Connect and Grow Magazine - April 2024 - Edition 8
What makes your business stand out from the crowd?
When running a business, there are always wins and challenges, and it is important to understand what makes your business a success and where you can improve.
Over the past few months, I have spoken to many business owners in various industries. I hear the same thing repeatedly: the past strategies are no longer working. Many people are struggling financially, and this is happening worldwide, so what they spend their money on is chosen, in most cases, carefully. I have even heard from some people that they are struggling to meet their everyday living expenses.
Everyday expenses play a significant part in a person’s decision on what they spend money. How important the service or product or experience is will determine a person’s actions.
As a business owner, it is important to remember this. When you share your services, whatever they may be, there will always be people keen to sign up or engage. However, they will also be looking at the value and how investing their money in your services may mean they are making a sacrifice in another part of their life. In some cases, buyer's remorse enters.
So, how do you ensure that your business stands out, and how do you get people to engage in your services so that they see the value and trust you to deliver?
Several strategies, when implemented effectively, can help your business stand out from others in the market, leading to increased customer engagement and, ultimately, financial success.
Strategies for your business
First and foremost, it is crucial to identify and embrace your unique selling proposition. This sets you apart from your competitors and makes your business special. Communicating this effectively to your target audience is key to your business's success.
What is your brand, and how will people remember you? For example, your logo and colours should be consistent across everything, including business cards, websites, and social media. The way you show up for calls and appointments is also part of your branding. What do people know you as or by?
How do you communicate with your audience, and how easy is it to connect with you? Do you offer a FREE introduction to your services so they can get to know you?
Continuously evaluating and improving your offerings is a key strategy for differentiating your business. By staying ahead of trends and focusing on innovation, you can meet your customers' changing needs and expectations. This not only sets your business apart but also increases customer satisfaction.
Building a robust online presence through social media and other digital marketing channels is not just an option but a necessity in today's digital age. It's an effective strategy to increase brand awareness and attract new customers. It allows your business to be easily found and interacted with, thereby expanding your reach and potential customer base.
Where do people find you currently? Are you advertising on TV, Radio, or in a magazine like this? We have noticed that many people look online for business, so as part of the magazine, we created a business listing section that businesses can advertise in and be seen in; we know through the sales of the magazine and the online views that people are finding business.
What have you tried for online advertising, and how much are you willing to invest? Social media groups are one way; however, people often respond well to people engaging in conversation rather than seeing an ad; they want to know the people behind the social media posts.
Do you have a website, and is it easy to navigate? Your business website must be easy to navigate and change as your business changes so people can easily access your services. This digital visibility can significantly make your business stand out in the market.
They invest in your business and have the proper support at the right time. Running a business does have ongoing costs, such as spending money on advertising or investing in a business coach or a support program.
An example of this is, in the disability sector here in Australia at this moment in time, there are a lot more businesses than people that require the services as well as changes in the processing of payment of invoices, there are also changes in funding levels in the people's plans, what this means is that business owners have to show the people that may require their services, that they can be trusted to work WITH them and that they are reliable, that they are interested in the person's needs rather than the money they can make.
Staying up to date with the changes as a business owner is challenging as the change occurs without much notice at times, so joining a program where once a month you get together with others to talk and share ideas is a great way to have the support and stay up to date. This can apply to anyone running a business by looking at who offers support.
Branding and You: Bring who you are to your business. Your colours and style should be consistent; think about how your audience will receive how you speak, look, and interact. You can display this with your social media posts as they do not need to be all about selling but about the value you bring and always have your business colours and style blended into your posts.
People respond to colours unconsciously; some responses are based on what they like, and others are based on past experiences
Some people help with brand awareness; the final tip I can give you is to be flexible. As your business changes, you may change aspects of your brand. Remember that different colours hold different meanings and create different psychological experiences. For example, yellow, red, and white are often associated with food or eating.
What colours have you chosen, and what are they saying about your business? Remember you are your business!
Written by Jacqui Grant
At Break Free Consultancy, we offer business coaching and consultations for those in the disability sector. You can learn more on our website.
(c) 2024 Break Free Consultancy Connect and Grow Magazine
Disclaimer: all information is accurate at the time of publication. It is important for the reader to always seek professional advice for your specific requirements.