A responsive website design may be a new phrase that you hear thrown around a lot lately. You may or may not know what it is, but chances are you have no idea just how important it is to the future success of your business.

Most businesses still have an old-school website designed to highlight who you are and what you sell. Unfortunately, this is no longer how websites work.

The problem with great ideas is that we fall into the trap of thinking that our idea will pave the way to success. We believe that because we know that we have the best product or service, people will find out and flock to us in droves.

You’re in business because you believe that you have a product or service that will help others. The problem is that you don’t know how to get people’s attention long enough to show them how you can help.

Your logo design sets the tone for your whole company. The design of your logo is the first impression potential customers have of your business.

Today, people are craving authenticity. They want to know that it is still possible to rise from the ashes. People need a hero. Perhaps we can be that hero. Not because we have any great power, but because we have overcome the naysayers, jumped over the hurdles, tripped over the stump, and got back up to run with even more resolve. You’re still standing because you refused to give up, and that is a great story to tell.

So you’re a small business…so am I, but that does not mean we have to think small. As a branding expert and coach for small businesses, I hear a lot of excuses. “I can’t do that. Don’t you know we’re a small business?” Or, “I wish we had the resources for that, but we’re just a small business.” Or my favorite, “As a small business, all we can afford to do is maintain the status quo.”

How long do you stick with a lead that shows interest but just won’t close? Are there any tricks to help get these pesky leads out of the never ending spiral of maybe laters? If you ask any ten sales experts you will mostly likely get 10 very different answers.