Businesses are the backbone of any society. They provide for many people's livelihood and help drive our economies. However, businesses have had a lot of bad press over recent years. Many business owners have experienced negative experiences with customers due to unethical practices. Others have lost their jobs after being caught practising illegal activities. Businesses are often stereotyped as having a negative connotation. But, what are some ways that we can make sure that businesses treat us well? How do we promote ethical business practices? These are questions that I attempt to answer here.Take steps to ensure that you conduct yourself in a way that is right. These tips will put you on the right path to success!
Future Fit Business
Cannabis Business Model
When we say future-fit, what do we mean? We mean a business model that's sustainable for generations, not just months. When people think about the future-fit business idea, they often envision some type of franchise opportunity. While that may work well if you're looking to start a company from scratch, it's unlikely to have longevity. A better approach lies in taking an existing market and adding a few things to make it more customer centric. Our advice would be to take something like retail and add some online components that make everything easier for customers. If you're working with a brick-and-mortar store, consider opening up shop hours to match online shoppers' schedules. That way, you'll be able to keep them coming back because you've built trust. In addition, consider offering services like shipping and curbside pickup to further increase convenience.
Customer Centricity
How do you know if a product or service fits the customer? How much time do you spend talking to your customers? How many times did you respond to their questions on social media or email? Are you using any tracking tools to determine how satisfied your customers are? Do you find out what they want before they realize they need it? Most businesses focus on what they want; however, customer centric companies focus on what the customer wants. You want to build a relationship with your customers based on value.
Online Components
Online components are becoming increasingly important. Customers expect to be able to search products on a website and order them right away without having to wait on hold or get transferred around. So don't limit yourself to only selling physical products. Consider adding online components that allow you to sell digital content, like Ebooks, audio books, eCourses, and even eMalls. Having these online components will help your current customers while attracting new ones. Additionally, if you offer a combination of physical and digital products, you can reach both audiences effectively.
Branding Is Everything
Branding is always going to be important. However, the internet has completely changed how brands are perceived. No longer does being associated with a brand mean anything. There's no clear distinction between a popular brand and a generic brand anymore. To ensure success, it's important to identify who you are and what makes you different than anyone else. What sets you apart from your competitors? Maybe you should consider a logo design that represents your values and lifestyle. Maybe you should use colors that relate to your background. Perhaps you should incorporate a symbol that signifies your mission statement. Whatever you choose, make sure it matches your brand identity and communicates who you are to potential clients.
Be Reliable
You should never hesitate to deliver on promises. Many businesses fail because they promise too much, give too little, and don't follow through on their commitments. Establish expectations early on, set reasonable timelines, and plan accordingly. Don't promise to deliver tomorrow unless you're prepared to deliver then. Make sure everyone involved knows what they're supposed to deliver and when they're expected to deliver it.
Social Media Integration
Social media integration is a huge part of being successful. While traditional advertising is great at reaching a wide audience, social media is effective at reaching a specific audience. Take advantage of the power of social media by incorporating it into your marketing strategy. Use social media to communicate with your customers and encourage interaction. Let customers talk about your brand, events, and sales on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Data Driven Marketing
Data driven marketing uses analytical data to understand your customers and create tailored campaigns. Analytical marketers collect information and data about their target audience. This helps them figure out what works and doesn't work for each individual customer. As a result, they can create customized advertisements, emails, and offers that are relevant and useful. Analytics also helps them identify trends and cycles that can be leveraged to maximize profits.
Few Steps To Build Profitable Business
1. Set Goals
As mentioned earlier, goals are what keep people moving forward. If you don't have goals then you'll drift aimlessly through life and never accomplish anything. You should set realistic goals that are measurable and achievable. These can be personal, educational, professional, or financial goals. Once you've set these goals, figure out how they fit into your overall plan. Many people just wing it and hope something good happens, but if you want to make sure your success is real you need to make sure it's planned.
2. Make A Plan
Once you know your goals and have some idea of how they fit into your current situation, you're ready to get down to planning. There are several methods you can use. One way is to look at your goals and break them down into smaller chunks. What do I need to do over the next week? Next month? How about the first year? Each chunk of time should be broken down into a series of actions you can take. In addition, you may want to create sub-goals to help you hit your big goal.
a. Identify Your Strengths
You probably already know where you're strong and where you struggle. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. Look at each area and ask yourself, "What am I really great at?" "What am I terrible at?" Then match those strengths and weaknesses to your major goals (such as writing a book) and your sub-goals (write a chapter per week).
b. Determine Your Priorities
Now it's time to determine what's important to you. What do you really value? Do you value money above everything else? Or would you rather work 80 hours a week than lose 10 pounds? Whatever your priorities are, write them down. They might evolve throughout the years, but you'll always know what matters to you.
c. Identify Your Passion
If you don't know what you love to do, you won't succeed because you won't find joy in what you're doing. So start thinking about what excites you. Maybe it's teaching others, traveling, or being around animals. Write down your passions and any ideas you have for making these happen. Remember, passion is not a destination; it's a state of mind!
d. Think About Your Values
Finally, identify your values. What morals and principles guide you? What things matter most to you? Are you loyal, honest, or dedicated? Write down your values and think about ways to incorporate them into your plans.
e. Figure Out When And Where You Want To Be
Hopefully, your long term goals aren't unrealistic. But even if they are, that doesn't mean you have to stop right now. Instead, continue setting smaller goals along the way. Once you reach each step, reevaluate your progress and adjust your plan accordingly. Don't get discouraged if some steps seem impossible. Just remember that there's no failure until you give up.