3 effective ways to gain visibility
In today’s competitive marketplace how do we stand out in a sea of sameness? There are lots of people doing what we do, how can we make sure people notice us over our competitors?
Here’s the thing: you can’t sell a secret.
If you are not putting yourself out there through various marketing channels, or directly connecting with your clients, then you may be losing valuable relationships and ultimately, sales.
Business is tough. We have competitors who are constantly trying to do it better than us, and while some do, there are many that have forgotten one of the most important aspects of business: the human touch. What do I mean? Being thanked, being recognised and appreciated for spending money with your company. We need to seriously look at how we are staying connected with our clients/customers on a daily basis.
If you have a service-based business, how well are you looking after people that shop or work with you? Are you staying in touch, keeping them up to date on what you can do for them, sharing your ideas and thoughts with them, making them feel important?
If you have a brand, and you have a very clear understanding of what that brand can do for others, then sing it to the world! Be loud and proud and willing to share and build long lasting relationships for business survival.
How do we do this? Here are three really simple, yet highly effective ways of becoming more visible in your market:
Connection
Think your audience isn’t on social media? How’s this for visibility? LinkedIn currently has 660 million users worldwide in over 200 countries. Facebook has 2.89 billion monthly users. Instagram has 1.074 billion and Twitter 192 million daily users! That is a whole lot of connection and relationships we could be building right there. Get known through social media for what you do, but more importantly what you can do for others.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems
Streamlining your business processes can save you so much time in the long-term, save you money and even start earning you some. Here’s an example: I always collect business cards at any event I attend. I recently visited an event that had a very similar audience to the people that I coach and mentor. What a great opportunity to gain new clients. I spoke to a number of people and collected 12 business cards – all people I thought I could work with in future. The next day I sent them a quick email via a template I had previously created, thanked them for chatting with me and simply clicked a box in my CRM system that would add them to an automated chain of communication – job done. With 5 minutes of my time I am now visible, in regular communication and have a chance to earn their trust and business.
On the other hand, out of the various people that I spoke with, only two asked for my business card. What a missed opportunity for them!
Keep It Real
There is nothing nicer than shopping or working with someone and you get a personalised note saying thanks. It does not have to be a novel, but a few words on why you are happy they chose YOU over your competitors. If you want to stand out then show people that you have the time to make them feel special.
We need to start thinking differently. Experiment, try different things, until we work out what works for us. No point standing there talking about how tough times are, that is not going to change anytime soon. Learn to adapt and make the changes needed so people want to do business with you.
Look after people, loyalty still does exist.
After being a small business owner for 25 years, I sold my business to concentrate on my true passion: people.
I want to help you find your WHY and your HOW, and to make the necessary changes to improve your business and personal life. Taking control of where you are, but more importantly where you want to be, is what it is all about.
You need to work out what is stopping you, and what changes need to be made or improved on, so you can move forward with gusto and determination. Go get the life you want, it's ready for you!
I’d love to hear from you. x TM.
