Essential growth tactics that Austin entrepreneurs need to implement for business expansion

Using the strength of community networking

Austin is a community not just a city. Being a part of this community can really help your business grow. There are a lot of events and groups in your area that are great for meeting new people. You could join groups like the Austin Chamber of Commerce or go to meetups on sites like Meetup.

Why is this so important? People only do business with people they know and trust. When you go to events in your area you're not just meeting people you're making friends. And real relationships can often lead to better word of mouth advertising than any ad campaign you run. You might also meet people in these networks who could be potential partners collaborators or mentors who can help you.

Networking is not just about getting contacts it's also about making connections. So get involved with your community. Be willing to give value first and listen more than you talk.

A digital presence is like a business card in the 21st century.

You need a strong online presence if you want your Austin business to grow. It's not enough to just have a website these days. There are now a lot of different places where you can leave a digital footprint like social media and review sites.

Let's begin with your website. Can you use it easily on a phone? Pew Research says that your site needs to be responsive because 85% of adults in the U.S. own a smartphone. Also speed is important. People who might buy from you might not stick around to see what you have to offer if your pages take a long time to load.

Social media is another helpful tool. You can make your brand more relatable by using social media sites like Facebook Instagram and LinkedIn. Talk about how your business got started celebrate big events or show what happens behind the scenes. Also don't forget about online reviews they can make or break your reputation. Get happy customers to write good reviews on Google Yelp or sites that are specific to your business.

Using methods that are good for the environment

Austin is a city that cares about the future and many of its residents care about the environment. Using eco friendly business practices not only helps the environment but it also draws in customers who are becoming more aware of the environment. It's good for all of us.

To help the environment you could go paperless save energy in your office or get materials from places close to you. These kinds of things can help you get ahead of the competition and maybe even save you money.

Also see how other companies have used eco friendly methods to their advantage. The City of Austin's Office of Sustainability has programs and resources to help businesses be more eco friendly. People will like brands that care about the environment and your work might make others want to do the same.

Diversification Don't put all of your money into one thing.

New tech savvy solutions and ideas are always coming out which means the Austin market is always changing. To make sure your business keeps growing think about giving people different things. A lot of successful businesses in Austin take a portfolio approach which means they sell products or services that go well together.

If you own a cafe in your area why not make your own line of coffee beans with your name on them? If you own a tech startup you might want to think about adding consulting services to your business.

But you should always plan for diversification and never let it weaken. Make sure your new products fit with your brand's core values and strengths and check to see if there is a need for them. As you keep an eye on what's going on in your field be willing to change your approach. The U.S. Small Business Administration has some great advice on how to make your business more diverse. For useful tips and information visit SBA.gov.

Building a team that can bounce back

Lastly your team is very important for your business to grow. It's important to put together a strong motivated team that can handle the stress that comes with growth.

Austin is a great place to live because it has a lively culture and well known schools like the University of Texas at Austin. But paying them well isn't enough to keep that talent. Promote an environment of inclusion where people can talk to each other learn new things and have opportunities to grow.

Help and motivate your team to talk about their new ideas. They are often on the front lines and may have ideas you haven't thought of yet. Remember that the best leaders help others become leaders. Training and development not only make people feel better but they also give your business the skills it needs to do well.

Growing your business in Austin is fun. The city's culture skilled workers and tech savvy people make it a great place to do business. You can set yourself up for long term success by using the power of your community making your online presence better being environmentally friendly thinking about diversification and building a strong team. Austin is a city that likes to try new things. Make sure your company has that same attitude. Keep trying new things learning and getting better. And soon everyone will be talking about how much you've changed.