Flash back to what instant Polaroid did to Kodak. Then flash back to what internet e-Mail did to snail-mail Postal Services. And again flash back to what mobile GSM did to land-lines and Telephone Booths. In all of those flashbacks, the former kicked the later out of Business - no thanks to approach, systems and technologies.
For a business to be relevant it must have all or a good combination of the following attributes:
♠ The business or service provides what is always needed.
♠ The price of its products or services makes them attractive.
♠ Thereby making such products or services better options.
♠ Its corporate policy and service delivery are customer-centric.
♠ Hence its products or services are highly sort after; which in turn create customer loyalty. And once your business or service begins to enjoy customer loyalty (repeat purchases), you're truly in business!
Here Are 7 Tips to Keep Your Business Relevant Today, Tomorrow and Always
♦ Stay updated with current social trends, production methods and service delivery techniques.
♦ Simplify your customer service and product delivery procedures to make buying from you easy, fast, secure and pleasurable.
♦ The COVID-19 Pandemic threw-up a whole lot of new normal in business process and service delivery methodology globally. You only ignore those lessons and how they impact your business or service, at your own peril.
♦ Pay attention to genuine customer complaints. Respond to them promptly, and take appropriate steps to remedy such complaints.
♦ Regularly solicit and get candid feedback from your customers - about your product and service quality; as well as their expectations from you, going forward.
♦ Be open minded, flexible and adaptable to change. Better to bend over and stay relevant, than to remain stiff and become irrelevant! Remember, change is constant - therefore keep an eye on technological innovations that may impact your business. Watch what your competitors are up to; learn, improve and excel.
♦ Remember, Customer is King - treat them well, beyond their expectations. Go the extra mile to make them feel confident and comfortable doing business with you. Without customers you don't have a business. Be their first choice with great products and great customer service delivery.
♦ Don't just sit-back and wait for new customers and clients to discover your business, service or brand. Take it to them! Business is in two parts: Production/Service and Marketing/Publicity.
As we say in my local parlance: If you don’t shout "here I am", nobody will know "there you are". Marketing and Publicity are very important for business survival and profitability.
Finally, no business becomes irrelevant overnight. If you are watchful, you will notice the tell-tale signs of a looming business irrelevance, and do the needful to avert it. Be vigilant!
What do you think? Please share your thoughts in the Comments Box below.
Related: Use Customer Care to Boost Your Small and Micro Business Profits - 7 Smart Tips!
Related: 5 Often Overlooked Reasons Why a Small Business Fails
Related: BRANDING - Make Your Business, Product or Service Stand Out
See Also: 5 Reasons Why Your Business Should be Visible Online
See Also: Business Failure Warning Signs - and How to Avoid Business Collapse
Stay Smart, Wealthy and Wise!
