Been thinking over the weekend, aided by the bad weather and nothing else to do, what small businesses need to be concentrating on. It seems sensible to be throwing a lot of thought into the following:

1. In a crowded market place, build a sense of exclusivity or differentiation from the surrounding clutter.

2. Our prospects are tired, it’s a matter of turning their opinions and pre conceptions on their head. Period.

3. It strikes me that going against what your competition boasts is a good start.

4. Market your company’s characteristics, values and ideas rather than price.

5. Have conversations with your customers don’t just communicate.

6. Customers don’t compare products with products anymore, they compare the experience with the experience.

Just a couple of questions:

1. What two ideas have you created, developed, influenced, launched so far this year?

2. Are you making waves or simply bobbing along hoping for the best?

Answers on a postcard please…………………..!