How to Differentiate Yourself And Your Sales Offering
It’s a big, ol’ competitive world out there, you know, and when it comes to business it really pays to be different; to ensure that you stand out from the crowd and ahead of the competition. Now is the time to answer those age-old questions: “What is it that makes you different from X or Y brand, and why should we spend our money with you?” If you can provide potential clients with confident, thoughtful answers to both of these queries, then your battle is already half-won, my friends.
Get off to a good start
In order to differentiate yourself, and your sales offering, from those around you it’s essential to get off to a good start; have you got passionate, determined salespeople pushing your products, a watertight action plan, and more solutions than you dare shake a stick at? Standing out from the crowd isn’t just about selling something different, or even approaching marketing and sales in a new way, but about being the whole package. If you’re tempted to settle for anything less it’s time to ask yourself whether you’re in the right job.
Do your research
In order to make any claims of being ‘different to’, or ‘markedly better than’ your closest competitors you must be prepared to do your research. What is it about your business that stands out, or puts you ahead of those around you? Do you know any of the tricks that other companies use to engage clients? Again, being different isn’t just about doing your best but understanding where you stand when lined up alongside your closest competitors.
Emphasise your company’s values
Okay, so your products and service are second to none (in your eyes), but what about your company’s values? What is it about your company that really stands out; this isn’t only about the ‘what and how’, but the ‘why’. Rather than focusing once more on the features of your products and services, now is the time to tell customers why it is you do what you do, what experiences you’ve had along the way, and how your method of selling will appeal to their sensitivities.
Understand your brand
Selling a to customers isn’t merely about showing them a product and tempting them to buy it, but introducing a brand and inspiring their loyalty. Your brand is your company’s face; a recognisable means of standing out from the crowd, so make sure you are using your brand to the best of your ability. This means understanding everything that your brand stands for, the message it conveys to customers, and any issues that are likely to arise along the way. Your brand, and products, represents your company, after all.
When it comes to differentiating yourself and your sales offering, appealing to customers isn’t about who can shout the loudest, or dazzle with the flashiest advertising campaign. Standing out is about standing up for what you believe in, and standing by what your company represents, as well as engaging potential customers with your brand and values. Are you doing everything you can to differentiate yourself?
