Congratulations. You have vision. You
must or you wouldn't be willing to read beyond headlines about
growing your brand. To do so you will need smarts: Knowing your
client, your market, your unique selling proposition.
Many of Office AdministrationAssociates' businesses have checked all those boxes already before
partnering with us for bookkeeping and administration, yet it's wise
to give yourself a pinch once in awhile to make sure your smarts are
still functioning.
Do you know your market? When I ask
this, I'm wondering not just about your business – lets say it's
home improvement – but do you know what's trending in your line of
work and how you'll position yourself as part of this trend or the
next.
Do you know your competitors? When's
the last time you checked who was doing the same or similar work? You
don't have to do the same as them, or do it cheaper, just know who's
out there also doing home improvement work.
What is your Unique Selling Proposition
or USP? Some competitors may warranty their home improvement work, or
offer some guarantee, or a discount on future projects. How might you
stack up? Is the competition using inferior techniques or supplies?
That could be a major selling point to fuel your growth.
Do you need to spend money to make
money – and where will this money come from? Advertising, social
media (done right), point-of-sale pieces, all costs money. The
brochure you used to launch your business might need to be ratcheted
up a notch or two (or at least updated).
You can put yourself in the best
possible position to grow if/when you're smart about these four
things. However, there isn't a smart entrepreneur who asks and delves
into these four areas only in the eight inches between his or her own
ears. An experienced sounding board can help you check your smarts
and put them in perspective. If they have a vested interest in your
business (spouse, partner, etc.) that's great. You may also want an
impartial ear as well. OAA can be that ear, by the way.
Image by Federico Caputo used with permission.
