Be consistent: Both your customers and employees benefit from consistency. Keep the doors open during regular business hours, strive to meet all goals on time and provide consistent products. Random changes or failing to deliver products/services may result in a lack of trust. 

 Improve products/services: While consistency is important, you must also continue to make improvements upon what you already offer in order to stay ahead of the competition. Update your inventory as newer products hit the market and/or gradually add to the list of services you offer.

 Create/update your website: Millions of people turn to the internet when they need something, so make sure your business’ name is out there. Your website should include information about your business, including hours of operation, location and contact information.

 Use social media: These days, a website isn’t enough. A lot of buzz is created on Facebook and Twitter, which provides a great way for customers to share their experiences with your business. Social media helps you share information and interact with your customers. 

 Document everything: Keeping notes, memos, contracts, receipts and more on record can come in handy during a variety of sticky situations. Documentation helps not only with making deals and planning partnerships, but also in the event that a third party makes a claim against your business.

 Ensure payment: To make sure your business is paid for services rendered, it’s a good idea to require customers to pay a portion of the total cost up front before work begins.

 Ask for referrals: Starting a referral program is a great way to incentivize current customers to visit your business again, while garnering new customers as well. Offering discounts for referrals is one simple way to do this.

 Stay positive: The road isn’t always a straight path and employees may become discouraged while navigating the twists and turns of business. It’s up to you to keep a positive attitude to improve morale, which makes it easier for everyone to push forward until things get better.

 Seek help from mentors: Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and get fresh ideas from other people whom you respect. Mentors can steer you away from mistakes that they’ve made in the past, leading you on a quicker path to success.

 Get coverage: You never know when a fire may ignite in your storefront or when a vandal may destroy the building’s exterior. A good business insurance policy offers protection from a wide variety of damages and losses.