How to declutter your business image

On Wednesday I spent some time with Gillian learning about her new business. Gillian does a wide range of things to do with changing your lifestyle as well as getting rid of your “stuff”. It’s about living a simpler life and decluttering.

When I went back to my office afterwards I couldn’t help but feel that I need to do some decluttering. Doesn’t it feels great when you chuck things out?

One of the things that people tell me they like about my work is that it’s uncluttered. I think when you’re designing things it’s really important not to clutter them up, you need to make it easy for people to see the important things that you want them to see, and also for them to find what it is that they want to know. You need to make it as easy as possible for them and you. Some key points about decluttering your business image:

• People need to be able to find the things they need. Make it easy for them.

• Less is more.

• Make it easy and relevant for your audience.

• Unless you’re Ling Valentine you probably can’t get away with craziness and clutter so keep it simple. (Read this for more on Ling’s website)

• Your logo is not the most important thing to include. Do include it, but ensure that your message stands out more as this is what will grab peoples attention.

• You don’t need to include every single piece of information on your work.

• Give people the most important pieces of information so they are attracted to what it is that you offer.

• Too much clutter can make people feel overwhelmed, confused about where to start – or confused about what it is that you do.

• Work out what your key message and purpose is and use that.

• Be consistent across everything with the colours, typeface and the general look and feel so that every touchpoint is recognisable as being part of YOUR business.

• Simple is good.

So living simpler doesn’t just relate to “stuff” or the clutter in your mind, it relates to how your business looks too. Less really is more because it makes more of what you have. (Tweet this) This could also apply to:

• your office or your shop

• the way you write your emails

• how you do things

• decluttering at home

• reorganising your hours

What could you do to cut out the clutter in your business ? Or do you have any decluttering tips you could share? Comment below and let me know – I’m going to start by tidying my office.

You might like to read one of these next!

How do you uplevel your business image? How to make your business image consistent Ten reasons why you might need to review your business image ADVENT 8: How to make your business image show you care.