This country is made up of small businesses, whether they’re of an independent consultant nature or a family-owned trade and/or service. Americans favor small businesses much more than large corporations because of what they represent: hard-working individuals who are honest, genuine, supporters of the community, and treat their customers like family.
As a small business owner, you are in a unique position to create wonderful and valuable customer experiences that can last for years to come. Here are some ways you can grow your appeal and become a long-term success in your own community.
May seem like a weird question to ask, right? You would be surprised to learn just how many entrepreneurs don’t understand their brand. Some may think it means a great logo and others might feel it’s all about marketing techniques, which could not be farther from the truth. Branding is all about the experience you provide your customers, what you do, how you do it, how your customer interacts with you, and what you share on social media that makes them react. All of this combined will create the trust and credibility you want as a business owner.
What makes you unique and sets you apart from your competitors? Is what you offer so awesome, people will talk about it because you exceeded their expectations? You don’t need to go big with t.v. commercials, radio promotions and full page ads to be noticed. It’s all about the benefits, the service and the experience that truly matters.
Know what happens when you let your business run by itself? It fails. Customers want to see and interact with the owner. Employees want to be recognized and appreciated. They need structure and leadership. However, it doesn’t mean you need to be a tyrant and never take time off. Balance is key when owning a business.
A logo is a key part of brand recognition. Getting it right from the very beginning is important as changing it can cost you customers. Make sure it reflects what you do, the tone of your business, and is visually appealing and catchy so that customers will remember it.
A great way to ensure that your unique brand message is being reached, is also being open-minded to what attracts you personally as a customer too. How does your favorite store communicate with you when you enter their establishment, in an email they send or, on the social media platforms you visit? If you like what other businesses are doing to attract you as their customer, it’s okay to emulate them, if you think it’ll work for you.
Your customers will trust and respect you, if they get to know who you are and what your personality is like. Does this mean you have to spend a lot of money? Definitely not. Social Media can be your friend online like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+, to name a few. You also don't need to be on all of them. If you don't have a marketing specialist to help you, managing all of them can be impossible. Start out small. Focus on one first. When it comes to offline, it's about being present and out there. You might want to participate in activities locally i.e. fundraisers, social events, and host workshops offering valuable tips your audience would be interested learning to help build trust in the community.
As a business owner, you don’t have to be spectacular at everything, and that includes sales. What you should be, is excited and passionate about what you do, what you have to offer and what your mission in life is. Everything else will fall into place. Passion and desire are contagious. You will draw people in, if they feel, see and believe in what you project.
Are You Reliable?
The meaning of reliable according to Webster's Dictionary is being consistently good in quality and performance and also being trustworthy. It's amazing how many businesses don't stand behind this value once they begin to grow and prosper.
Try and remember, “If you believe the doubts in your mind, you won’t achieve the dreams that fill your heart.”
