It is a new year. The inauguration is over and we have a new president. The wild election period of 2016 is over and it’s time to get back to reality. It’s time to get back to what really matters; your business. Do not be so caught up in how the economy is doing or where it is heading that you forget you have your own mini-economy to worry about. How well is your business doing? Are sales thriving? Are customers knocking down your door, money in the hands? Have you set higher goals for this year?
If you answered NO to any of these questions, it is time to roll up your sleeves and get down to work. Whatever the state of the economy and politics, business will always be tough. You have to be ready to think big, think smart and work hard to stay ahead of your competition and keep customers coming. Here are 10 sure fire ways you can revitalize your brand in 2017.
- Understand your customers and connect with them
The success of your business begins with your customers. Like a marriage, this partnership with your customers only works if you make an effort to understand them and connect to them. Get to know their needs and fears and desires. This way, you become a caring partner and they reward you with loyalty.
- A value first approach
Do away with the business-first approach. It is outdated and your customers couldn’t care one bit about your business. Instead, take on a customer-first value-based approach. Understand the needs of your customers and then strive to meet those needs however you can. Create a customer experience that surprises even your customers and blows away your competition.
- Communicate value to customers
One charge that was leveled at Democrats in the election is that they were unable to communicate their value to economic-minded voters. If your customers don’t see the value in your business, it might as well not exist. Use the right tools and channels to ensure that customers understand your value.
- Get social
Social media is thriving; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and many more. It has never been easier to interact with customers in a natural way. If you have never implemented a social media strategy, this is the year to start. Find out which social networks your target market uses and meet them there.
- Stand out
It is not enough being good, you have to be different. That’s the only way customers will choose you over the competition. Find out what makes you different from all the others and use your customers (through testimonials and reviews) to broadcast it to the market.
- Help your customers
You customers are your most important assets. Spend more time, effort and resources trying to meet their needs. Make the customer experience efficient, pain-free and ridiculously friendly. When they know they are valued, their loyalty to your brand is a guarantee.
- Build your brand
Customers don’t respond so much to products and services as to the brands behind them. Millions of people will readily buy a new drink as long as it is from Coca-Cola. Whether it is through a website, social media channels or a newsletter, take time to build your business brand. At the same time, you can also boost your own personal brand.
- The WOW! Factor
Don’t keep doing the same old boring things. There are numerous opportunities you can stand out as a brand and wow your customers. It can be as simple as a personal email to customers or you can step it up with a redesigned product or service.
- Take a prospective client on a ‘date’
Put down the phone and stop with the cold emails. Sometimes, you need to get social to draw a customer in. Take a prospective customer to breakfast or lunch and use the opportunity to sell your business value. Such a personal touch will net you more customers.
- Get new ideas
New ideas can help you boost sales, attract more customers and grow your brand. Find time for focused thought, research and plenty of reading. Talk to different people and explore new experiences. This is how new ideas are born.
You Can Do It
Your business does not have to slow down simply because the economy is getting colder. With your ingenuity, creativity and hard work, you can keep your business growing and thriving regardless of the economic undercurrents.
The original version of this article was written by Bob Underwood