Many businesses fail for one simple reason: lack of exposure. Not enough people know where to find what is offered, not enough people know what you’re about. This is one of the biggest challenges new business owners face and it’s a challenge that has no simple answer. A business owner needs to have a strategic plan to get in front of as many people as possible and know how to make every appearance count.

A dress shop in north Texas put out a “Business for Sale” sign just 24 months after opening their doors. The owner was enthusiastic about dresses, had a great vision and personality for working with customers and a prime location. However, the owner did not know how important it was to find creative ways to let people know about her business. She felt that her passion for dresses and creative designs would bring loyal customers to the door. She had it a little backwards. She needed to find a plan to get her customers into the door first, and then wow them with her passion and wonderful sense of design and style.

A fellow business owner made a few suggestions about ways the shop owner could get more business. She suggested that she work with the local women’s groups to hold fashion shows to show off her work or that she give mini chat sessions about fit and color something most women need help with. The owner decided against the ideas and only wanted to make dresses, she stood by her conviction that her talent would bring in customers.

Within 12 months the business was struggling to bring in enough money to pay the bills. Within 24 months they were closes. The business had a great location in a busy strip mall. The main challenge? Not enough exposure to her target audience. They did not know she was there. The store signage was poor and there was no compelling reason for customers to go in.

The BellaOnline Business Site is read by people around the world. I would like to help you gain exposure by telling our readers about your business. It does not matter if it’s big or small I want to hear from you. Do you have a success story to share or a question to ask? Do you have a great invention or program that you want others to know about? If so click on the link below and tell us your story. I will feature a new business each month.

If you’ve been trying to finds ways to let your customers know who you are and where you are here’s your chance! We look forward to your email and we’re excited to tell others about what you have to offer.