Bringing value to your customer

What value do you bring to your customer? How are you and your company different? Is it your expertise, and commitment to superior service? These are questions we should all ask and have an answer for. Many companies in our respective fields have no clear mission, or sense of direction and purpose; other than to exist as an entity and to make a profit. Moreover, many business face declining revenues and decreased market share; mainly because of the lack of leadership and vision. In this competitive world, it is important to differentiate yourself from the competition by any and all means necessary. To thrive, a company must have well-defined goals and a long-term vision. Additionally, it is important to define and set the expectation level in such a way, so there is no misunderstanding or confusion. 

Here are 10 ways that can help you set yourself apart from the competition, bring value to your customer, and increase operational efficiencies.  

1. Become the expert: Take the time to learn as much as can about your product; inside and out. Research online for any additional technical information; such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and other pertinent product information. Attend seminars and obtain certifications when possible. Also, have a complete understanding of product limitations and performance expectations. 
2. Focus on service: Superior customer service is the goal here.. In order to separate yourself from the competition, it is important that you do not make your customer wait, nor give them bad information. There is nothing worse for a business than when the customer service department provides bad, or wrong information. When done on a consistent basis, marketshare and profits will decline quickly. Customers can be very impatient, and it is important that expectations are clear and well-defined. 
3. Follow-up: Post-sale follow-up is an important part of doing business. Take the time to ask your customer if they have any concerns, or problems. Did you meet their expectations. If so, ask them if they would write an honest review. Reach out over time and thank them again for their business and ask if they have any concerns. Long-term follow-up is a great way to keep your customer coming back. 
4. Cross-Training: Businesses often consist of many different departments. Through  cross-training, businesses can increase operational efficiencies, employee moral, and increase overall performance. Cross-training also provides employees with a sense of ownership. In this environment, employees are able work in different departments, learn new tasks, which increases productivity and employee satisfaction. Oftentimes, employees are moved to an entirely different department; mainly because management has found that the new task better serves the company and the employee.  
5. Know your competition: Take the time to study your competition. Get to know their habits, tactics, and customer base. Learn everything you can about your competition. Find out who their suppliers are, use secret shopping methods, and research them online. Is their website better than yours? What are their google rankings? What products do they sell? You know the old saying, “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”. This couldn't be more true for any business. Get to know your competition, and adjust your tactics accordingly. Don't be embarrassed by the competition. 
6. Stay current: Get to know the latest on whats happening in the industry. Have any methods or standards changed? Study the trends, and and stay current of any new changes in the market. Stay relevant, by using advances in technology to build your customer base. Take time to research your industry and be aware of the latest developments; always stay pro-active and develop methods that focus on growth. By staying current, you are able to adapt to changing market conditions. Customers can appreciate a business that is current. 
7. Advertise:  Advertising can take on many forms, and it is important to distinguish what works best in any given situation. It often takes a multi-faceted approach; however, each individual market/geographic area is different. When advertising, it is important to focus on product quality, reputation, and performance. Additionally, it is important to know your target audience. What is your objective, and who are you trying to reach? Here are a few examples. Direct mailers, print advertising, magazines, billboards, and public relation events; not to include the many online methods. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram  are a great way to build your awareness and individual brand. With advertising, its always a numbers game, and it is important that you reach the greatest number of people possible.
8. Commit to improvement: When doing business, it is important that you are continually trying to improves business practices. The question is always the same, “How to  increase operational efficiency, employee moral, productivity and also customer service”. There is always room for improvement within any organization. Always look for ways to better serve your employees and customers. Providing them with high quality products and exceptional service, is a winning recipe for everyone. Also, focus on the intrinsic values and self-improvement. Self-improvement is important, and everyone in the organization benefits from it. Also, remember to share your positive experiences with others. Always remember, in any business environment, human capital is always your greatest asset. 
9. Blog: Writing provides many benefits. It can be therapeutic, expressive, and can provide readers with insight and loads of information. Blogging helps the writer connect to his target audience in a more personal and emotional level. Through writing, the author can be more specific in terms of product information, business practices and the services they provide. Additionally, blogging is a great way to reach customers, that you could not reach otherwise. Additionally, blogging can provide one with a secondary source of income. 
10. Be Honest: Honesty is an important part of trying to build and maintain a reputation in the marketplace. Always be honest and truthful with your customer, and don't ever lie. You would be surprised how many people will blatantly mislead and lie to their customers. Being truthful is always the best practice for doing business. Try not to overpromise and under deliver by providing your customer with bad or false information. Always try to have the best/latest information as possible, and if a problem arises, be honest