Wednesday, 18th September 2019 | Sales,Marketing,Management
Five common pieces of business advice you should ignore
Building a business is hard enough without becoming waylaid by bad advice. Dig into the truths behind these common misconceptions to build a solid, long-term strategy for success.
In business, there are certain pieces of “advice” that, for better or for worse, are repeated so often they’re considered to be true. While business owners can and should learn from those who came before—there’s no reason to reinvent the wheel—some ideas are out-of-date, misguided, or just plain wrong. This article debunks five of the most persistent misconceptions, so you can focus your efforts on ideas that work.
#1. If You Build It, They Will Come
This notion is based on the unrealistic idea that your business is so unique or special that it will attract customers by simply existing—but there’s a reason why even storied and successful
companies like McDonalds and Coca-Cola advertise: Buyers need to know about you, remember you, and choose you. In Canada, an average of 150,000 new small businesses are created every year, but only 51% survive the first five years. That’s a lot of competition against difficult odds, and marketing—even
having something as simple as having a web presence—is a crucial part of making the cut.
#2. Never Turn Down a Paying Customer
There’s something idealistic (but ultimately, wrong) about the idea that your business can satisfy every single customer, and it often takes a lesson learned the hard way to see why that’s bad
business advice. The truth is, sometimes it takes more time, energy, and resources than makes business sense to serve a customer who doesn't fit your typical process, business model, or price point. The savvy business owner learns to funnel those resources into growing their business by taking on the kinds of customers that they can service well within the model or business
processes they’ve established.
#3. Stay Away From Established Markets
It’s true that entering an established market requires a certain amount of work in differentiating yourself from existing competitors and marketing yourself effectively. However, these strategies
just as easily apply to new markets where you have to educate consumers about unfamiliar categories or products. There are challenges associated with both and the smart business owner
chooses based on other criteria.
#4. If You Want Something Done Right, You Have to Do It Yourself
This seductive idea appeals to the entrepreneurial impulse, but it’s often best ignored. Remember that in business time is money, and if you’re leading a company, your time is better spent on high-value tasks. Squandering your work-hours on tasks better given to employees or consultants is not only bad business, it can also lead to burnout. Learn to delegate strategically. Tasks like
marketing, social media, accounting, and legal are all excellent candidates for external help. As an owner or manager, you’ll find time to take care of your business’ most important issues, and your staff will appreciate an atmosphere of greater team involvement, the opportunities for growth, and a sense of increased self-confidence.
#5. It's All About Who You Know
If you’ve got a solid business network, great. You’re a step ahead—but only for the moment. Business growth requires ongoing networking to acquire new customers. Your sales and marketing efforts should prioritize continuous networking to ensure you’re always making fresh connections.
Building a business is hard enough without becoming waylaid by bad advice. Dig into the truths behind these common misconceptions to build a solid, long-term strategy for success.
Read Also
5 ideas for stimulating sales through this pandemic winter
For Canadian small business owners, the approach of winter without a COVID vaccine holds some uncertainty. Businesses that have managed to adapt and pivot during the first stages of the pandemic face another slow season—this is especially true for those in areas retreating back into stage 2 restrictions. With more time at home, people appear to be spending more time on social media, particularly on YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn. (Facebook has always had strong usage rates.) Whether it’s to connect with friends and family virtually, to search for jobs, or to enjoy online diversions, it’s clear Canadians are taking to social media. This is an opportunity for Canadian small business owners. Here are 5 fresh ideas to connect with buyers, increase awareness of the business and products/services, and deepen loyalty using social media.
#1. Make ‘em laugh
Canadians are under a tremendous amount of pressure. If you can engage your followers in a fun or funny way, you’ll have a good chance of not only keeping their attention but also leaving them with a positive feeling about your company. Skip cold corporate speak if favour of messaging with a light and relatable tone. Puns and in-jokes are great but make sure your humour is relatable and uncontroversial.
#2. Run a contest
Who doesn’t like the chance to win something? Engage your audience with a contest like this one by SAOR Studio that’s helping its members to stick to their exercise regime with a workout bingo. The game is proving to be almost as much fun as a night out at the bingo hall—members are even posting their progress on social media. The big prize? Complete a line and receive 15% off on gym merchandise—a win-win.
3. Use livestreams
Nothing stops the runway for Canadian fashion brand Miik. Using Instagram and Facebook Live, the Toronto-based clothier has taken the catwalk digital and now customers can tune in for virtual viewings and Q&As with the owners. Borrow this strategy to host industry “shows'' or to launch new products.
4. Post often
Even if you’re open for foot traffic, people are increasingly hesitant to be out and about, so posting regularly is more important than ever. Get creative with your content so you don’t give your customers social media fatigue. Consider the Halifax Thunderbirds. While this Canadian lacrosse team is side-lined, they’re keeping their audience entertained and engaged with squad news, fan pictures, and anecdotes from past matches.
The National Ballet of Canada is taking a similar tack by sharing behind-the-scenes posts of dancers in their homes and offering free, live virtual ballet classes and performances. The same strategy that works for athletes and performers can build relationships with retailers. Edmonton-based New Classics uses their Instagram to showcase their ethically crafted and environmentally conscious slow fashion items so customers can window shop from their couch before ordering online.
5. Be inspiring
Tone is everything and these days Canadians are looking for brands that make them feel good. Search out and post thoughtful and inspirational (but not saccharine) statements and ideas that show off your brand voice. Take for example, Mail Chimp, the marketing platform. They’ve peppered their feed with lovely, simple animations with positive, encouraging phrases like "It feels good to put something back into the world" and "Making the most of it sometimes requires a little something extra." Choose statements that are in line with your brand voice and couch them in your own design.
Canadian small businesses needn’t fear the coming cold months. With the right social media strategy and outreach, they can meet their customers where they are—in their comfy clothes, at home.
Marketing