How to Effectively Kick-Start New Business Ventures
Posted on July 16, 2012 by Michael Berry, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.
Some soar. Many more crash. Others merely survive. The economy and competition has been a challenge for many small business owners.
So why in the world would anyone want to start a new business in a rough economic climate? Simple, by implementing significantly more strategic plans and processes you can easily carve away market share from even the most established competitors as they struggle to survive the results of their considerably less-strategic way of doing business. While they’re cutting costs, laying off employees and scaring away customers – you can be Johnny-on-the -spot to step into that void and fill those customers’ needs.
So what factors contribute to the success of a survivor? According to certain experts, it’s an unwavering focus on growth and strategic business marketing. Companies committed to growing their business when the economy is unfavorable will be much stronger and positioned to further outperform their competition when the economy bounces back. Business leaders know they will not achieve the success they desire tomorrow if they neglect their strategic business marketing efforts today.
Several economic indicators suggest a recovery is around the corner. Still others point to slow growth ahead. Your competitors are most likely cutting back on their marketing efforts now, making it easier than ever for you to step in and go after their business. The sooner you set your sights on growing your business – the better. Here are a few small business marketing initiatives you can start right now to kick-start your new business:
Small Business Marketing Initiatives
Focus on Emotions: Zig Ziglar, the world famous sales trainer stated, “emotions drive buying decisions”. People buy on emotion and then justify it with logic. Marketing materials that focus on benefits appeal to customer emotions, while marketing materials that focus on features appeal to their logic. Even customers who insist they are buying based on features, do so because it makes them feel good.
Showcase Solutions: Feature unique or creative customer solutions on your website, newsletter, bulletin and other marketing materials to showcase your company’s talent to the marketplace. Reinforce your commitment to the marketplace and inspire creative thinking throughout your organization.
Benefits First: Focus on the benefits of the solution from the customer’s perspective vs. operational issues or product features. If possible, include a client statement or testimonial that confirms the benefit was achieved. Create a short, catchy headline that incorporates the benefit to grab the attention of information surfers.
Buck the Trend: Gestures of good will and community service are probably not on top of many small business marketing “to-do” lists this year. Buck the trend. Non-profit support is an excellent way to make business connections, build long-term relationships and get free press. The media is desperate for human-interest stories and angles that point to a sign that the future will not be as bleak as today. Take advantage of a quiet marketplace by putting your company on the radar screen now. When something new happens, you won’t have to fight for attention.
Review, Recycle, Renegotiate: Marketing pieces, like a good pair of shoes, can get tired looking and worn out. Review your marketing collateral and update pieces that no longer communicate your corporate message or identity to the marketplace.
Most importantly, always remember… you never get a second chance to make a first impression.
About the Author:
Michael Berry is an entrepreneur who has been involved at various levels of ownership in 23 different franchise and private brands, all of which achieved multimillion dollar sales revenues. Now in private consulting, he has helped hundreds of clients to grow their companies quicker, faster and smarter utilizing proven methodologies.
Schedule an executive briefing by contacting him directly at michael@breakout-consulting.com
or by visiting http://www.breakout-consulting.com and completing the contact form.
The initial consultation is free, and you’ll receive a complimentary 12-point growth plan customized specifically for your business.
