If you just started a business then your timing is perfect. Right now, consumers care less about perfection and professionalism and crave authentic and transparent business owners. Folks just want you to know a bit more than them and do what you say you’re going to do. PERIODT!đź‘Ź This means there’s some wiggle room for your screw-ups.

What Customers in 2020 Really Want

In 2020, customers are looking to SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES. And we – as customers – know what that comes with. We know it’s just you and orders may be delayed. Yes, we know that payments may be processed through Venmo because you’re working the logistics out. And, we realize that your prices can change as you figure out distributors and discover how your time pans out. This is all fine because there are benefits of working with you versus a huge established conglomerate.

Your newness means we can talk straight to the owner when orders are delayed, payment is convenient and you’re willing to experiment and make our Pinterest dreams come true. You add a personal curated touch that we can’t get just anywhere.

But know this. Businesses can go left if you’re not transparent and authentic.

Related Post: 4 Ways To Make Your DIY Website Look Professionally Designed

Build A Connection With Transparency

If you frame yourself as perfect, we will hold you to that standard. Be honest with us. Tell us ahead of time – in your own non-corporate voice – “Sis, I have 7 orders this weekend and it’s just me. Can I deliver at 5 instead 2:30?”.

Be honest with yourself. Don’t over commit. Tell us when your booked and we’ll order next weekend. Plus, from a marketing perspective, you being booked creates scarcity. Now, when you’re available we’re ordering quickly. We don’t want to miss our opportunity to buy from you. “TAKE MY MONEY!”

Related Post: Do I Need A Website To Start A Business?

Your Voice Makes The Difference

My Honest Message to New Business Owners Who Don't Know WTH They're Doing.

I hope this inspires you to move even in incompleteness. Know that when you use your voice to keep us in the loop we will use ours to sing your praises. We love your flexibility. We love that we asked for a service and you replied with “i’ve never done that but, I’m sure I can.”. Thanks for doing what you do and inspiring us to move forward with our own imperfect ideas.

This weekend I supported three business with this same learning and willing energy in spite of their level of newness. Sending a HUGE thank you to Rosie and Vs, Shye Girl Creations, and Baby Cakes by J for an unforgettable experience!

None of us know what we’re doing at first (or even now – stuff is always changing). If you’re the DIY type and you’re looking for tools to market yourself and start up a brand, check out my Masterlist of 20 Game-changing Marketing Tools. It’s a complete list of my favorite free and paid tools to help you skip that ugly phase.

SHARING IS CARING