In business three to five years. Sales, customers and profits are increasing. Competitive intensity is also increasing.

If you want to grow, here are three of the most common strategies:

1. Find new customers for your existing products or services.
2. Sell existing clients more products or services (increasing purchase frequency and variety).
3. Create new products or applications to satisfy unmet market needs.

Whichever route you decide to pursue, you should update your Business Plan to reflect your new direction.

Need capital to grow your business? First, Pull your FREE credit report.  These days, you will need a credit score in the 700's to qualify for most loan programs.  You may still be able to get a loan if your score is less than 700, but it will be extremely difficult.  In addition to your character, lenders will be looking at your collateral, credit history, and capacity to pay back a loan.  If you plan to apply for a loan, let us help you prepare for the loan process.  Get started by filling out a Personal Financial Statement.  This is just one of the documents you will need to complete during the loan process.  Anyone who owns at least 20% of the business will need to complete this basic form also.

If you don't already belong to your local Chamber of Commerce, consider a membership.  To grow your business, you need to constantly meet new people and network.  There are many other professional organizations out there to choose from.

Times-News has invested heavily in equipment and resources that enables them to double their capacity to process and deliver pre-printed inserts in the newspaper.  It may surprise you that they can also help you with other marketing strategies including direct mail, web site and internet marketing, business cards and letterhead and more.  To learn more about what they can do to help you find more customers and grow your business, contact their Creative Services Department at 423-392-1414, or click here for their complete staff/phone directory.

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Didn't find what you were looking for?  We still want to help.

Choose from two easy options:

1.) Schedule a FREE and completely confidential in-person business counseling session in a private setting with an experienced and qualified TSBDC-certified counselor by calling (423) 392.8825 or e-mail info@kosbe.org. 

2.) Obtain answers to your questions online, by phone or via e-mail.  Just signup for Online Counseling right here.