1. Get business cards that reflect the professional image you want to portray.

Quality stock paper, appropriate colors, design, and print fonts give your card a crisp business-like look. Avoid the computer printed cards; they look cheap and devalue your business image.

2. Let your tips-sheets or other handout materials reflect the colors associated with your business.

If you have cream-colored business cards, have your handouts printed in same-color paper. Be consistent with your logo in all materials that go out to the public.

3. Send mailings in priority mail envelopes. 

Priority mail is relatively inexpensive and gets to your prospect faster. You can insert your letter-size pages into the envelope without having to fold them for a more professional look.

4. Treat your business seriously.

Get a dedicated fax line, business phone line, voice mail, and a 3-party line. These are all relatively inexpensive add-ons to your existing phone service and create a very professional impression.

5. Answer all your phone calls and/or emails within 24 hours.

If people have to chase you down, it is unlikely that they will do business with you. Missed opportunities occur when there is a long lag time between when your prospect calls and you answer.

6. Handle fulfillment of orders within 48 hours.

When your customer has to wait too long for your product, they lose interest. Loss of interest reduces your chances for selling to that customer again.

7. Get a post office box.

If your post office is not accessible or is out of mailboxes, get one at a local Mailboxes Etc or a similar outfit. You can use a P.O. Box number AND a street address with these.

8. Have your business name reflect what you do.

Avoid "cutesy" names that will limit the growth of your company.

9. Make it easy for your prospective clients to buy from you.

Giving customers many payment options makes it easy for them to buy from you. Get a merchant account for accepting credit cards and electronic checks.

10. Handle returns promptly, no hassles.

Develop a hassle-free return policy if you offer a product.