It’s easy to put yourself last. It happens to the best of us throughout relationships, parenthood, and our careers. However, overlooking your needs is the surest way to let the dominos fall, leading to unhappiness and possible business failure (or, at the least, business exhaustion). As the economy remains stagnant, it is imperative that you remember your starting point and what makes you happy. Following these feelings will help keep you smiling and thriving as a small business.

Families want to shop local and support small businesses, now more than ever. You not only provide a service that grants an emotional connection, but you also offer a shopping opportunity that increases your own revenue. Take a moment to realize what a great setup you have going on! While it can seem daunting and selfish, you owe it to yourself to show your business the respect it deserves.

Respecting Your Boutique

Take Out the Trash

Out with the old, dated, and always-cluttering STUFF. Look for chipped or cracked shelving, faded paint areas, or dust bunnies hanging around. Get your boutique space clean, smelling fresh, and welcoming. Even if you have a simple design aesthetic already, you can always rearrange and swap things out seasonally.

The same goes for the inside of your ultrasound room(s). Add new pillows or seating areas for family members. Give everything a good scrub and make sure your keepsake offerings are within arm’s reach for quick sales.

Gain Respect

Respect is earned through kindness, self-discipline, professionalism, and presentation. Your small business prices are non-negotiable, and through your professionalism and boutique presentation, that will be respected by your clients. You can offer several variations of packages, including keepsake gifts and holiday items. Add photo opportunities for social media sharing with reminders to tag and share your boutique link.

Be Bold; Be You

Don’t be afraid to be different and have fun with your business. Playing it ‘safe’ is easy, but if you have a gut feeling or something that really makes you smile – GO FOR IT! Your personality can shine through your boutique. Perhaps you want to move your Heartbeat Animals around with an Elf on the Shelf all season and set up fun photo opps for your clients to laugh over! Or maybe you want to add a mural wall and dress up costumes for clients to utilize in their pictures. You are only limited by your own creativity. You need to smile every day you enter your boutique!