| In today's economy, businesses are failing each | | | | willing to pay the extra price for the additional |
| and every day. Are we to blame the recession or | | | | services. |
| Hard Times? The answer is no we can't. As | | | | 2. Be unique. |
| business owners, we are responsible for our own | | | | Add personality to your business. Let's look at an |
| actions. | | | | example. If you have a security company, your |
| The problem is that in almost every industry, | | | | company uniforms could be different than the |
| everyone seems to think that they can be just | | | | standard boring "Rent-a-cop" look by having |
| like like everyone else and still do fine. That just | | | | camo-wearing guards or secret service style |
| isn't the case any more. | | | | uniforms. Something to make you stand out from |
| To make your business survive in these tough | | | | the norm. |
| times, you have to stand out from the crowd. | | | | This will not only get attention but other potential |
| You can't be just like everyone else. If you are, | | | | prospects will take more notice and be sure that |
| then the only thing you have going for you in | | | | all your employees have business cards to hand |
| your price. Price wars are never a good thing and | | | | out if someone asks about your service. |
| devalues your products or services. | | | | 3. Offer special services. |
| So what can you do to overcome this issue? You | | | | How often do you find that it would be easier to |
| need to differentiate yourself from your | | | | get to the bank on a Sunday or later at night? |
| competition. The following ideas will help you stand | | | | How many banks do you know that are open 7 |
| out from the crowd and gain more business, | | | | days a week? I can't count the number of times |
| helping your prospects know that your are the | | | | that I wished they were open because that's the |
| only logical choice. | | | | only day I have a chance to get over there. |
| 1. What are your competitors doing? Do the | | | | Stay open off hours, offer pickup and delivery |
| opposite! | | | | (free or paid), Think about what the biggest |
| If they are all promoting on price, you should be | | | | complaints people have about your industry and |
| promoting on extra value. What can you add to | | | | look at creative ways to overcome these |
| your products or services instead of dropping | | | | complaint. Market specifically to those special |
| your prices? | | | | added benefits |
| If you sell a $100 product and your competitor is | | | | Ok, so there you have it. 3 ideas that you can |
| selling the same basic product for $90, then look | | | | implement right away to make your business |
| at what you can add to your product that will | | | | stand out form the crowd and market your |
| give the value of $150 or $200 instead. | | | | business as the ONLY choice in your area or |
| Anything from gift cards, an extra room of | | | | industry. Don't be afraid to experiment and be |
| cleaning, to free chair massages at a hair salon | | | | creative. The businesses that stand out the most |
| can make a huge difference to your customers | | | | get the most attention are more likely to be |
| perception of your company and they will be | | | | remembered in the long run. |