By: Peter Cullen, Business Development Associate
If you're currently a business owner or are in the process of starting your own business, here are a few tips and tricks to differentiate you from potential competitors. But remember, competition isn't a bad thing. It means that there is a demand for your service/product. Having competition also motivates you to continuously improve your business.
Customer Service and Community
1/3 of customers will take their talents elsewhere based on one bad experience with a company. Customer service needs to be a priority because one bad moment can lead to a loss in that customer, negative reviews, and a loss in loyal customers.
Customer service doesn't only matter in the service industry, but in all industries. Good customer service shows potential customers that a business is competent and professional. This means you have got to give your current customers your undivided attention and treat them like royalty. They want to feel like they matter and that starts with a people-first attitude.
Alleviate Pain Points
All customers have pain points; reasons not to buy. Why should their pain points be addressed?
Pain Points should always be addressed because this will first allow you to gain credibility with the customer and grab their attention. If you explain and show them how you can make their problems go away, big or small, this will allow for a long-term customer relationship to form. Listen to your market! Deliver on eliminating their problems. If you can consistently deliver your word to a client, the door will be wide open to creating a lasting relationship.
Provide Human Interactions
COVID has made virtual and digital transactions the new norm, but actually seeing your client in person can have a memorial effect on their view of your company.
Providing even the smallest amount of human interaction with your client can leave the customer feeling seen and appreciated. Take more time listening to them than speaking to create a unique experience that will differentiate you from the competition.
Finding and Using your USP
Your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) is what highlights your company's skills and qualities and differentiates you from the rest. Unsure of your USP? Ask previous customers why they chose you!
Your USP is why you're different. It's what you offer that no one else in the market offers; whether that's a low price, better quality, quick results, etc. Your USP is usually a slogan; typically short, sweet, and to the point. It is encompassed with one or more completely unique characteristics of your product or service, showing why customers should buy your brand. Your USP is important because, if it is accurate, it will help create your business identity, something that keeps people talking about your business.
Be Original
Your customers aren't buying your service or product. They're buying you and how you present yourself, the product, and the brand to the customer.
Be different. Be unique. Change the game. It is bold and rare to see someone go outside of social norms, but it's those bold and rare individuals and businesses that stay remembered for being different. Be remembered. Take chances. You don't know until you try!
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