Five Things You Can do Now to Increase Your Business.

Expand Your Network — Work with colleagues in complementary industries (home design, flooring, furnishings, colour consultants) to provide referrals, distribute business cards, brochures, etc. Barter services to save each other money as well as provide an immediate reference for your work.

Know Your Customers — A no-brainer, right? But we're talking about more than knowing their room colour preferences. Ask them about their projects, share your knowledge, invite their questions, offer your assistance, return phone calls promptly, go out of your way to help. There is nothing more powerful, more effective or more important than outstanding customer service for a healthy business.

Look Your Best — People form initial impressions of each other within the first 10 seconds upon meeting, and solidify these impressions within the first 30 seconds. With less than a minute to convey your professionalism, a neat appearance is a must. When meeting a client for a bid, khakis and a polo shirt are a smart clothing choice. And don't forget that a neat, clean appearance for you and your crew on the job matters, too. Organized estimate sheets, colour cards, and other business tools which will add to your professionalism by demonstrating your attention to detail.

The Inside Edge offers a variety of business tools such as the Job Cost Estimator DVD, estimate sheets, and more, along with an apparel program to keep you looking your professional best.

Connect to Your Community — What can you do to make your community a better place? Volunteer your services, products, expertise and time to worthy causes in your community. You'll make connections with other like-minded business owners and open yourself up to new lines of support and innovative ideas. Link up with other businesses and explore ways in which you can support each other (supply a local real estate agent, furniture store, colour consultant, flooring store with Benjamin Moore paint colour fan decks, colour cards, etc.). Work together as a business community to weather stormy economic times — there's strength in numbers.

Keep Learning — Learning new skills adds value and new business opportunities to your professional life. Expand your areas of expertise to include Specialty Finishes, interior and exterior staining, flooring, etc. Continually expanding your knowledge and skills will ensure you keep current with the latest trends, products and techniques as well as open new doors to endless possibilities.