Friday, January 11, 2008

How to Succeed In Business

We've all heard of the musical "How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying". Unfortunately, too many businesses and not-for-profits make the mistake of assuming that they don't need to try and define their value proposition. This is especially true of small businesses. Entrepreneurs think "I want to open a restaurant" and they do. Well, I'm here to tell you that restaurants are a dime a dozen. What will make yours stand out?

Standing out really is quite simple. Know your customer. Do whatever it takes to get to know them. Find out what they want. Ask them and watch them because what customers say and what they do isn't always the same. Then give them what they want better than any of your competition. Yes. It really is that easy. Every customer is looking for your value proposition and how it aligns with their own. Do what it takes to make that love match and keep that relationship. Do not ever compromise customer value and work relentlessly to manage the dynamic nature of it. What your customer wants now and what they want a year from now are not going to be the same. Anticipate change, drive change and manage customer perception. Get them understanding your value and craving it. It's easy.

I'll help. E-mail me.