Strategic Planning Information

10 Ways To Make Your Business Unique

1. Largest Selection -

One way that you can make your product or service stand out is to offer the largest selection of products, services or programs. Example: Home Depot, E-Bay, Staples, Amazon.com

2. Innovative Product -

If you have a new product with a patent covering it or a service that others don't offer, you will have something that no one else can offer. Example: Windows, Viagra, Value Program

3. Multiple Uses -

Once you have a product or service to offer, look for other ways that the customer can use the same product or service. Example: Baby carrier that has carriage base, electric can opener with knife sharpener, Aspirin can be used as pain reliever and heart attack preventative. Cell phone is a camera too. This is what Merck set out to do with Vioxx --there are risks.

4. Superior Customer Service -

Keep reminding your customer that you are eager to help them by giving extra-ordinary support on your product or service. Example: Nordstrom's is known for this. Doctors who make house calls, a mobile lawyer's office, a glass company that comes to your workplace to change the glass in your automobile are other examples.

5. Convenient Location -

Make it easy for customers to do business with you by providing them access in exactly the place where they will need your product or service. Example: Bank in the supermarket, ATM in airport, setting up a stand to sell umbrellas on a busy street corner on a rainy day.

6. Expert Consulting -

If you have deep knowledge of your product or service, you can be useful in helping your customers before and after the sale is made. Example: Computer sales person who understands connectivity issues and can help you integrate your equipment with the new computer. Real Estate Agent who has huge rolodex and provides referral to other vendors that new home owner would need.

7. Price -

If you have a product or service with a high price, you offer prestige. If you offer the lowest price, the thrifty customer will be attracted to your product or service. Example: High Price - Lexus, Canyon Ranch etc. Low price - Target, Wal-Mart

8. Lasting affect -

The product or service you offer have a longer lasting affect than any others.

Example: Extra strength Tylenol, Bike lock that cannot be opened, car battery that lasts 5 years, long lasting car tires.

9. Guarantee -

Offer a guarantee with your product or service. Example: Money back if not satisfied. Free conversion back to previous vendor if not satisfied.

10. Packaging -

Offer a package that is different from others. (prettier, stronger, environmentally friendly, easier to open, child-proof)Example: Packaging material that dissolves in water, free gift wrapping for all purchases, child-proof aspirin bottles, juice drinks with straw.

Alvah Parker is a Business and Career Coach as well as publisher of Parker's Points, an email tip list and Road to Success, an ezine. Parker works with high potential professionals who want to have a career that is fun, fulfilling and profitable. Her clients are managers, business owners, sole practioners, attorneys and people in transition. Alvah is found on the web at http://www.asparker.com. She may also be reached at 781-598-0388.

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