Ever wondered how you’ll beat your competition in an era where nothing is new under the sun for real for real?
You started this new supposed-to-be lucrative business and almost immediately after starting you begin to see so many other people who are also into the same business. You feel stuck. I mean, you thought you’ll have a lot of customers but it seems they’re all taken by your competition and even worse it seems like no one wants to even buy what you’re selling again because maybe it has casted.
If I’m talking to you right now then it’s time to GO BEYOND.
1. Be professional
A psychology research was carried out where two men were asked to cross the part of the road without a zebra crossing. Both wearing two different outfits, one wearing a casual outfit and the other dressed in a suit and tie. No one followed the man wearing a corporate but when the man dressed corporately crossed, everyone followed.
Humans are naturally drawn towards people and brands that exude authority.
Want to make more sales? Dress your business in a suit and tie. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Invoice
This goes a long way to build post-buyer confidence which is a huge determinant of whether they’ll buy again or not. And if you don’t know already, reccuring sales is the lifeline of any business. You can start with a free invoicing tool. Check out waveapps.com
- Website
Nothing says professionalism more than a website but before you get one check out my previous article to know if you’re ready for a website and an important step to take first before building your website.
- Manner of speech
Be polite. If you have someone in charge of your social media be sure they are too. Also, u dnt wnt him or her 2 typ lyk dis. Full sentences where possible and slangs only where neccessary.
- Personal brand
This is a no brainer. You have to look the part. You can’t dress your business in a suit and tie and you’re wearing rags. If you’re a Nigerian content creator check out Disha, it’ll help improve your personal branding.
2. Show up
Be consistent. Research shows that people need to see an ad at least 6 times before they buy. A good ad.
Has your prospect seen a good ad(or different good ads) of your product 6 times?
3. Go beyond
My mum once told me: “The difference between the extraordinary student and the normal student is the extra effort they put in”. Same applies in business. The extra effort you’ll put in is what would make you stand out from your competition. Here are some amazing go beyond ideas to consider:
- Thank you cards
Adding a thank you card to orders before sending them out could do wonders for your business. Ask GaryVee. - Sending birthday texts messages
Yes, it’s not reserved for banks alone. Not whatsapp message oh! Text message. - Offer a huge discount on their birthday
- If someone places a large order do some research and find out their interests and surprise them. Imagine getting a free UNEXPECTED jersey of your favorite football club along with an order you placed.
There’s a lot more you can do. Just be creative.
Let me know in the response section below your experience. Could be a time you went extra for your customer or when a brand went extra for you. I’d love to hear it.
3.5. The key ingredient
This is the key ingredient because it supersedes them all. No matter the extra spices we add to our Indomie noodles, we must add the Indomie spice. In the same vein, no matter the spice you put in your business, you must add the business spice – Love. If you genuinely love your customers then everything would fall into play.
What is love?
Love is treating your customer with professionalism and respect for their time. Love is showing up. Love is going beyond.
If you appreciate this article, show it some love by sharing.
G.
