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Originally Posted On: https://www.letstalkmommy.com/addressing-common-faux-pas-of-the-modern-local-business-owner/
Addressing Common Faux Pas Of The Modern Local Business Owner
Starting a small local business has the potential to become the best decision you ever make. It allows you to take control of your schedule and earning potential while also working on something you love. While the opportunities for entrepreneurs are arguably greater than ever, a lot of work is required to achieve success. If it wasn’t, everyone would run a company.
In addition to focusing on implementing positive steps, it’s vital that you avoid the mistakes that many local business owners commit. Here are six you need to know, along with some advice on how to overcome them.
1. Going It Alone
Going it alone is perhaps the biggest mistake that small business owners make. While it’s great that you want to do as much as possible, you don’t have the skills or time to do it all. Hiring employees can be scary but it is essential for long-term success. You can always use part-time and temporary contracts as well as remote workers. This removes some of your financial exposure and makes the paperwork easier to master.
Either way, finding employees with the right attitude will drive the business on during tough times. Their expertise can also help you do things better while their interactions with customers should yield positive results too.
2. Marketing The Business Exclusively Online
Digital marketing is now essential for all businesses, including those looking to dominate a local audience. Local SEO is shown to yield a huge increase in foot traffic while social media and target PPC ads are ideal ways to boost visibility. When combined with its affordability and ability to make real-time changes, online campaigns are essential. Still, you should not ignore traditional marketing.
A professional poster printer can help turn our designs into eye-catching printed materials. When placed in the right locations, this will bring a huge increase in leads. Promo events, radio ads, and sponsoring local events can work wonders too.
3. Being Unavailable
There are many reasons why people support local businesses. Nonetheless, convenience and an ability to reach the company when something goes wrong are key factors. However, many local business owners have fallen into the trap of becoming distant. Given that loyal customers provide the bulk of your revenue, it is an issue that must be addressed right away. Otherwise, you could lose your most valuable clients.
You can’t be in multiple places and can’t let client care disrupt productivity. Outsourcing call handling can free up more time to handle face-to-face interactions. Those that want a digital interaction won’t mind and those that seek human interaction will appreciate them.
4. Becoming Too Cheap
When starting a new business, providing a cheaper solution to the competition is one way to win audiences over. It’s not the only option, though. You should not confuse “cheap” and “value”. As long as your products achieve the latter, you will be able to generate sales. Not least if you position yourself as a brand associated with quality goods that either do more or last longer. Knowing your niche will be key.
Competitive pricing models are needed but you need a suitable profit margin for long-term success. Likewise, it’s OK to spend money on quality materials and equipment before charging an appropriate amount. Cut waste, not corners.
5. Settling For Inferior Protection
Building a successful business is challenging enough without outside attacks. While you’ve probably protected the premises with security tools, you have to do more. After all, criminals often attack small businesses because they are easier targets. You can prevent yourself from becoming a victim by implementing a comprehensive strategy. Online, offline, and in the intellectual arena.
Advanced cybersecurity tools will certainly help. Meanwhile, copyrights and non-disclosure agreements can protect you from intellectual property theft. Prevention is the best form of protection, although you must be ready to take action if needed.
6. Limiting Yourself To The Local Audience
When starting a local business, establishing yourself in the area and reaching a defined audience are the priorities. However, it’s important to remember that the local market does impose upper limits. Understanding your expansion options is essential for anyone who wishes to break through the ceiling. Turning the company into a franchise is a great way to expand. Not least because the blueprint is in place.
While you will have to share earnings with the franchisee, it’s a great way to build a bigger brand and increase overall profits. Further revenue streams may be created through content creation or online sales. You will need to invest in packaging options like those available from Ozpack, find a reliable delivery partner, and create terms and conditions for national or international deliveries ie postal charges, delivery exclusions delivery times, etc. Don’t be afraid to think big.
