Is it time to stop expecting attention
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that more than 90% of business fit into the scope of being a Small Business. So the vast majority of people either own or work for a small or micro business in Australia.
Do you own a small business or would you like to own one?
As a small business, you may have a few thoughts about how things should be. You may expect that your success should come quickly or not at all. Perhaps you think 6 months is enough time to decide if things are going to work. Have you spoken to friends and family who have told you that you are going to be a success?
Have you said or thought any of these things?
- “I have an online store, that should be enough” “My customers don’t use social media” “I’m not paying for
- “My products are the best” “Everyone wants what I am selling”
- “I am the cheapest” “I will beat any quote”
- “I have the best content” “Blogging is easy”
- “I am local” “I’m just down the street and better than that other guy”
- “I launched a month ago and apart from family and friends I haven’t had any sales”
- “My business has been running for 12 months – Surely I should be a wealthy success by now”
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, more than 60% of small businesses fail during the first 3 years.
Naturally, there are many reasons for this but they all show a lack of management skills which are:
- Poor planning
- Insufficient funding
- Lack of experience
- No cash flow planning
- Bad location
- Lack of knowledge and insight
- No sales and marketing plans
- No budget management
Now to Earning Attention
As a small business owner have you have made the mistake of expecting that you will receive the attention you think you deserve? It is time to make a change and work towards earning the attention you want and need to grow your business.
A marketing strategy – Both online and offline
Customer profiles – A clear and conscience description
Cash flow – Enough to see you through as long as it will take
Educate yourself – If you are no good at numbers, it is time to learn
The right staff – Employing staff is one of the toughest things you will do
Plan for growth – It costs money to grow
It’s Never too Late
Even if you have been in business for a while it is never too late to review and replan everything and ensure you are on track or do something about it if you are not on track.
Create a plan for the future – Where are you today and where do you want to be
Create a budget and cash flow plan – Know your numbers or this could be the reason you fail
Don’t grow too fast – Fast growth can kill you as quickly as no growth, be cautious
Look after your customers – By having great customer profiles and a strategy for those customers you can look after them correctly.
Refresh your website – Your website is your storefront, it should be secure, modern and working well.
Marketing is vital – Never just rely on one area to gain business, spread your net far and wide and keep building it.
Know what your industry is doing – Keep an eye on your direct competitors but don’t waste too much time on that either. While you are watching them, they will be out and be growing their businesses.
Get help – Take the time to get help where you need it.
Conclusion
Expecting that your business will be a success just because you created it is naive and may see you fail. You have to work hard for the attention of your customers and you have to earn their attention by delivering your best work at all times.
Remember that everyone is busy so you only have a finite amount of time to be seen and grab the attention of your potential clients. It is your best work that will do this and it is what people want you to share so they can share it too.
If you need help achieving the attention you are looking for contact My Sassy Business.
Make sure you subscribe to receive more blogs like this each week.
[gravityform id=”2″ title=”true” description=”true”]
