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Whether you’ve been in business for one day or twenty years it’s really important to understand the basic business fundamentals. To this end I have compiled five of my best tips for business success. So let’s get started.
Know your point of difference:
It doesn’t matter if you are selling zucchinis or Lamborghinis, you should always know your point of difference. It’s really important to know what sets you apart from the thousands of other people who are selling the exact same thing. Do you have a lower price point, better quality materials, better service or perhaps just a better selection all round? Knowing what sets you apart is a really great way to start your marketing methods too.
Keep tabs on the industry:
As well as needing to know what your competitors are doing you also need to keep up to date on the technology side too. That way you can always be aware of what’s changing so that you can react faster.
Be nice!
This one is really simple, but it’s really important. Work hard and be nice. Whether that’s to the people supplying your products or the consumers who are buying the products, a friendly face and conversation goes a long way in business. There are many telephone answering firms which can help small businesses with their customer service if you do not feel up to the task. (They look after your administration and are customer service professionals-so that’s something to bear in mind if you get the odd grumpy morning.)
Remember your reputation matters and it will always follow you wherever you go.
Marketing is important:
Marketing is important whether you have the best product in the world, or the best service in the world, no one will come to your business unless they know that you exist-and that happens almost exclusively through your marketing. You have to get your name out there, whether that’s through emails, social marketing, business directories. No matter what marketing method you use remember it is extremely important so make sure you have a marketing plan early on.
Money is more important!
Unless you’re a non-profit you are probably in business to make money, so you need to keep tabs on your finances at all times. Whether that means basic accounting, or forecasting for investments, you need to decide; can I pay for it, can I pay my bills, can I pay for future investment and can I make a profit?
These business fundamentals really are the basics but hopefully they will help you to remain grounded and set you on the right track for future business success.
- Published: June 21, 2012
- Author: Lee Roy
- Blog: Ducking In Blog
- Category:
- Tags: customer, customer service, Market, marketing, Marketing and Advertising, marketing plan, small business
- Comments:
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Wonderful post Lee! I think being nice is the best way of connecting with more and maintaining a relationship with old clients. If you can avoid a conflict, try hard to avoid it. It doesn’t mean that you have to listen to everything and do extra. You should keep your point firmly, strongly with reasons so that the your client doesn’t fee that he is being nasty. It is the confidence that really matters and works in the longer run. As far as the money is concerned, never leave your hard earned money and never take extra money!
Thanks for your post Lee Roy! These are nice, yet simple, guidelines for your business, no matter what that is. I’m betting that if you follow them closely, there is almost no risk and maybe after one year you will still be there, serving your costumers. The best advice: hard work and be nice! You can’t go wrong in business or life with that!
I could not wait to read more article from your blog. This is very useful especially in my business. Thank you so much for posting it.
My point of difference against many other people out there selling the same thing that I have is quality. I make sure that my products are well taken care of inside my business/property. I make sure there are no defects on all of the product available.
Yes, be nice although most people aren’t. In business, you need to endure with all kinds of attitudes in order to have a good market. Thanks for the tips and advises. It really helped me in some ways.
A telephone answering service took a massive weight off our shoulders when we first started out. My customer service experience was, to be honest, zero. (I’m not the most patient of people!) So hiring someone to be the voice of the business was excellent for us. It was also a cost effective solution – we didn’t have to hire a receptionist!
Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would really
like to have you share some stories/information.
I know my subscribers would appreciate your work. If you
are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.