It may seem that big-box chains have a distinct competitive advantage over small businesses along Main Street, but the reality is that it’s often difficult for the giants to get up close and personal with customers and become intimately involved with causes that are near and dear to a local community. Sponsoring a local youth sports team, becoming a member of the chamber of commerce and working with area colleges to hire bright, motivated students are just some of the tactics growing businesses can employ to get a leg up on national retailers as part of a business development strategy. Here are some other ways to thwart the big boys:

Learn the secrets for creating a business development strategy that turns prospects into new customers in a recession. Download your free copy of Proven Ways for Getting New Customers without cost or obligation.

• Right a wrong. If a huge competitor’s customer service leaves a lot to be desired, strive to make yours stand out. Customers place enormous value on such intangibles.

• Reach out to the media. Do you know the business writer at your local newspaper? If not, find out and invite the scribe to breakfast, telling him or her why coverage of your industry is important to readers. You just might get quoted in an article as a subject matter expert.

• React quickly. Major retailers may be resilient, but they cannot adapt to changes in the business environment as quickly as you can. That’s because they follow a rigid playbook handed to them by a distant corporate headquarters.

• Get close. Customers love to interact with owners of small businesses. Get to know your clientele on a first-name basis. Meet with them one on one. Ask them what they value most about your products or services. Your sincerity will pay off in the form of more sales and referrals.

Permalink: http://www.stepbystepmarketing.com/?p=6298