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Standing out in the crowd, being noticed and gaining a competitive edge are key to a successful Business! and more critical than ever in the current economic environment.

Finding your difference, attracting customers and keeping them! What to do! Try our 10 Strategies!

1. Define your Identity (Unique Point of Difference)
2. Select your Space
3. Find your Niche  
4. Sell your Point of Difference
5. Build your Brand  
6. Use various marketing mediums
7. BE bold, brave, creative and PASSIONATE about your product!
8. Connect with your Customers
9. Value your Team
10. Keep in touch with the latest trends and issues

1. Define your Identity (unique point of difference)

This is about defining your vision and goals and then developing and stating your value proposition.  This statement clearly tells customers what you do, and how you are different which set you apart from others, including your competitors. It might be a new method or a product’s particular feature. To create meaningful points of difference you need to understand not just what benefits and features customers value, but why.

2. Select Your Space

Selecting your space comes with identifying a target market, that is, identifying the specific group you want to reach with your marketing message. These are the consumers who are most likely to buy your services or products and are usually connected by similar characteristics, such as demographics. The more you refine and segment your target market the better chance you have to reach them.

3. Find Your Niche

Finding your niche is about determining the focus of your Business, the core, and then working to develop, enhance or hone your product or skills.  It’s shaping your vision and ideas to complement and connect with your audience’s needs and wants.

4. Sell Your Difference

Identify what you do or offer that is better, or different and actively sell and promote it.  Become a specialist, and position yourself as an expert to separate yourself from the competition. As an expert in your industry, you stand out as a trustworthy source, making you the ideal choice for purchase compared to the newbies in your niche.

 5. Build Your Brand – Build Brand Awareness

The role of 'brand' is to:

• differentiate yourself from the competition in a way that customers see you as their preferred choice.
• In a crowded market, branding that's too similar to your competitors or doesn't leave an impression can be seriously detrimental to your success.
• You want customers, and potential customers to recognise and notice your brand colours, logo, and style immediately.
• Investing in a brand overhaul can be a powerful way to stand out and ensure you appear as a unique offering compared to your competitors.
• The more distinctive and iconic your branding, the more likely it is that potential customers will remember you. Take steps to keep your brand alive and well.

5.Use various marketing mediums or platforms

Digital online marketing is essential using platforms such as Social Media, Email, and Search engine optimization.  Technology is your best friend.

More traditional methods include; Print, Radio, Television, Telephone, and Direct mail.

Whatever the medium, to appeal to potential customers messaging needs to include 4 elements.

To be successful you need to get your Message to the Market through your selected Media and offer quality Merchandise at competitive prices.

6.BE bold, brave, creative and passionate about your Product

You are your own best marketer, share your story and promote your product. Passion, boldness and creativity are the human side, qualities that ‘value-add’.

7. Connect with your Customers

• Be  available, authentic and genuine
• Build rapport, a relationship
• Understand your customer’s values
• Respond to any concerns

8. Value Your Team

• Get to know your Team as individuals
• Support open communication
• Schedule regular formal meetings
• Appreciate, Acknowledge, and reward effort
• Offer work flexibility
• Encourage learning and growth
• Seek their feedback and input

9. Keep in touch with Market Trends and Issues

To build credibility, and experience and identify opportunities, for growth or new markets, it’s vital to be well-Informed about what’s happening in your Industry.

Keep up to date by:

• Following social media
• Reading widely; circulars, published articles, newsletters
• Be involved in your Industry
• Actively Network
• Monitor your competition
• Research and review using analytical tools

Don't delay, try these strategies and STAND OUT IN THE CROWD!