Being competitive is the theme this week. To be more specific, outdoing your competition is the true name of the game. Running a business, some might say, is like playing for a sports team. And most often, it takes a lot of hard work to pull off a big win. How does one stay competitive? Or better yet, how does one dominate in his or her respective industry?
Author Matt Cheuvront has some ideas. On Under30ceo.com, he offers some tips on how companies can be competitive by being unique. Offering customers something different, memorable and worthwhile is at the centre of his tidbits of advice. But let’s take a closer look at some of the ways that you can do that.
Enhance your perceived value. Firstly, says Cheuvront, you have to focus on the people. If you can make your client base feel as if they are part of a community, this will help to make them feel valued and appreciated. He suggests that engaging readers through social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter can help to do the trick.
We have often blogged about how important social networking has become in today’s business world. Keeping in mind that it is more about engaging potential customers in conversation than it is about advertising, the use of social media can really help to propel a business. And be sure to make your blogs a part of your social media outreach!
Blogs, says Cheuvront, enhance the perceived value of a company’s product as it fulfills customer service needs. Direct contact with your clients help them to “fall in love with you and your brand (so that) they’ll come back again and again.” But how can you make sure you’re really making a connection with your customers?
Do your research and ask questions. Writes Cheuvront: “Asking a question is a sign of great strength and humility – it shows that yes, you may not know the answer, but that you’re hungry enough for the knowledge to reach out and ask someone else. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re not a know-it-all. Because, well, you’re not.”
Asking questions also ensures that you are directly able to target the needs of your customers. Don’t assume. Make sure you know what you can do to satisfy them. They will also be appreciative that you took the time to truly understand their concerns. Be sure to check out tomorrow’s blog as we round out Cheuvront’s list of tips on how to make your business competitive by being unique.
