We all know That Guy, and his cousin, That Lady. They’re that guy who does my yard, that lady who grooms my dog, that nice couple who took the Little League team pictures last year. But at what point when you work for yourself do you make the transition from being “That Guy” to being a small business owner?

If you are serious about upping your game, growing your business or turning your side hustle into your day job, here are four steps that can put you on the path from “That Guy” to small business owner.

1. Make the choice to be a professional. The first step is to change the way you present yourself and what you do. If yesterday you said you cut grass for a living, today you introduce yourself as the owner of a lawn care service. Pick a name for your business and make it official. You may be able to do that inexpensively by registering your new business name as a DBA (Doing Business As). Check the relevant law in your state, but this process sometimes is as simple as heading to the county courthouse and filling out the forms. (Later on, as your business grows, services such as Legal Zoom can help you with more complex filings like an LLC.) From this moment on, you are Jamie Smith, CEO of The Grass is Greener Lawn Service.
2. Present yourself professionally. This doesn’t mean that you need to wear a business suit and high heels to work if you are a dog groomer. The aim here is to dress appropriately. How about a polo shirt with the company name and logo (yes, you get to have your own logo now!) on the pocket? Similarly, if you own a detailing business, consider getting a magnetic sign for your own gorgeous ride.
3. Make your company visible. While word-of-mouth from established customers is still a great way to pick up new business, you will need a professional presence online and in the community. New customers want to know details about who you are and what your company does. This includes a website, social media presence and more. First, get a business email address that includes your company name and is separate from your personal email. Get some business cards, online or from an office-supply store, and then hand one to everybody you meet. Get a website – there are some very simple and free website building and hosting apps available, like Weebly. Or find a student who wants to make a little cash. Once you have a website that your customers can go to, market on social media like FaceBook, LinkedIn or Twitter, which is free. Post frequently. Ask people who have done business with you to write reviews or recommendations.
4. Network with other businesses. Join local business associations. Join FaceBook groups for local businesses. Join professional organizations – you’ll learn from everybody’s experiences. Join Yelp and other apps which rate businesses, and make sure that your reputation is good there. Respond to all reviews – be grateful for the good ones and if you get a less than perfect review, interact with the person and try to turn things around.

So, will transitioning from That Guy to business owner change the way you do business? The answer is both No and Yes. No, because you will still have all the skills and knowledge that have earned you loyal customers over the years, and you can still give those customers the great service that you’e always given them. That doesn’t change. But also Yes – because by positioning yourself as a business owner, you are taking your skills and experience to a new level. You’ll be more visible, more approachable by new customers. If customers can find you more easily, read about you online and see what other customers think, your business will grow.

Take care, stay safe.