1. Expand Your Professional Network

Work with colleagues in complementary industries (home design, flooring, furnishings, color consultants) and even barter services to save each other money. This will give you opportunities to get referrals and distribute your business cards, brochures, etc.

2. Know Your Customers and Serve Them Well

We're talking about more than knowing their room color preferences. Ask them about their projects, invite their questions, share your knowledge, return phone calls promptly, go out of your way to help. There is nothing more effective than outstanding customer service for a healthy business.

3. Communicate Your Professionalism

People form initial impressions in the first 10 seconds of meeting. With such a short time to convey your professionalism, a neat appearance for both you and your crew is a must. Organized estimate sheets, color cards, and other business tools which will demonstrate your attention to detail.

4. Connect to Your Community

Volunteer your services, products, expertise and time to worthy causes in your community. You'll make connections with other like-minded business owners and open yourself up to new lines of support and innovative ideas.

You can link up with other businesses to explore ways to help each other increase business. For example, give local real estate agents, furniture stores, color consultants, flooring stores, etc. some of your marketing materials and Benjamin Moore paint color fan decks, color cards, etc.

5. Keep Learning

Learning new skills adds value and new business opportunities to your professional life. Expand your areas of expertise to include specialty finishes, interior and exterior stains, flooring, etc. Keep current with the latest trends, products and techniques.