Want your small business to break out into the world of big business? Start planning early. In today’s national economy, having a strategy for big-picture growth isn’t just smart, it’s essential to your business’s development into bigger things. Recognizing your business’s potential and following some key steps can have the power to transform your level of service to a larger industry.
The secret to small business growth comes down to several key factors every owner should take into consideration. Some questions you can address within your business will help you determine steps to take to growth in various ways.
Standout Qualities
What does this product and overall brand offer that is unique from competitors? What sets it apart, and makes it an offering that is both new and reliable? Your process when reviewing the services you have available should take these questions into consideration. You want customers to remember the quality of the work they purchased from you for the long run. An instant connection of trust and reliability is formed once quality performance is established.
In addition, there are adequate certifications to obtain that we will look at. These legitimize your business in the eyes of potential customers, suppliers, and manufacturers.
Customer Service
A record of excellent customer service will set your business apart from many others. This is essential in an industry increasingly relying on known records of service, when customers may seek out dependable smaller businesses as opposed to large corporations. Focusing on the quality of your service and fostering loyalty in your customers will ensure the growth and maintenance of your customer base- word of mouth still travels fast! Use social media and reviews, particularly Yelp and Google Customer Reviews (formerly Trusted Stores), to monitor and maintain your brand’s image service. Make contact simple, to be as accessible to your customer base as possible.
Specialties and Certifications
What certificates have you obtained from the government or other organizations? These can make a huge difference to customers seeking out businesses with proof of their specializations. IS 9001, SBA, and HUBZone are all examples of certifications which increase your legitimacy to potential consumers or other businesses. Making it clear on your brand page or catalog what certificates you have earned can help you really stand out in the industry. In the world of e-commerce in particular, be sure to display your certifications prominently and make them known to customers in communications.
Creative Marketing
The presentation and marketing strategies of a small business are vital to its public image, as well as its ability to break into an industry. Develop a brand which is uniquely and creatively marketed, in order to establish a recognizable presence with customers.
Considering the advice of a branding specialist, or hiring someone with branding experience, is also worth costs. An expert in this area is an invaluable investment towards the cultivation and maintenance of your image as the company evolves. This person can help establish and groom your presence on social media and in the industry, so considering their expertise is recommended.
Qualifying for Set-Asides
In our last blog, we addressed the benefit of set-asides to your small business. Just being a small business won’t entitle you to set-asides. To create a persuasive bid, you need to be priced competitively. This takes a good knowledge of your competitors in the small-business market. You must also meet size standards, have adequate certifications, and be unique as well as competitive for government needs.
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- Display what makes your brand and products stand out
- Build a strong record of good customer service, high-quality work, and reliability.
- Initiate and maintain rapport and relationships with others within your industry.
- Establish yourself from the rest- it still makes a mark in today’s business world.
- Be aware of the required performance levels to receive a federal contract.
- Ascertain that your business can meet and maintain quotas.
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Do you have more tips or stories to share with other business owners? Please comment below- your experiences and advice are appreciated!
