| |
| |
|
Small Business Information |
|
|
|
Get In Touch With Your Competition!
We all know that competition is an ugly word but competitors are a fact of life in business. If your business can't compete with other businesses, don't start it. You have to have some type of an edge. You may have an excellent product or service, but if everyone else is selling a product or service similar to yours, just how much of the market can you expect to capture? You will have to learn everything there is to know about your competition and understand their marketing strategies. The best way to research your competition is to locate those you consider the largest threat to your potential business. Take the time to make a note of and acquire a feel for how your competitors deals with their customers, then answer these questions: What appeals to you most about their website, introduction, setup etc.? How large of an inventory do they carry? Are their products display eye-catching? What is their Alexa, Google, Yahoo, and AOL ranking? Are their testimonials positive? Are their prices in line and competitive with yours? What do they offer that you could not? Do they offer discounts? Do they offer a return policy? Do they offer any special services, such as free delivery? Which areas could do with some improvement and could you improve in these areas? Do they keep their online store up-to-date? What means of promotion do they use (flyers, coupons, free gifts, etc.)? Next, create a profile of each main competitor. Know how they advertise, why their customers shop there, what areas need improving, and how successfully you can expect to compete with them. You may also develop ideas for improving and promoting your own business. Your success will lie in assessing and understanding your competitor's strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate and compare your own strengths and weaknesses to stay in touch with the competition and succeed in your business. Sonia Colon is owner of a successful online specialty giftstore "Jimson Products". Visit: http://www.jimsonproducts.com for a wonderful display. Get Your Own FREE Mall: http://www.telebay.com/shopping1/mall.html
MORE RESOURCES:
Small-Business - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
How to Sponsor an Event for Fun and PROFIT How do you sponsor an event and get personal introductions at the same time?So how can sponsoring help you to be visible to the business community and gain the right contacts? It is actually quite simple, you need to find events that are visible to the audience you are interested in.Find out: Whom you wish to do business with Which sports they like What community events they like Where the upper management families live and their community involvementThe events that they watch are the ones that you should sponsor. 11 Things Small Business Owners Can Learn From The Supreme Court 1. Have A Strong Constitution - Justices deliver decisions by interpreting the U. How To Make Sure Your Customers Still Trust Your Small Business The stock market is still on a wild roller coaster ride. Trust in business is at an all time low. Expand Your Professional Organizer Business Grow your Professional Organizer business by branching out into related areas. If you have been doing the same old thing for a while, and are comfortable with it, it may be time to stretch your capabilities and offer something new. Tips on Setting Up Your Small Business Bank Account One of the first things you will need to set up is a bank account. We recommend a large bank because:They have locations everywhereThey have longer hoursThey will probably buy out your local community bank anywayIf you are an owner/operator of a small business, you will appreciate having a Debit or ATM card for your business. Are You a Small Business Lone Ranger? Take My 10-Question Quiz To Find Out! So what exactly is a "Small Business Lone Ranger?" A "Small Business Lone Ranger" is a business owner who does all the work themselves.No matter how big or small the project, the Lone Ranger handles 100% of it. Cost Effective Franchise Regulations, Come again The Franchise Group at the Federal Trade Commission in all their ego and glory has proclaimed that franchise disclosure laws are "Cost Effective." I hate to break it to the FTC, but your comments and court are completely naked. Covenants Not To Compete: Another Franchise Quandary Imagine that you have operated a successful franchise business for the past several years. Your franchise agreement's term expires in the near future and you are contemplating whether renewing the agreement would be a wise business decision. Packing Material Thats Cheap! Shipping materials can be expensive! Even the styrofoam "peanuts" can cost a great deal. Here's a great idea for packing paterial that is bio-digradable, easy, and best of all. How to Curb Antique Shop Theft Inexpensively If you have ever had your antique shop or mall ripped off, you understand that it's very hard to detect. There are simply so many items to keep track of, and an item can be missing literally for months and you may not realize it. Six Essential Skills to Business Success! The following are six essential skills to business success. You may not have developed all of these skills, but like most things in life, you can by learning, practicing and determination. Specialty Advertising in C-Stores It appears the mini-blimp indoor theme and concept is making significant headway. We have seen them in the halls of Congress sniffing for anthrax. How to be Annoyed and Make Money When do annoyances in a relationship become too much to bear?Have you ever worked for a client that drives you up the wall and back down the other side but you keep working with them because you need the money? I am sure most of us have been in that position and were so happy when that relationship finally broke up. It felt like you were finally free and able to do what you do best somewhere else, or you fell into panic because you had no income anymore. Mobile Car and Truck Washing Vehicle Placement To maximum potential profits and dollars in a mobile washing business it pays to set up in your mind in advance the best and most strategic place to park, before stopping to wash. You will obviously want to park your rig in a location that allows you to do as many cars as possible without moving the vehicle. Learning and Growing As you reflect on this year and prepare for next year, what are the lessons you have learned in business and how do you plan to use those lessons to grow your business in the year ahead?And remember, in every challenge there is opportunity for growth so even if you had a challenging year it can be a stepping stone to success.I know the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can seem overwhelming when you try to factor in end of year business planning. Don't Wait for the Perfect Plan 1. Don't Spend Too Much Time PlanningWhen you are entering a new market, you won't know the hidden problems and challenges you will face. SBIR - A Nice Add-on Business If you are a small business and qualify to participate in the SBIR program, it is a natural enhancer to your existing business. If you are small enough you may be able to start a company using SBIR funding, but you will soon come to realize that if your sources of income are not diversified (with SBIR being only one source) you might fall victim to funding cycles and no income. Keeping a Partnership ALIVE and THRIVING What are the best methods for keeping a good business relationship?Once you have a business relationship in place, you need to work on that relationship to keep it intact. As a matter of fact, people nurture their business relationships more than they do their families! The first and most obvious method is to follow up with questions and requests in a timely manner. Advertising - For Small Businesses (Part 1) Is it right for you?If you decide to advertise your product or service then you must ask yourself - "Will potential customers read this publication and will they take action having read my ad?"National newspapers - Read by a huge cross section of the population. If you're inserting a display ad then it would need to be professionally designed and you'd need to be in it for the long run. Small Business Franchise Opportunities Many businesses offer small business franchise opportunities. There are many things that are needed for a small business of this kind, but the rewards are great.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
