When you enter a business, you enter a venture where learning never stops, new opportunities always rise and new competitions always enter the scene. Whatever the size of the business does not matter when it comes to new knowledge, yet somehow, being a startup and a small business owner has its own disadvantages obviously. Take us, for example. Axis Capital Group, a credit source offering small companies loan options located in Nebraska and now expands to Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia has had tough times. Even when we are starting, we compete with large credit companies with big names in the industry. We set ourselves apart from others through traditional methods which up until now has been very helpful in how we do our ways.

1. Define yourself and your business' culture

Authenticity is key - be yourself. You cannot keep your business when you act all fraudulent about things. This frame of mind is essential in helping define your business' culture. This can also be one of the factors in leading and setting the tone for your employees.

2. Keep track of your Long Term Goal

At the outset of your new venture, you will likely spend all of your time with your nose to the grindstone, which can make it tough to see the big picture. While getting through daily operations matters, you should never lose sight of your long-term goal. When it comes to this, think big. Sure, you may have a sense of where you want to go in a two- or three-year plan, but think longer term.

3. A journal can be helpful

It may be very hectic to run a small business firsthand and adding another task to the unending to-do list is typically an added stress. Nevertheless, take time to write down things you have done during the day. It may help you build a concrete outline of your thoughts and priorities.

4. Take a Leap and a little Risk

Review what you have already achieved and what is left to achieve. In order for you to expand your business, you have to take a leap and look into the risk involved without putting those involved in jeopardy. Empower your employees to do the same. Let them make decisions and grow the business, and good results will follow. It will likely help foster your business' culture and your reputation as a leader as well.

Nowadays, people have been investing to a lot of things to build up their brands and make their names known. Despite living in the digital world, traditional media is still being used. One of these most used medium is the business cards. Business card can also be critical to the development of your business. These little tools are still relevant in the meeting your own prospects and clients. Axis Capital Group Business Funding, a credit source offering small companies loan options to business-people who operate existing enterprises in the United States and now expands to Asia with their office in Jakarta, Indonesia and Singapore has these factors that show the importance still of business cards:

1. Solid First Impression

Having a business card with your detailed contact information can build your credibility. The more details you put into it, the less chance you get involved in any fraudulent acts. You should include this in your self-introduction. Contacts always expect business cards and it is way better than finding a paper to write at every time you have want them to contact you.

2. Direct Marketing Tools

Sure you have a website for people to look you up whenever they are online but opportunities also come when you are face-to-face with your potential clients. Business cards can go wherever you go, making them an essential mobile marketing tool that can facilitate the process of establishing and maintaining new clients for future business opportunities. You never know when you'll run into a potentially valuable prospect, so you should always be prepared. By keeping a stack of business cards on-hand, you'll always be ready to market your business when the opportunity arises.

3. Build a Brand

A business card which is artistically designed can add an attraction to your company. Business cards are a simple way to establish your brand, which in turn makes your business more easily recognized. A successful card should contain your company's logo, advertising slogan and necessary contact information, including a phone number, website address and email where you can be easily reached which the potential clients can reread and review. Remember that just because your business card is made from paper doesn't mean it can't also be tech savvy.

4. Budget-friendly

Compared to maintaining a website, business cards are more affordable. As one of the medium of marketing, you can print these kind of marketing materials which can cost less than it costs to produce commercials or product samples. When the price is so low and can be easily fit into any business budget, why not always keep business cards on hand? A business card is an excellent way for a business to gain momentum with an attention-getting design.