When you feel like you're always busy working on your business, but not getting where you want to go, it can be frustrating trying to figure out how to get your marketing on track. It can easily become a "not seeing the forest for the trees" feeling.
Here are three big barriers I regularly come across with business owners and how you can avoid them.
1. No Clear Definition Of Success
For some, the word Success brings thoughts of fame and fortune to mind. But for small businesses, I'd caution against this definition being your guiding light. When clarifying your own definition of success, I suggest starting with success from your client's point of view.
What is it that you are trying to do for your clients? What is it that they'll have or be able to do as a result of buying your service from you? Match this up with what you are passionate about. What is it that you love doing for your clients? I'll know I'm successful when my clients no longer have to struggle with how to consistently attract more business.
2. Not Clarifying Who Your Ideal Clients Are
When you can clarify who your ideal clients are, you are better prepared to know where to find them and how to market to them. You can develop messages that will appeal directly to them.
What do you know about your best clients? Spend some time to put together as complete of a profile as you can on the clients you enjoy working with the most. What are the demographics and characteristics? How would you describe them to someone who has never met them?
Without clarity of your ideal clients, you're likely to waste time, effort, and money marketing to the wrong crowd(s) and/or not getting your message across.
3. Not Spelling Out Your Unique Value
You must be able to clearly define what differentiates you from your competitors. If your prospects can't differentiate you from all the competitive alternatives in the marketplace, then why would they come to buy from you?
Often for small businesses it's not that they're not unique, it's just that they haven't spent the time to evaluate and clearly describe how and why. What is it that you do better, faster, cheaper, or more effectively ? whatever? Maybe it's a unique model you've developed or the unique niche of clients you serve. Maybe it's your satisfaction guarantee offered to clients.
Most important here is to spell out why your uniqueness is so important to your clients and prospects. Why should they care? What is it that they'll get by coming to you for services?
Spend some time critically looking at these items for your business. It will be time very well spent. If you find you can't see the forest for the trees, don't hesitate to get some outside help.
(c) 2004 - Kevin Dervin, KPD Marketing
About the Author:
Kevin Dervin is focused on helping small businesses that are ready to grow, but struggle with how to consistently attract more clients. Visit http://www.proven-small-business-marketing-solutions.com for more great marketing information you can put to use in growing your business today.
Find Kevin's Kansas City based KPD Marketing practice at http://www.proven-small-business-marketing-solutions.com and subscribe to his free ezine called ABCD Grow.
scheduled maid service Northbrook ..The easiest way to lift profits is to cut the... Read More
Q: Is the online world the best place to sell... Read More
It is imperative to have your business legally prepared. How... Read More
You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More
Do you have a Business Plan? Congratulations, but you are... Read More
The Federal Trade Commission is upgrading the franchise law and... Read More
If you are the boss and you think your job... Read More
Maximum efficiency in the cleaning industry is a key to... Read More
Someone new to business ownership recently told me, "Before I... Read More
Auto detailers are often asked to clean boats and detail... Read More
The Operations Plan is a critical component of any business... Read More
TRUTH IN THE LAWN MOWING INDUSTRYWe do not wish to... Read More
As a specialist in getting restaurants open, it is surprising... Read More
One of the most common issues that comes up for... Read More
Pardon my enthusiasm, but a large part of your small... Read More
If you are in the pressure washing business and are... Read More
Every company has a value proposition. That is a statement... Read More
Aircraft Interiors of personal and corporate jets have hundreds of... Read More
1. Resolve to build a consistent network system.Since referrals are... Read More
During the 1980 presidential campaign, candidate Ronald Reagan vowed, if... Read More
More sales and more profit. Isn't that what you want... Read More
The resume writing service serves an important role in the... Read More
Over regulation of small business is so intense it is... Read More
The revenue history is a vital piece of your power... Read More
Everyone wants to succeed in life. Most people want to... Read More
reliable maid service Highland Park ..A tongue-in-cheek look at the skills required to operate a... Read More
Whether you operate a chain of restaurants, a mom-and-pop convenience... Read More
Would you rather have one good client paying you five... Read More
You'd like to go into business for yourself, and believe... Read More
In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the... Read More
A Brilliant Marketing Idea... sounds great but what is it?... Read More
Most new small businesses won't be in business this time... Read More
At first blush this idea might be difficult to wrap... Read More
My 16 year-old daughter said, "Gee Dad! You look just... Read More
The FTC, Federal Trade Commission, is considering modifying the franchise... Read More
In the book Women and Small Business author gives all... Read More
$elling $elling $ellingWhat makes a great sales person? Well, the... Read More
You've heard marketing and advertising gurus quip, "Sell the sizzle,... Read More
Every business plan book tells you how the Executive Summary... Read More
Before you start a business we encourage you to prepare... Read More
No, I'm not talking about gambling or dairy cows ?... Read More
Most business owners know when they need an accountant, but... Read More
Many pressure washing companies will be glad to take on... Read More
There are many potential niches for pressure washing companies that... Read More
Why give freebies?We have all seen freebies at trade shows... Read More
A successful joint venture marketing effort is the goal of... Read More
Completion not Perfection Five Keys To Doubling Your Productivity and... Read More
Most small businesses will not even try to advertise on... Read More
How careful are you with the data you collect from... Read More
The less a business pays for goods and services the... Read More
Small Business |