, write a check or go stand in line at the post office for a money order, then address an envelope, place a stamp on it and send it through the mail. Whew! There are some people that prefer to use checks, money orders and even cash, but you should also set up an online or physical credit card feature that clients can use as an alternative. This will open up your revenue stream and decrease the amount of time you have to spend cashing and depositing checks and money orders.

It is wonderful when you are building your business, making great business contacts and meeting new potential clients, but what isnt' so lovely is having to turn clients away or having a negative experience associated with your company because you simply were not equipped to 'handle your business.' Begin to prepare now so your business can REALLY grow later!