Recently we have been talking about transforming a small business from just getting by to making profit and hitting marketing goals. Check out part 1 and part 2 if you have not yet read them.
Innovation
When we have a marketing strategy meeting with our clients they often say to us ” This is the way we have always done things.” That fixed way of thinking often hinders the ability to see new possibilities for increasing sales and finding that hidden market. Either they are not interested or it doesn’t fit their current business model.
Through innovation we can tap into this ‘hidden market’ which many different industries have right at their finger tips. The opportunity to increase sales and revenue via new ways of thinking and being flexible with new technologies is right here.
‘Many an Opportunity is lost because a man is out looking for four-leaf clovers,’
There is no point waiting for customers to come to us, we need to go to them. Where are your customers right now? Are they on Facebook, liking and posting feedback on your competitors page? Nowdays customers can easily go global when shopping and that increases their options ten fold. They can compare products, price and quality to make a decision. If you don’t have a website showcasing your products and services then you are missing out.
Take Denheath Deserts for example – http://www.denheath.co.nz, a proud NZ supplier of lamingtons, custartd squards and much more. They started small and became successfull in New Zealand and wanted to expand to Australia and further. Via online website and shop they were able to increase their reach globally and now supply direct to Costco in Australia, Japan, Korea, America to name just a few.
Build up a strong global online presence with a quality website and social media interaction. If you have a small business and have a great product or service you too can sell direct to your customers and decrease cost of sales when you tap into the global market. Remember your customers and competitors are online too. We need to meet them there. Identify customer needs, reduce physical working time and staff training and gain more time to focus on new innovations for your business.
Today, the number one way to help grow your business is to have a website that is well built and suites your target market. Businesses that are innovative and follow global market trends will survive and grow.
