Building your business name

When starting your own business it’s hard to get noticed. However, with a bit of research it doesn’t take long to discover what you need to do to make a name for yourself.

• Network! Make use of every channel available to you, like industry events, blogs and websites, and industry magazines to get to know the industry leaders. It's all about building relationships with as many people as possible.
• Interview key industry players. A great way to get noticed is to post interviews with key leaders on your blog or website.
• Find your niche. Work out a way to create this niche into your signature attribute. Become and expert in this niche then offer to do talks at universities, school career days, charities and industry events.
• Volunteer. Work for free to raise your profile.
• Be creative. Getting publicity is not just about advertising. Try approaching local or independent radio stations or television stations to form partnerships. If your product or service is innovative, creative or different, try gaining editorial in magazines and newspapers.
• Remember that entrepreneurs are only ever as good as their product.
• Learn how to create news, innovate, and deliver results.
• If your product is good and your marketing is run by smart people who are reliable and easy to deal with, you will almost always generate some support.
• Target market. Consider the type of people you want to attract and the types of businesses or organisations you can network with to attract those people.
• Endorsement. Use your networks to endorse you. Many people will happily promote a product or service they believe is of good value.
• Sell your idea to prospective clients, investors and other stakeholders.
• Believe in yourself, and your product or service.
• Differentiate yourself. Build a strategy that positions you as different, or preferably outstanding.