[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="4.5.5" hover_enabled="0" custom_margin="0px||||false|false" custom_padding="0px||||false|false"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_post_title categories="off" admin_label="Post Title" _builder_version="4.5.1" _module_preset="default" global_module="10641"][/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.5.5" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" hover_enabled="0"]You've started your own business, developed a brand and created a business plan, and now you are beginning to see that all your hard work is starting to pay off. You are seeing profits rise and continue to grow. You are officially a small business on the road to success, but growing your business can be daunting. What next steps do you need to take to move ahead? Below are some strategies for growth for the small business owner.

Reach Out to New Customers

Begin to collect demographics on potential customers. Getting information does not have to be complicated. You can start by going to the Small Business Administration, a government organization that provides resources for market research. You can also contact trade associations and universities for information on potential clients and monitor social chatter about what is trending and what interests your audience.

Improve Your Brand

It is often said that your best customers are your' returning customers. Think about how you can improve their experience with you. Talk to them about what works and what doesn’t work. Provide them with a survey to provide feedback. Reaching out to your current customers shows your appreciation and shows you care. Based on the answers you receive, think about how you can add value to your brand.

You don't always have to reinvent the wheel with an entirely new product. Take at look at your competitors. See how you can improve on what they are doing. Ask yourself how your brand is different. Look at their target audience and its needs to identify future customers.

Market, Market, Market

Get the word out to new and existing customers about what is new and exciting. It is not enough to have a good brand if no one knows about it. Marketing is a constant activity for the small (and large) business owner. Today there are more options than ever to promote your brand including social media, website development, traditional print marketing and online ads. Set up social media accounts to reach out to your audience.

Marketing goes hand-in-hand with expansion. Again, given the online resources available today it is possible to reach places (and customers) beyond your physical location. This requires some research to educate yourself about any differences you may encounter regarding tax implications and customs if you decide to stretch your boundaries.

Invest in Hiring the Best Employees

Your business is growing but you can't handle it yourself. This is where is pays to hire the best people you can afford. Of course, when you take on employees or follow any of the previous steps for growing your business, you have to manage your capital.

Develop a Sound Financial Base

All of these steps for growth require some capital investment. That's where a company like Advance Funds Network (AFN) can help. AFN specializes in securing finances for small and medium businesses that need access to capital. Since 2007, AFN has helped owners meet the financial obligations and costs that come with growth. AFN can customize a financing option for your line of business without hidden fees in a transparent process that secure financing securely and quickly. AFN has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Visit their website at www.advancefundsnetwork.com and see how they can help you move above and beyond your business goals.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]