
The business entertainment media of today like The Apprentice or Dragons’ Den portrays business as hard and ruthless, and that unless these attributes are part of your character, you’ll never make it.
For sure, strength of character is needed, but ruthlessness is not. “No margin, no mission” is a well-known saying, but it seems the modern trend is “What’s in it for me?” The sale comes first and the service comes second. But I’ve built my business on, “What can I do for you?” The basics of a successful company will always include: the right product, market, price, marketing message, processes, suppliers and the right team. But in today’s market I don’t believe this is enough. Consumers have too little time and too much choice, so just having the “right” things in place is simply too risky today. It has to be exceptional, it has to stand out to such a degree that people will stop, look at your business and tell others. This has been my standpoint for many years and has helped my company grow rapidly. So, what can make you exceptional? Only you will know that, but as a starter you may like to look at a few things that I’ve found works for me, they’re seldom considered by many but I can testify that it reaps rewards.Offer value
“Why buy from me?”
Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and ask yourself, “Why would I buy from me?” Think of things that don’t cost you much but offer great value to your customer, and give it to them. “Oh, but that will cost me,” I hear you say. Yes, but nowhere near as much as losing 32 per cent of your customers.Your business culture
When people ask me about how I built up my company, I tell them that I haven’t – I’ve built people. It’s all about building a fantastic culture, that’s your trump card. It doesn’t matter how good an idea or market you have. Without the right working environment, it will fail. Motivation, inspiration, communication, empowerment, listening and decision making all play a significant part in the culture of your business.Share this story