As we celebrate National Small Business Week, it’s important to remember the resilience of America’s small businesses. These businesses are vital to our communities and drive innovation across various industries.
If you’re managing a small business, you might sometimes feel discouraged. Running a business is challenging, and not every idea thrives against competition, especially from big-box stores.
However, if you keep a few key points in mind about the strengths of small businesses, you can have a brighter business future and feel more motivated in your daily tasks.
Small businesses excel in customer service
It’s incredibly frustrating when a request or complaint drags on, whether you’re stuck on hold or struggling with a live-chat agent. Small businesses have the unique ability to offer direct and efficient customer service, providing quicker resolutions that can bring immediate relief to customers.
Customer service goes beyond resolving issues. It’s about exceeding expectations to create a positive experience. Small businesses are particularly well-suited to deliver these experiences, as they can adapt quickly to cater to each customer’s needs. Empower your team to provide exceptional customer service, and your customers will appreciate it and spread the word.
Small businesses engage with customers in real time
Have you ever followed a business on social media, hoping for updates on the latest sales or events?
Imagine your customers feeling that same excitement about your business.
If you’re not actively using social media to communicate with your customers, you’re missing a valuable opportunity to build relationships and promote your brand. Large corporations might need multiple approvals before they can send out a single tweet. In your small business, the person managing your social media can interact with your audience more freely. You can extend this direct engagement to your website or physical store, further strengthening customer relationships.
Small businesses make a community impact
If your customer base is largely local, being active in your community is crucial for building relationships. Getting involved in community events, sponsoring activities, volunteering, or donating to local causes can greatly enhance your business’s presence and relationships within the community.
Joining community events not only provides marketing opportunities, such as displaying your logo, but more importantly, it allows you to connect with fellow business owners, potential customers, and friendly neighbors.
How can your small business differentiate itself from big-box stores? Consider speaking with a SCORE mentor to learn practical strategies to help your business grow.
