How can small businesses compete with the big chains?
In tough economic times, small businesses can struggle. Big multinational chains often have the scale to undercut local competitors and survive even when times get tough. What can small businesses do to retain and attract customers in a competitive market? Identify your business’s advantages Think about what your business can offer that a multinational operator […]
How humour can increase your bottom line
You want to be taken seriously as a business, right? But did you know that many customers and consumers actually want you to give them a laugh as well? 91% of people globally prefer brands to be funny, but 95% of business leaders fear using humour in consumer interactions. So, how do you overcome the […]
Using data analytics to give your business a competitive advantage
Data analytics is rapidly changing the way businesses are operated. By making use of your financial and non- financial data, you can quickly start to gain a deeper insight into your operations, performance and financial management. Data-driven decisions are quickly becoming the norm, for even the smallest business. Data analytics helps you spot the patterns, […]
Cash flow forecasting puts you back in control
We all know that positive cashflow is the beating heart of any successful business. And with so many external pressures on your cash right now, it’s important to have one eye on the future. Cashflow forecasting is an increasingly important tool for any finance team. With a better view of your future cashflow position, you […]
Are You Telling the Right Customer Stories?
With so many different marketing and sales channels to pursue in the digital world, it’s easy to think that your prospects and target customers know exactly what your business does. However, you need to consider whether you are getting the right messaging out there, and whether you are using the right channels to talk about […]
How Good Is Your After-Sales Service?
When someone has just bought from you, that’s a golden opportunity to start building a customer relationship. Take advantage of being top-of-mind and see where it can take you – and ensure you are offering the best after-sales service to this brand-new customer. Thanking someone for a purchase is usually the start of a cadence of […]
Selling with Empathy
Everyone has been affected by Covid-19 and lockdown. Some people are worried about job security and spending cash. Others have the cash they would usually spend on overseas holidays available to spend locally. To recover from such a major economic downturn, we need to increase our business activity and sales. So, how do we do […]
Establishing Your Competitive Advantage
Why do customers buy from you? Knowing what it is that makes someone choose your products and/or service over your closest competitor is critical business information. Understanding this ‘competitive advantage’ is an important part of making your business stand out in the marketplace. Establishing your competitive advantage will help you create a compelling marketing message […]
Strategic Alliance – the Benefits of Working Together
Your business may compete head-to-head with a number of other companies, but this doesn’t mean you have to treat ALL other businesses as if they are the competition. In fact, there are real benefits in creating strategic alliances with other like-minded organisations. When you look at the wider marketplace, you will see that there are […]
Setting Sales Targets
Setting sales targets for your business is standard practice for any aspirational, growing company. If you’re going to stretch the sales and marketing teams, it’s important to have clear, unambiguous targets for them to aim for. But what happens when a crisis hits? In uncertain times it’s more than likely that your pre-crisis sales targets […]
