Wednesday, May 6, 2009

7 Top Areas to Establish Competitive Advantage in a Small Business By:Consuelo Meux

A small business has a lot of competition, particularly as the economic situation tightens up in the marketplace. When potential clients do competition research, what will they find that is different from any other business in your area? This is your competitive advantage. Here are 7 top areas you can use to establish a competitive advantage in your small business.???

1. Unique Quality. Have something in your business that lets you be unique.?Make sure it's something others are not able to easily copy. This can be a value added service or product your bundle with all purchases.


2. Personal Story. Be willing to get personal with your clients. Tell them your story and let that become a part of your brand. No one has your story and this could be the area that lets the target group connect with you instead of the competition. ??


3. Education. Promote your special education in the business that lets clients develop a sense of confidence in your abilities. Promote your formal and informal educational background to show you know what you're doing.


4. Experience. Your business experience doesn't have to be in the direct area that you're in now. Let people know about special certifications, travel, or work that is exciting and unusual that led you to be an entrepreneur.


5. Hire Locally. Find ways to create employment opportunities in the community. Hire locally or take on interns from the local college. Letting students work with you to learn the business is a newsworthy idea that could possible let you get recognized by local media.


6. Suppliers/Service Providers. Your suppliers and providers could give you a competitive edge by providing consistent quality, quick turnaround and unique items.


7. Price Right.?Are you priced right??Do you have the goods to deliver? You make your business accessible by pricing your offerings so people can buy them without feeling like they are destroying their budgets.?Be flexible and offer a range of prices to keep your target market during economic shifts.


Your competitive edge can be something small when you are in business for yourself. More often, it's how you promote your competitive edge that makes it an advantage for you.?Increase your marketing efforts by learning and using creative ways to establish your competitive edge as a small business in a crowded field.

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