5 Ways to Kill Your Brand – And Simple Solutions!

If you like many business owners, are seeking ways to position your brand, be warned that you are among a rat race where thousands of entrepreneurs are also looking for unique ways to turn their small businesses into a big success. So the quality of your products or services must be complimented by a foolproof marketing strategy. Listed below are 5 common traps that small business owners often fall into, and simple solutions.

1. Asking for the sale before you clearly demonstrate value.

Before you approach potential customers, make sure you have your bases covered. First, can you articulate what it is that you are selling? At what price point are you planning to sale your product or service? In essence, what is your ‘Unique Selling Proposition’ meaning… what sets your company apart from your competitor? Take time out to address all these concerns so you aren’t caught off-guard. It’s imperative that you are on top of your ‘A’ game so that others clearly see your product or services as the clear choice for their needs.

2. Lack of presence on social media

A recent survey by Coleman-Parkes Research discovered 84% of North American companies are seeking new methods to interact with customers, including Social Media and mobile devices.

Are you using social media to promote your business? To engage with potential and current customers?

[pullquote]Face it, if you don’t evolve, you die![/pullquote]

Today’s business owners must balance between a local and virtual presence. The key to having an online presence is simply mastering the art of social networking. So start with Google Plus, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. These are great platforms to spread the word about your business… and FREE!

3. Taking too long to explain what you do.

So, what do you do? What are you selling? These are inevitable questions that will be tossed your way all the time. Every inquiry is an opportunity to sell yourself and business. So, make sure you are ready!Be clear on the message you want to convey and respond in a professional manner.

Do you have an elevator pitch? This is the time to use it.

Remember, time is of the essence as people have limited attention spans. If public speaking isn’t quite your forte, it’s a good idea to rehearse in front of the mirror or with family members.

4. Having a poorly functional website.

Whether your business is large or small, owning a piece of virtual real estate is an absolute must. Thanks to search engines such as Google, the first instinct that potential customers have when they hear of a business or products that interests them is to type out the name in the search bar and see what shows up. Make sure it’s your website they find when they are searching. And it won’t just suffice to have a website – you must make sure it works, and well. Even if this entails some investment, do it.

5. Not asking others for support.

At every phase of your business, you will need the support or expertise of others. Don’t be afraid to reach out to experts or authorities in the sphere of your operation and simply asking them for mentoring, advice, review of your product or services or assistance with publicity by posting your article or business profile on their blogs or columns. If they give you feedback, use it well and incorporate necessary changes.

In conclusion, define your message, stress your USP, use your resources wisely and network like a maniac to make your small business a BIG success!