Ways to Stand Out Against Competitors
Yoohoo! Over here! Pick me!
Fact: when everyone tries to stand out, no one does. Ugh.. It can be utterly frustrating when you have ideas and aspirations, but getting noticed is that one thing keeping you from shining. It sucks, and it’s at this point when many people choose to call it quits. But there is hope!
There are plenty of ways to take your business from treading water to breaking through the metaphorical glass ceiling! And here’s how.
Who Are You Reaching For?
Many times, small businesses have big goals & want to do big things, which I totally okay! But then they only shoot for the biggest fish and forget all of the little fish that will ultimately help them on their voyage. Finding a specific niche of whom you really want to target keeps you focused. It also keeps the goals from getting too broad and gives you a healthy entry to doing business.
Just ask yourself, “Who did I make this product/service for?” Start by finding those types of people.
What Are You Reaching With?
Just like your target market, make sure to not stretch your services too thin! It’s great to want to have experience in multiple fields, but if you take on too many different avenues without the time or man-power…well…the result is no good.
Focus is the name of the game here too. Pick your strongest assets for your business and lead with those. Of course, your less advertised skills will shine through eventually, but the key here is making sure you don’t stretch yourself too thin. Basically, rock whatchu’ got!
Imitation Is Not the Best Form of Flattery
Not here in the business world, at least. It’s all fine & dandy to look at other companies and find pieces you really love about them, but you should never just glob all of those characteristics together, thinking that’ll make up you and your business. It’s all about looking deeper, asking yourself the tough questions.
“What makes me unique?
What voice do I want to convey?
How do I want potential clients to perceive me and my business?”
You can’t find these answers on anyone else’s website or Facebook group. Stay original. That’s why you’re running your own business, to begin with, after all. It’s all you, baby!
Be a Person. Get Personable.
Once you’ve found your inner voice, get out there and use it! The best way to build client relations is to stay personable. Your clients are real-life people, not words in an email. Showing them a little of who you are is that little extra piece of goodwill your business is able to give versus a competitor.
Bonus! Work that much harder to remember little tidbits your clients give you. Their family members, their likes, and interests, random facts they divulge about themselves. Showing this level of care will build true relationships and your clients and your business grow closer.
In truth, your business is like your baby. The better you treat it and the better it interacts with the world around it will ensure positive growth. These practices take a little cunning and inner fineness, but your business will be a healthier and happier one for it!
xoxo,
MIMI
