As a small business owner or contractor, you know how important it is to stand out from the competition. 
But what are some specific ways you can do that? This article will teach you 10 ways to make sure your company can stand out in the market.
After reading this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to make your company more visible and appealing to potential customers.
1. Make it Convenient
In today’s hectic world convenience is one thing most people highly value, even more than time or money. Most of us visited a convenience store and willingly paid extra for the items purchased because it saved us time.
How can you save your customers time by making it easier to order from you, being available to do business on THEIR schedule, adding delivery options, or offering payment terms?
2. Add Education and Training
Remember the last time you purchased an item that said: “some assembly required”? The instructions that generally accompany these items are terrible! They could be labeled as “Difficult to Assemble – Aspirin Needed”.
What if your product or service came with step-by-step instructional videos providing vivid easy-to-follow assistance? Customers love assistance. Not only do they remember the positive experience, but they also tell their friends about it.
3. Offer a new or unique product/service:
This is probably the most common way businesses distinguish themselves; however, it can be challenging to come up with an innovative idea that hasn’t been done before. When considering this option, remember that it does not have complicated or expensive. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something that your customers can’t find anywhere else.
4. Use Social Media
Social media is a great way to connect with potential customers and create a buzz about your company. Be sure to post interesting content that will engage your followers and make them want to learn more about your business.
If you’re not already active on social media, now is the time to start. Keep your content interesting, post often, respond to comments promptly, and run promotions or contests regularly to keep people coming back for more.
5. Create a Strong Brand
Your brand is what sets you apart from the competition. It’s important to create a strong brand that customers will recognize and trust. Be sure to choose a name, logo, and tagline that represent your company well.
6. Offer Incentives
Incentives are a great way to attract attention to your business. Offering incentives such as a free service that compliments the customer’s original purchase is a great way to get people interested in your products or services. Have you ever ordered apple pie with the burger and fries? I know I have.
7. Get involved in the Community
Getting involved in the community is a great way to show potential customers that you care about more than just making a sale. Try sponsoring a local event or volunteering for a charity.
8. Use Traditional Marketing Methods
Don’t forget about traditional marketing methods like print ads, flyers, and business cards. These techniques can be very effective in getting the word out about your business.
9. Have a Great Website
Make sure your website is professional and easy to navigate. Include plenty of information about your products or services and make it easy for potential customers to contact you.
10. Use Email Marketing
Email marketing can be a great way to reach out to potential customers and keep them updated on your latest products or services. Make sure you have a strong call to action in your emails and offer something of value. Encourage people to make a purchase but only after you have helped them in some way.
How will you make your business stand out?
Category: Small Business Growth
Gather the Troops
Today I’d like to chat about the different types of support staff you need and what makes them so important.
There are essentially three key roles that need to be filled to set your business up for success:
• The Technician
• The Manager
• The Entrepreneur
All of these roles need to be played simultaneously by different people with the right talents. It’s all about balance.
The Technician
This person represents the present and all that needs to be done for the physical aspects of the business-building process. They are the “doer”. This is usually the most visible person of the entire operation.
The Manager
This person represents the past and works to fix problems through learning from past mistakes. They are on the practical side of the business and is in charge of putting together the business and overseeing the planning.
The Entrepreneur
This person represents the future and the vision for the business. They are responsible for the creative side of the business and are always considering ways to enhance products/services, business image, branding, and more.
All three of these characters are essential in the success of any business and to build a solid foundation from the start, you need to work harder to find the right people to put in these roles. Obviously, you need to be one of these key people, but ensure you find the role that fits your skills and talents, not necessarily what you THINK you should be doing.
This may be a hard process for you as you will need to relinquish some control over the business and instill trust in people to allow them to do their jobs.
Remember, our business coaches can help you through this entire process and teach you how to avoid falling victim to e-myths when you try our GUIDED TOUR.
Mortar Makes it Happen
Today I’d like to talk about the three keys to business development and how you can put the right bricks in place to build a solid foundation.
There are three main areas of business development:
• Innovation 
• Quantification
• Orchestration
If done well these three areas will help you build a solid foundation for your business.
Let’s talk about each one of these for just a minute.
Innovation
Innovation should not be confused with creativity, which is the expression of ideas. Innovation is taking these ideas and putting them into action. This is where a large amount of your focus should be in the beginning and even throughout your business’ entire lifespan.
Quantification
This, of course, refers to the numbers. We are talking about the value of your innovation. The best way to gauge this is by your customer response. Look to positive responses for what you are doing right and keep doing it. Look to your negative responses to find out what you’re doing wrong and fix it. This will enable you to keep growing and progressing with the needs of your customers and business climate.
Orchestration
Once you’ve had a chance to find what areas are working, you can narrow down those areas and concentrate on making them the stand-out ideas. You shift your focus here to get the most out of your business and to meet the needs of your customers.
We can help you work through these three areas to put together your franchise prototype during your GUIDED TOUR.
In the next few lessons we are going to transition to the 7 specific areas you need to consider in your franchise prototype process:
• Primary Aim
• Strategic Objectives
• Organizational Strategy
• Management Strategy
• People Strategy
• Marketing Strategy
• Systems Strategy
These 7 areas will fine-turn your plan for the ultimate level of success.
