Therefore, my company offers the standard size website with all the ‘bells and whistles’, but now also offers a more simple website option, for those on a smaller budget. It is primarily a one page site which scrolls down the page, presenting a brief overview of products, services and contact information.

The idea, not only gives you as a design agency more chance for business, but also gives the customer another option – at a much lower rate. These one page sites are becoming more and more popular, and are a quick and easy way to present your company and it’s services in a short and concise way.

I have recently finished a ‘mini’ site for a local wine club – you can see the site here.

So when you are thinking of ways to increase business, think about all sizes of companies with varying budgets, and make sure you present options which cover all needs.

Now, it has become apparent that twitter can also be a great business tool – somewhere where you can keep up to date with news bulletins and follow people of similar business interests.

Think of it as a stream of  ‘mini’ blog posts where you can widen your business network. It is somewhere where you can let others know a little bit about yourself and your business, in 140 words or less.

If you have expertise in a certain area, and you know something that would interest others – here’s another platform where you can show your stuff to an audience that you otherwise might not reach.

Twitter is a great online marketing communication tool, where you can tweet your latest project, brand your business, and market your company in a short and concise way. It is also somewhere where you can learn from others in the same industry.

Be cool – start twittering: twitter.com/john_cre8

Eventually, we both realised there was more to life than lightboxes and scalpels, so we both went our separate ways. Little did we know, that 20 years later, we would stumble across each other again via Facebook.

Warren is now a very successful record producer and songwriter in Los Angeles, California and I have my own design agency in Phuket, Thailand. Upon knowing this, I was prompted to suggest building a new website for the recording studio Warren was working at, in Hollywood California.

The site was completed recently, and both parties are more than happy with the results. Visit the website here.

So, when ‘pottering’ around on YouTube, Facebook and such like, chatting with old and new friends, think about business opportunities along the way – it could produce some creditable business for you and your company.

Richard Branson was a dyslexic high school dropout who had business aspirations in abundance. He started a magazine when he was sixteen and just four years later started a small record retailer company named ‘Virgin’. The rest, they say, is history…

He is a very humble guy who has a great aura about him. He seems very unassuming, although aware of his huge success. He takes huge risks, not only in business, but also in leisure, where he will attempt ridiculous feats such as hot air ballooning and bungy jumping, which must have his insurance company pulling their hair out.

He is a real inspiration and one of the most successful entrepreneurs I have come across. He makes you believe anything is possible, if you persevere and trust your instincts.

Check out this interview with him and be inspired.

It is therefore imperative that you find the right ‘balance’ between work and play. Manage your time both inside and outside the office. A happy family life plays a huge part in your mindset and how you present yourself when at work.

Family, in my opinion, is the most important thing life has given you. We work, primarily, to provide for the family. This is not to say that work is not an important factor – especially if you run your own business. But, it is a good idea to make sure that your family knows that they come first. Your family also need to understand your side of the story, and that to be successful in any high level position, requires a huge amount of dedication and effort.

It is easy being an entrepreneur, to be trapped inside that business ‘bubble’.

So, balance your time, give yourself a day off each week to unwind and to spend time with the family. Don’t become so obsessed with your business that you ignore the people who matter the most…

One of the biggest mistakes people make in business, and in everyday life, is making a judgement on somebody by the way they look or the way they act. This can be a huge mistake.

In business, talent comes in all shapes and sizes, so those of you who request a photo with every resume, maybe you need to think again.

Click here to see the video and be inspired – it is something which will stay with you for a long time…

Staff Communication
Do not underestimate how important staff communication is. These are the people who help you run your business. These are the people who look to you as a manager or director, for guidance and verbal stimulation in the work environment. Make sure your messages are articulate and clear in the minds of your employees and communicate on a regular basis. Inspire your staff by words and actions.

Client Communication
For your business to be a success, it is essential that you have constant communication with your clients. Your clients look to you, as an expert in your field, to guide them and to relay information to them on a regular basis. In the design industry, I have found that a simple email or a phone call can be the difference between a mediocre agency and a great agency. In a world where there are many companies doing what you do, the communication factor could be the deciding element when creating a business relationship.

With technology progressing the way it is these days, it is possible to stay in contact with clients and suppliers even when you are out of the office. With the additional option of checking email on your mobile phone, you can be sure not to miss any business communication be it; client issues, potential leads or supplier demands.

