Accountancy Resources
Breaking the record of flourished American business requires a lot of work. This is because United state have be successful in her business creations and managing which makes competing with her uneasy.
It has become the order of the day as customers and business owners are bombarded with billboards, logos, print and electronic ads from huge corporations.
With annual ad budgets that are more than our businesses’ SALES in an entire year, our small independent businesses are getting squeezed out of consumers’ minds (and wallets). How can you break the chain? Here is the good news.
The Internet is one place where, compared to print and other forms of electronic media, the playing field is relatively level.
A website filled with loads of quality contents will find favor with search engines like Google and Yahoo!, and because of that, customers that may not even know where you are can find you and buy online.
Therefore, if your business is managing a retail store, start an e-store. If you own a restaurant or a service-related business, offer a gift certificate or printable coupon. Starting a mailing list on your website with the latest news, events and special offers is a great way to get (and keep) loyal, regular customers.
The options are endless, and best of all, content is the Internet king, not slick, flashy, repetitive advertising. It is possible to occur that you do not have much knowledge about using internet, there are many companies that can help you with web design, web hosting, search engine optimization, and web marketing.
“Strength in Numbers” is more than a catchy phrase. It is becoming a necessity in our current business climate. Trade organizations can purchase products together to get better rates and buys, they can advertise together with direct mail coupons and newsletters (another big money saver), and they carry more political clout by appointing representatives to call on state legislatures or even Congress in order to promote legislation favorable to small independent businesses.
If your area doesn’t have a trade organization, or does but you don’t deem it fit to fill your needs, start one. The National Federation of Independent Business is a great resource with representatives in all fifty states and Washington D.C.
As it is obvious that advertising is very important to keep business running, bear in mind that it is however not cheap, because the prices that the large corporations are willing to pay for it have priced it out of the reach of most small businesses.
This is not necessarily a bad thing; let them have the entire cold, impersonal, beat you over the head repetitive advertising! People only care about this on Super Bowl Sunday anyway! Always go for the personal touch. If you own a restaurant or retail store, introduce yourself. Let them know you appreciate them coming by, and you can’t wait to see them again.
Always offer coupons or incentives, and be as unique, creative and memorable as you possibly can. Remember that “word of mouth” advertising is so great you can’t put a price tag on it.
Put yourself in the customer’s shoes, and stay there! Don’t ever do what you want; do what they want. Don’t just market your business, market yourself. It leaves an impression, and with the sorry state of customer service today in most (chain) businesses, people won forget it.
In conclusion, you are an independent business because you decided to do something meaningful and successful, so promote yourself accordingly. Here’s to you “breaking the chains” and becoming successful with your chosen career.
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