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Not everyone will succeed when they start their small business; though it seems like everyone these days wants to try or has started, there just is no way they can all succeed. But business owners can take advantage by being prepared in smart ways. This will put them ahead of the curve and able to tackle any problem that might arise as they try find their feet in the competitive and/or crowded market.
Aside from having the right skills for your actual services, businesses must take an aggressive stance with marketing. As Inc.com notes: “Marketing doesn't have to be hard or expensive. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective.” No doubt when you start, you might be concerned about finances; you can’t very well begin with major billboards, expensive champagne parties and so on; but that’s not a reason to not try your hand at effective marketing. Importantly, effective doesn’t necessarily mean expensive.
Successful businesses have tried methods like giving away their product away for free at conventions - making potential customers enticed and wanting more - to using social media in smart ways to draw attention; indeed, using modern technology to keep pace with what people enjoy is a key way to stay ahead.
For example, podcasts are very popular among constantly on-the-go business people. As Inc.com notes: “Todd Schnick of Dreamland Interactive is the first person I saw create his own podcast--he interviews other business owners. People love to tell their story, and by highlighting them on a podcast you make an instant and meaningful connection. It's also a great way to get an education on a topic you are interested in.”
Another important way is to use finance services in such a way that customers feel safe. Mobile payments, debit order systems and various other methods are key ways to encourage ease-of-use for customers - who will then have little trouble returning, seeing how easy it is to do business.
Aside from specific business systems, you also need the right mindset. As Tom Force, owner of ICE Keytags pointed out: “Never stop networking, never stop pushing. It’s easy to give up when everybody around you … is telling you ‘you can’t do it’. You have to be around positive people. Then push on.”
Mindset is key to a lot. We need to be doing all we can from the beginning, but not forgetting that what we think and how we act is key to whether we succeed.
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