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Running a small business takes vision, dedication, and a willingness to adapt. At any point in your journey, it’s important to pause and evaluate: what’s working well, and what could be improved?
Of course, every business owner wants to grow, but growth doesn’t happen magically. True business success comes from setting clear goals, creating strategic plans, and taking consistent, actionable steps.
Here are six strategies to help your Boone County business grow, no matter the season.
1. Set Specific Goals and Implement an Action Plan
Clear, specific goals create a roadmap, not only for you, but also for your team. Goals give daily tasks meaning and help keep everyone focused.
Business goals may include increasing sales or profit margins, launching new products, improving operations, or expanding your customer base. The key is to set realistic, targeted goals that match your business size and resources.
Once your goals are in place, break them down into actionable steps. Set monthly or quarterly benchmarks to track your progress. Then take it a step further: evaluate your daily and weekly schedule to make sure your tasks align with your overall objectives.
A simple way to stay on track is to ask yourself during each task: “What goal is this helping me achieve?”
2. Review Your Budget and Prepare for Market Changes
If you haven’t reviewed your budget recently, now is the time. Rising costs, changing interest rates, and unpredictable markets can all affect your bottom line. Staying ahead means knowing where your money is going and where you can make improvements.
Start by reviewing recent invoices and expenses. Identify any price increases or areas of overspending. Then decide where you can reduce costs, reallocate resources, or make smarter investments.
Remember: a budget isn’t restrictive, it’s empowering. It helps you spend wisely, plan effectively, and maintain control, especially during uncertain times.
3. Strengthen Customer Relationships
Your customers are your business. Maintaining strong relationships with them should always be a top priority. So ask yourself: How are you attracting new customers and keeping current ones coming back?
If you haven’t already implemented a customer relationship management (CRM) system, consider exploring your options. CRM software provides valuable insights about your customers and helps you manage communication, sales, and follow-ups more efficiently.
Don’t let tech overwhelm you. Start small and grow into it. The goal is better connection, not complication.
4. Boost Your Online Presence
There’s never been a better time to reach new audiences from right here in Boone County. Your online presence (website, social media, and search visibility) can open doors to growth far beyond your local market.
If you don’t have an online presence:
Start small. Choose one or two social platforms where your ideal customers spend time and begin posting consistently. A simple, user-friendly website is also a worthwhile investment. It builds credibility, informs potential customers, and opens up new sales or service opportunities.
If you do have an online presence:
Now’s the time to optimize it. Are you showing up consistently? Is your community engaged? Are your posts aligned with your business goals? Small tweaks like updating your website, adding calls to action, or experimenting with content types can lead to big returns.
And if digital marketing isn’t your strength, don’t worry. We can connect you with local freelancers and agencies who specialize in websites, social media, and branding.
5. Invest in Your Team
Your team is one of your most valuable assets. Investing in them, whether financially, professionally, or personally, pays dividends in retention, productivity, and morale.
Ways to invest in your team include:
Transparent communication around goals and expectations
Celebrating wins and milestones together
Offering flexibility or hybrid work options (when possible)
Creating a healthy, positive workplace culture
While competitive pay and benefits matter, feeling appreciated and included often matters just as much. A strong, supported team helps your business grow from the inside out.
Looking for a powerful way to develop leadership skills within your team?
Encourage your employees (or yourself!) to participate in the Boone County Leadership Academy. This program equips emerging and existing leaders with the tools, connections, and confidence to make a lasting impact in their workplace and community.
6. Evaluate, Adjust, and Keep Moving Forward
Growth doesn’t come from guessing, it comes from data. Regularly review your business’s performance metrics, including sales reports, customer trends, cash flow, and marketing results.
Ask yourself:
What products or services perform best?
When are your busiest and slowest times?
What marketing efforts bring in the most customers?
Are there underperforming products or services that need to be cut?
If you’re not already asking customers how they found you, start now. Whether it’s word of mouth, Facebook, a Google search, or a newspaper ad, that insight helps you focus your efforts and stretch your marketing dollars further.
Remember: what works for large corporations may not work in a small, rural market. Tailor your strategies to Boone County, and focus on what truly resonates with your local customer base.
Bonus Tip: Collect Customer Reviews
Reviews are a powerful marketing tool. Ask satisfied customers to leave feedback on Google, Facebook, or your website. You can also offer simple in-store surveys or review cards.
Reviews help build trust with potential customers and give you valuable feedback from the people who matter most.
Let’s Grow Together
Business ownership has its ups and downs, but you don’t have to go it alone. BCDA is here to support Boone County businesses with tools, resources, and connections to help you succeed.
If you’d like to explore any of the strategies above, or want help finding the right support, contact our office to set up a one-on-one conversation.
The opportunities for growth are endless, you just need the right plan.
