How to get ahead in business
The world of business is incredibly competitive, and it can be cut-throat. The survival statistics, particularly for new companies, make for grim reading, with up to 90% of businesses failing. With competitors all around, it’s vital to look for ways to get ahead and leave your rivals in your wake. Here are some steps you can take to maximize your chances of success.
Research the market
Before you launch a business, or you take the next step and open a new store, branch or practice, it’s critical to research the market and gather as much information as you can about the competition and your ideal customer. Even if your company is well-established, you can never rest on your laurels. Trends come and go, and if you don’t keep a close eye on the market, there’s every chance that you could lose customers and fall behind. Keep asking questions, keep collecting information and make use of analytics tools to evaluate your data. Use the findings of your research to inform decisions, and ensure the way you operate, the services and products you provide and the way you communicate with customers are still relevant. Times change, and with technology advancing every day, you have to be able to evolve.
Investigate and invest in innovations and technology
Technology plays an increasingly valuable role in business, and it’s instrumental in almost every sector. From health AI and retail blockchain to cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, machine learning in finance and new-fangled construction equipment, we are more reliant on tech than ever before. Businesses can capitalize on inventions and innovations to save time and money, to improve efficiency and to offer services or products that rivals might not be able to provide. If you run a business, and you’re not sure whether or not to invest in new technology, assess the way you operate, get some quotes and seek expert advice. Consultants can help you explore different options, determine potential cost savings and identify the best investments for your company. Not every business needs to spend a fortune on the latest tech, but for some, having access to new innovations is incredibly beneficial.
Up-sell your USP
One of the most significant challenges for business owners is beating rival firms, and this is why it’s vital to up-sell your USP at every opportunity. As a company owner, you want customers to understand why you’re different and why they should choose you over another business. What do you offer that others don’t? Use your branding, marketing and sales strategies to promote your USP and tell customers about your brand and what you stand for.
Engage with your customers
According to Forbes, 96% of customers say that service is an important factor when choosing which brands to buy from. Today, people don’t just want a nice meal or a new bag. They want to enjoy the experience of dining out, having their hair done or shopping for a new outfit. Prioritizing service is essential for businesses, especially those that operate within the retail, hospitality and healthcare sectors. Engage with your clients, keep in touch, and use channels of communication to enhance your brand image and encourage loyalty. Drop your customers a line using personalized emails from time to time, or involve them in your social media campaigns. You can facilitate relationship building by offering features like live chat or by responding to comments and reactions on social media posts, for example. It’s also hugely beneficial for businesses to utilize engagement strategies to collect feedback and ideas. If your customers leave reviews, or they post cards in an ideas box, take the time to read and digest the information and use ratings and comments to address problems and make improvements.
Predict and respond to market trends
Most business owners don’t have access to a crystal ball, but it can be helpful to keep an eye out for emerging trends and to use data and research to try and stay ahead of the curve. Use market research to ask your customers what they want, and think about ways you could modify the services or products you offer to cater to changing and evolving interests and preferences. Technology has a role to play, but people are also looking for a different experience. At the moment, for example, interactive features on websites and in-store displays that enable you to try products either physically or virtually using VR or AR, are very popular. Keep tabs on your competitors, read blogs and business articles and listen to experts.
Look for gaps in the market
Often, in business, a company will come up with an innovative idea, which will take the world by storm and other brands will then produce similar solutions. Once a gap has been filled or a problem fixed, the challenge is to identify the next opportunity or to expand on the existing product or service to make it original. Listening to customers is an excellent way to develop your business and to come up with products or services that people either want or need.
More and more people are taking the plunge and choosing to set up their own business. While it’s challenging to get ahead in a competitive world, there are opportunities to shine. One of the most important considerations for business owners and budding entrepreneurs is setting trends and beating the competition. Research the market, get to know your customers, look for gaps and up-sell your USP. Analyze data, collect feedback and use technology and innovative ways of thinking to identify and respond to emerging consumer trends. Keep talking to and listening to your clients and don’t be afraid to try and blaze a trail.