5 Ways To Set Your Business Apart From The Crowd

As we embark upon the dawn of a new era, it is time to think about how to make your business more powerful and profitable in the new year. Entrepreneurship is growing among women business owners. The market is filling up with niche ideas, awesome new products and exciting adventures. You can do business as usual, or stand out in a way that attracts lots of new clients, contracts and amazing opportunities.

Remember to always be true to who you are, what you can offer and what makes you unique.

To ensure that your product or service gets the attention it deserves, consider adding a few tweaks that will make a major difference. The key to lasting success constant improvement. Here are a five ways to make your business stand out and cause success in the new year.

Instead of being a jack of all trades and a master of none, pick an area to focus your expertise. I had a client that left her job to become a virtual assistant. After about six months on her own, she barely had any traction. During our consultation, I encouraged to specialize in one area. Soon after our meeting she needed a plumber who showed up late and disorganized. And that is when it hit her: to become an assistant to the service industry owners. She rebranded herself as the virtual assistant to plumbers, contractors, lawn care businesses, etc. It was an untapped market of business owners who were skilled at what they did, but needed someone to keep things in order. Now her business is thriving. Find a need and fill it with your unique expertise.

Pick an area to focus your expertise

Consider sending out exciting mail to clients or prospects to grab their attention. Take a cue from fashion houses who often send elaborate invites to their guests. The idea here is to stand out and build anticipation for a great show. Often guests have so many shows to attend that they must choose some and forsake others. In order to pack the house, elaborate invites makes them stand out. Louis Vuitton is known for sending beautiful clutches with the invitation enclosed.

Consider what is missing in your industry and offer it to your customers. Forward thinking dentists have transformed the dreaded dental appointment into an exciting adventure with dental spas that offers massage therapy, aroma therapy, classy drinks, movies and even noise cancelling headphones! This kind of service will certainly encourage clients to show up and book future appointments. Seek to fix a problem that your industry has and you will stand out.

Zappos is known for incredible customer service. They sometimes randomly upgrade customers shipping to next day. That kind of surprise is a great talking point! How can you improve your customer's experience? Whether it's with hand written notes, unexpected calls, or exclusive meetings with valued clients. There's something that you can do to personalize your client's encounter with your business.

There are so many great business ideas and opportunities out there. While it may be tempting to add every service that your competitors have to your business model, remember to always be true to who you are, what you can offer and what makes you unique. Whether it's your special frosting recipe or signature design elements, play up your unique strengths and quality and authentically market it to your audience.

Go against the grain, follow your instinct when making a mark… Don't be compelled to develop a cookie-cutter business model like everyone else. Trust your creative ingenuity - try it YOUR way. Your next move may be your best move!