So... What's so special about you????

So... What's so special about you??? This is one of the most important questions to ask a small business. What is your fundamental reason for being in business? What is your competitive advantage? Most small business rely on the basic "customer service" comment. Sorry small business owner but no one cares!!!! Your customers will walk right pass you on a day you are dying for a customer and go right to your competitor because they will give them a small discount they found in Val-Pak... Or, even better, they need to capture the next badge on FourSquare.

Does this sound familiar to you??? Well, that's the way the new marketing landscape is shaping up. If you don't know why your customers are your customers then it's back to the drawing board. If you think customer service is your key to success or fast service then you and every other business on the block are saying the same thing. There are no customer loyalties to a "me too" business. Be unique and customers will be standing outside your door trying to get in.

Find out what makes you and your business really different. What special technique, recipe or geographical area do you have that makes what you do so different than your competitor. Once you find out what makes you so different then announce it to the world. It need to be on every business communication, sales material, announcements, promotions, social media and customer development programs you have. If you don't then your customers think you are just like the other guy and they want to save money, or get that next badge.

If you don't know why you're in business then it is awfully difficult for your customers to know why they come and spend money with you. Take time to find out why you are whom you are and you will be surprised how many people will take time and pass those other competitors to come and see you.

This is one of many tactics that needs to be developed for your Foundational Marketing Messages. They are your keys for success and to aid you in developing your marketing strategies in all aspects from traditional to the social media landscape. If you don't know what your messages are then you will have a difficult time gaining a loyal following of customers.

If you want to know more just let me know.

Thanks,

Scott

Social Media

After several months of studying Social Media and what it brings to the table for businesses it brings one thing to my attention. OK, maybe several things to my attention. The first one is that I've been studying this for several months and just now starting to understand what it takes to bring a marketing tactic to the big three or four social media sites. It takes time, energy, persistence and patience.

I understand the potential of what social media can do for a business and how well it can boost revenue and profits, but for a small business to implement these strategies and run a small business at the same time it becomes a difficult task. I have worked with major businesses and they are busy with what's on their plate. It's difficult for them to move in a different direction without hiring someone new. Busniesses have already cut departments and personnell down to the bone to maintain profits and adding a new marketing professional costs money.

Social Media sites maybe free... but if you don't know what to do this becomes a big issue. It's not like uploading photos and letting everyone know what you did last weekend is going to bring in customers. You need strategies and a plan. Look for professionals to help you get to where you want to be in the Social Media revolution.

They will help you understand and help set the goals you want to accomplish and measure the results. The best part is that they can usually do this for a lot less then hiring a new person and creating a position.


Social Media is here to stay until the next big thing comes along... Until then, embrace the new way of communicating and jump on board with both feet and get ready to ride the way. It's only just begun.

Thanks,
Scott