8 Secrets to Thriving as a South Carolina Small Business

The Palmetto State is a hotbed for budding entrepreneurs, each vying for the top spot in their respective markets. A business-friendly environment and skilled workforce provide an opportunity for small companies to flourish. But fierce competition and changing consumer habits could result in withering profits despite your best efforts. While you can’t control the market, you can turn grit into financial growth. Here’s how:

1.    Nurture product partnerships. Connecting with other South Carolina entrepreneurs and organizations could open up your business to new opportunities. For example, you might partner with another small-business owner to bundle complementary products and services to reach a broader customer base.

2.    Explore untapped marketing opportunities. Digital ads, direct mail, and email marketing might be your go-to marketing tactics, but doubling down on a tried-and-true method might prove more fruitful. There’s a reason referral marketing has been around for ages: it works! Set up a client referral program and grow your business through word-of-mouth advertising.

3.    Stay flexible. As consumer trends change, your ability to pivot and meet market demands is crucial to business sustainability. Timely changes to product and service offerings could give you a competitive edge, letting you attract and retain lifelong customers.

4.    Perform an operational review. Ineffective sales funnels or inefficient customer relationship management (CRM) systems could be why your business isn’t reaching its full potential. If you’re unsure of how to perform the review, contact the service provider for a complimentary audit.

5.    Manage expenses. Proper fiscal management is essential to the success of any business. Track more than monthly sales revenue. Review one-time and recurring bills to ensure these costs aren’t needlessly reducing your profits. When you identify financial leaks in your business, try to fix them.

6.    Ask for discounts. Some suppliers offer deep discounts for cash payments or time-sensitive purchases. Free up cash to buy inventory and equipment at a lower cost by using a low-interest-rate business credit card to cover other expenses.

7.    Know your branch and live it! What makes your company or nonprofit different? If you don't have an instant answer, give it some thought--not just about how people think about your company now, but how you ultimately want them to perceive you. Then, infuse your brand into your approach to business, pricing, service, and marketing. 

8.    Improve your business financial literacy. Some entrepreneurs mistakenly combine personal and business finances, leading to confusion and unwelcome tax or legal issues. Learn how to avoid these and other risks by taking a business finance course or speaking with a qualified financial professional.

Sound fiscal tools and strategies can lead to increased profits, despite market conditions. Sign up for banking accounts and services that encourage financial prosperity. Schedule an appointment with a SAFE business service representative to discover accounts and services that could help your business thrive.