When you are a small business, it can be tough to compete with the bigger players in your industry. They have all the budget they need to spend while you are restricted by many other factors.
Money makes up a lot of those constrictions, of course. But, your ability to produce in volume, deal with customers, and reach out to new locations will also put the brakes on your opportunities.
However, there are a few things you can do to improve your competitive edge. We’re going to take a look at a few of your options today, so read on to find out more.
Move to the cloud
First of all, move all your technology to the cloud. It will save you money in the long term, and give you the flexibility all small businesses need. In fact, the advent of the cloud means that the playing field is a lot more level for small businesses. In years gone by, it was difficult for smaller companies to scale up their businesses as and when they needed to. These days, however, cloud services give you that opportunity without the enormous costs of change.
Be more professional
There’s a perception about smaller businesses that they are often more easy going and carefree. This is all well and good, of course – and it can be a benefit when it comes to targeting your market. However, it’s still important that you keep a professional edge so that you don’t restrict your appeal to as many people as possible. So, if you are a home based business, make sure that you have a professional looking website and address. The guys at Physicaladdress have some useful info on why this is important. Also, think about customer service – and outsource it if needs be.
Be different
While professionalism is important, it’s equally vital that you differentiate yourself. Don’t copy the bigger players, because they will simply chew you up and spit you out. Use your differences to make a bigger impact. For example, if you are local business, make a big song and dance about it. There is a real trend towards using local services instead of global corporations, so it’s a good route to consider.
Be personal
Another advantage you have over big business is that you can give a more personal touch. Get to know your customers, and find out what ticks their boxes and excites them. Focus on the little details – hand-wrapped products, for example, or hand-written thank you notes. It might not seem like much, but it really makes a difference to your customers. It’s the complete antithesis of the stale, standard service you get from a global corporation.
Celebrate your small business status
Our last tip is a simple one – be happy about who you are. As a small business owner, you make your rules and are out of the high-pressure environment of the corporate boardroom. Train your staff to follow suit. It’s something to celebrate – and a joyous and happy outlook can help you attract a lot more customers.
Do you have any more tips? Let us know in the comments section and get involved in the conversation!
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