Stay in touch, and build a strong creditable bond between you and who you work with.

We are, by nature, content being in our ‘comfort zone’. The safe monthly income, the usual work routine and the no stress or worry about whether the company you are working for is in crisis or not.

But, what if that ‘risk’ pays off? What if that ‘risk’ gives you a new lease of life and elevates you to a business surrounding you only dreamed about previously. Very often, the biggest barrier to taking that step is YOU.

I’d always encourage people to jump with both feet in, but sometimes it’s just not practical, so building a company and getting started in the evenings when you’re not working is a great way to get started.

Some things to think about before you get serious about starting your own business:

Be Passionate
It is imperative that you are passionate about what you do. Do not throw yourself into an area of business just because you think it will make you a ‘fast buck’. There will be tough times, and only a strong passion for the industry you have chosen, may get you through those tough times.

Plan Ahead
Build a business plan and focus on how you will market and sell your services. Think about what will set you apart from the competition.

Learn to Sell
Before I started my own business, a friend asked me ‘what is your elevator speech?’. To which I had no idea what he meant. This is something which all entrepeneurs starting a new business need to master. This is, primarily a thirty second summary about you and your business. There will be many occasions where you will be in a restaurant, a bar, an elevator, or indeed a rest room where you may have the brief opportunity to ‘sell’ yourself and your company. Be articluate, get to the point and don’t stutter! I don’t pretend to be an ‘expert’ salesman, but being confident in your own ability and in what your company can offer – certainly rubs off on people.

Network
Get out there – get your face, your name and your company noticed! Find out where and when there are events and gatherings where you can mingle with other professionals and present yourself and what you do.

Be Creative
It’s easy for me to say ‘be creative’ as a designer, but there are many ways to be creative in business. Researching your competitors marketing strategies, selling techniques, and advertising can promote new and exciting ideas for your new venture. Find new ways of presenting your service, find new ways of advertising, get to grips with the web and online marketing. Push yourself that extra mile to increase your business attributes.

So, whilst there is an obvious ‘risk’ in starting your own business, there are also very exciting times ahead if you can ‘escape’ that comfort zone…

The answer is simple – it is marketing.

Taking the time to write a marketing plan, and working out who and where your target market is, can be the difference between success and failure in business.

So many spend millions on building the business and so little on marketing.

Marketing your product does not have to be of huge expense, but a cleverly thought out advertising campaign or online marketing strategy can help position you above your competitors and generate not only interest in your product, but also revenue. Simple marketing procedures which can help your business flourish are:

• Assess what your competitors are doing in the market – and do it better.
• Assess how your competitors sell – and sell it better.
• Assess what your competitors offer – and offer more.
• Build a successful online marketing presence – Barack Obama proved this works!
• Track your marketing to assess cost vs ROI.

It is imperative that you spend time building a marketing strategy, and consistently monitor your competitors strategies – if your buisness is to remain at the forefront of its industry.

One of his articles ‘excellence’ is a great little piece about fine tuning your business ethics, which may help elevate your company to the next level.

First, Andy touches on ‘operational excellence’ which questions whether you know all the ins and outs about your business and it’s daily operations. It is important to be aware of every little detail and to be on top of everything if your business is to run smoothly.

Next is ‘service excellence’. This, to me, is a fundamental priority if your business is to achieve greatness. Looking after, and indeed, exceeding customer expectation is imperative if your business is to gain a good reputation amongst your competitors. Your customer service is your bread and butter. Without customers, you have no business.

He then talks about ‘HR and cultural excellence’. Currently I am working in Thailand, which is very relevant to this subject. There are many cultural differences as a westerner working in Asia, and it is important to understand those differences and apply them when working with or working for Asian people. Creating a working environment where staff are driven, but are also happy in the workplace can have a huge affect over your output. Respect both ways is something which will benefit your business long term.

‘Product excellence’ is another interesting point. Does your product stand out from the rest? Do you put in that extra mile to get that product perfect for the customer? That extra effort can set you aside from your competitors.

Lastly he mentions ‘communication excellence’. One of the most underestimated centers of excellence a company must have is communication. Keeping staff and clients up to date and making sure all avenues are clearly understood, is of mass importance to your business.

Andy Liu posts regular inspirational pieces for all you budding entrepeneurs, check out his site here: http://www.inspiredstartup.com