The Ten Natural Advantages of a Small Business
Large organizations are beginning to wrestle with the reality that their markets want something more personal, more honest and real, from the companies they buy products and services from. It's obvious that small businesses possess natural advantages in this arena, so the rush is on to think small.
Acting like a small business, it seams, is the latest killer innovation.
When it comes to marketing, small businesses possess natural advantages over their much larger competitors.
So, the question is, are you leveraging your natural advantages?
Focus
In order to survive, most small businesses must adopt a narrow market focus. In doing so, they can develop a premium reputation for serving that narrow market.
Reach
Small business owners are so close to their markets they can experience what their market experiences. They can deliver CEO level experience to any size client who can connect with a client better a 25 year veteran and author of two books on the industry or two twenty something whiz kids from McKenzie?
Nurture
Small businesses can grow with customer needs. Often, they can create products and services that address highly personalized requests at a moments notice.
Surprise
The best small businesses understand the value of surprising their clients from time to time. A simple interrupt in the system can become a system for a small business.
Transform
Small businesses can obtain new data from a market, or even a client or two, and dramatically change their business model to align with a new opportunity.
Partner
Smart small businesses create networks of strategic partners and address the needs of their clients with the best and brightest every time.
Automate
The proper use of technology allows small businesses to put up big shop follow-up, service and prospecting without the overhead. Plus, they can outsource the boring work.
Educate
Lacking big ad budget, small businesses must educate their prospects before they can make any ground selling them. This trust building process makes selling unnecessary and delivers the ideal client relationships.
Be Meaningful
Small business is personal. Markets are hungry for businesses that allow them to connect to something beyond the products and services. Small businesses can deliver a story that has meaning.
Play
Why does someone start a business anyway - To get more life, to develop a passion, to get free? It doesn't really matter that freedom comes with an 80-hour work week. Passion and purpose are sexy and contagious.
John Jantsch is a veteran marketing coach, award winning blogger and author of Duct Tape Marketing: The World's Most Practical Small Business Marketing Guide published by Thomas Nelson.
He is the creator of the Duct Tape Marketing small business marketing system. You can find more information by visiting http://www.ducttapemarketing.com.