5 Strategic Suggestions for Your Alarm Business
Big companies pour lots of time, effort and dollars into determining their business strategies, but that doesn’t mean small companies can’t compete. Now, at the end of the first quarter, is a great time to review and regroup. Take a look at these 5 big-company-tested (but easy to borrow!) strategies that you can incorporate right now to strengthen your business in 2015.
Customization: Large companies often emphasize working closely with their customers to attempt to identify and produce tailored solutions, but don’t always have the wherewithal to accomplish it. After all, it’s hard to be giant and nimble at the same time. This is an area where you can really thrive. By having dialog with your customers’ often, you can determine what combination of your products and services makes most sense for each individual customer. By inviting them to make small alterations to your “packages” or to take advantage of complementary services to create their own unique solution, you can create a much “stickier” experience for your customer. Customization is a great way to develop big-time customer loyalty.
Differentiation: Lucky you. You are in an industry that regularly introduces new products, services, or processes. Sometimes it can be hard to keep up! But by paying attention to potential new products and updates, you and your sales team (and don’t forget a marketing effort) can offer your customers the “latest and greatest” technological advances that will keep you top of mind and recognized as the innovative service provider who’s watching out for them.
Mobilization: As your customers become increasingly smartphone and tablets-centric when gathering business information and to shop for products and services, it’s essential that your website is properly optimized for a mobile experience. If you haven’t yet, this should be the year to make your business website mobile. Your mobile site should be sleek and “slim,” highlighting the key topics your customers generally look for for when they visit your site. Make sure your mobile site provides a clear call-to-action for mobile visitors. For example, if they can schedule appointments directly from the site, make that a bold and clear element of the mobile site.
Segmentation: Large organizations “segment” their customers so they can speak to them in their own language. Why can’t you? You may not have as many target audiences (nor should you!), but you probably know if your primary purchaser is a male or a female. If so, try tailoring your language in each of your marketing and sales efforts accordingly. Showing you truly understand your customer creates a bond you can continue strengthening over time by speaking with them more intimately.
Cost Containment: No matter the size, most high performing companies pay attention to their costs. They keep their overhead low and their prices competitive while continuing to deliver superior goods and services. Taking the time to consistently review costs and ensure you’ve got your finger on the pulse of your spending is time well spent!
By reviewing these 5 strategies each quarter, you will find areas for improvement and increase the number of tools with which to grow your business. To find out more, download Adopting a Marketing Mindset.
If you’re attending ISC West, be sure to setup a confidential meeting with ACA to discuss your business needs. Sign up here.