How to Help Your Business Stand Out in the Crowd
If you’re a business owner, then you’ve heard the statistics...
Only half of businesses make it past the first 5 years and only one-third survive the 10 year mark.
But why?
There are a number of reasons why businesses struggle. However, lack of differentiation makes the top of the list.
The truth is, unless you’re introducing a super unique invention, someone, somewhere is doing something similar to you. Consequently, standing out from your competition is critical to your business’s success.
Even if you offer a unique product, you still need ways to let customers know how you’re different. Here are 10 ideas from Pro Net, the Professional’s Referral Network, that you can implement today to help your company stand out in a crowd.
10 Steps to Stand Out from your Competition
Go above-and-beyond on service
It’s not enough to simply say that you offer great service. It’s another to provide an extraordinary experience, every time. Take the time to decide how your business is going to provide a better customer service than your competitors.
Pinpoint possible bottlenecks
Customers gravitate towards businesses that eliminate their pains. This means creating an environment that is efficient, easy to use, enjoyable, and convenient for all ages.
Do something different
If you want to be differentiated from your competitors, you’re going to have to do something different than them. This means conducting a competitor analysis and exceeding any shortcomings you find.
Develop a niche
It may be tempting to be an ‘everything’ business in your industry. However, doing one thing really well is always going to earn more success than stretching yourself thin. Define who you serve and narrow down your niche to your best services.
Backup your product/service with a guarantee
Consumers make decisions based on trust. But when you are a new business, you lose the power of referrals until you gain momentum and recognition. A guarantee is a great way to reduce perceived risk surrounding your product or service, leading to more sales.
Create a culture
Cultivating a positive culture isn’t just great for securing top talent. It can also be used as a memorable marketing tool. Consumers love supporting businesses with a great reputation, and that starts from the inside out.
Support a community cause
Supporting a local cause is a great way to thank your community for their business. Not only do you do some good for those around you, you create a good name for yourself and garner positive attention for your brand.
Get social
If you want to take your community initiatives a step further, considering starting your own cause. TOMS is a great example known for their “one for one” effort that helps a person in need with every pair of shoes you buy. Explore issues that matter to you and how your company might be able to benefit.
Have fun and get involved
Practice what you preach! If you want people to have fun with your product or service, show them that you are fun. Don’t shy away from customer appreciation events, parking lot parties, and showcasing your services at booths around your city.
Create unique partnerships
Partnering with other businesses are a fun way to support complementary services in your community. For example, a carpet cleaning company and house cleaning agency can offer complementary discounts to their customers through referrals. With access to each others consumer base, paired with referral incentives, you can double your exposure.
Looking for more ideas on how to stand out in a crowd? Come check out one of our upcoming Dallas events, with Pro Net, the Professional’s Referral Network. Become a member today!