Getting Your Small Business to Stand Out

How much time and effort have you put into trying to make your business stand out from amongst your competitors? This is actually a common theme that the majority of small business owners have a difficult time with. The problem is that they are thinking of extreme ways to accomplish this. As this article will show you, you don’t have to go to such extremes at all, you just need to focus on these few areas and do them well.

Improve Your Business Communication Skills

Communication with current customers and potential customers is one of the easiest ways to get noticed more often. Many times your business isn’t getting noticed because you are not marketing or advertising it correctly. Potential customers just don’t know that you exist. To rectify this issue develop a 60 second elevator speech about your business. Imagine that you meet someone in an elevator and have just one minute to explain to them what your business is all about. This can take a good deal of time and effort but once you have your elevator speech down pat, it will serve you well.
Use the same message to connect to a similar audience through other advertising and marketing mediums. This may include a monthly email or newsletter. Post cards and other print marketing can complement any marketing strategy.

Realize that most of your future business does not need your product or service right now. It is important that your communication reach them to make those potential customers aware that your business even exists.

Develop Your Network

Another challenge small business owner’s face is not developing a network with other business owners. Instead of viewing everyone as a competitor, think about how you could partner with other business owners and help each other. You might want to publish a newsletter where you list all of your special offers at certain times of the year, for example.

People in your network can often have great connections and being introduced to just one person could do wonders for you. Don’t be scared of asking to be introduced to someone too.

If you don’t have a certain product in stock get into the habit of recommending one of your competitors. After all it is the customer you are helping. They will remember this and may return to your store for other items. Or they may appreciate your recommendations and tell their friends about it. Word of mouth marketing can be a huge boost to your bottom-line.

Show Your Personality and Stand Out

Frequently, business owners hide behind their websites and business cards or behind the scenes in their stores. Get active in your business, display your photo along with a personal message or an about page on your website. Walk around your store and make a point of meeting and greeting your customers. You may even want to start supporting a local charity as a way to help the community and get your business noticed.
As we mentioned earlier, these aren’t extreme measures at all. In fact they are very simple to implement yet can have remarkable consequences for your business.

Which of these activities will you take action on today?