I’m not sure about you, but I’m constantly disillusioned by companies who claim to be innovative and forward-thinking, with enough USPs to fill a design agency’s ball pit – only to find out they’re essentially just offering the same thing as everyone else in their sector.
The truth is, it’s rare to find a business who is really stepping outside of their corporate comfort zone and truly creating something unique and memorable to attract (and retain) customers. Like the game company who raised the prices of their product on Black Friday. They pocketed just as much that day as they had the year before with a sale on. Or the restaurant who advertises itself as the ‘Worst BBQ in Texas’ – yet its tables are never empty…
Let’s be honest, not all of our businesses are exciting. But we’re all offering something that people need. So how do we stand ourselves in the crowd?
Don’t fight change
Things are changing in our industries all the time. Get over it. Yes it’s annoying sometimes to move with the times (especially when you work in tech).
The truth is, some people adapt to change better than others. The question to ask is, what’s more important? Doing things as they’ve always been done because there’s less risk. Or sacrificing a few hours to find out what your customers are looking for and adapt to keep them, plus gaining new ones.
No-one likes desperation
Don’t chase people, let them chase you. If you create an attractive product, people will seek you out – and, more importantly, they’ll be willing to pay what you’re worth. Don’t apologise for your prices. Apple don’t. Neither does my car mechanic…
Be different
Think outside of the office. It’s cliche, but you absolutely have to know your unique selling point. If you don’t have one, then create one. If you suck at coming up with new ideas, then here’s a few tips:
● Ask a child how they would attract new business to your company and what services
they would offer.
● Find the quietest person in your office and ask them the same thing (or a newbie; fresh
eyes can often see pros and cons a lot more clearly than the owner).
● What would make you want to buy your product?
If it’s broke, don’t fix it!
We all need persistence in business, but sometimes you have to admit when something isn’t working anymore! If it’s not bringing revenue into your company, why are you doing it? Which of your products or services create the most profit? Focus on those. Maybe you need to change location, your branding, your prices…
If you’re after a business makeover, pop in to Canterbury design agency, Dodgems and Floss,
for a chat. They had a ball pit once. Now they just have an Escape Room upstairs and a dog
called Bailey who works afternoons! www.dodgemsandfloss.com