Play the Promotion Game to Win with Bill Hampton
To build a business that lasts the test of time, entrepreneurs must become masters of promotion. Brian Buffini recently spoke to consultant and former Dave Ramsey associate Bill Hampton about how to win at promotion and come out on top, even during challenging economic times. Here are some of his top tips:
Become a consultant to your own business
Many entrepreneurs have great difficulty thinking about growth or planning for the future of their business because they have so many other issues to deal with on a daily basis. However, if you want to succeed, it’s vital to take some time to work on the business instead of in the business. If you can get away, separate yourself from the realities of the day to day grind and view your business like a consultant, you’ll really reap the rewards down the line.
Look at your business like you’re playing a game
If you sit down to play a new board game with family or friends during the holidays, you’ll likely ask some questions first: What’s the game? How do you play? How do you win? Who are the other players? Who’s currently winning and why? Who’s losing and why? Now, think of your business as a game and apply those exact same questions to it. Not only will you get great insight and learn a lot, you’ll likely view your business very differently than you do right now.
Make a great impression
In today’s crowded marketplace, people have more options than ever before. That’s why it’s vital to be really present with your customers. Be all-in, have your game face on and be ready to play as soon as you show up. If not, your customers will find someone else who is. It only takes a few seconds to make a lasting impression, so work to ensure that your clients feel important and always front-load their first experience of you with positivity and enthusiasm.
Lead with the core need
Do you know what it is about you and your business that your customer values most? The answer could surprise you! To find out what core need you fulfil for your clients, ask them – and listen to their response carefully. Once you know what need you meet, lead with that knowledge and redirect all your marketing efforts in that direction. Often, a business will get into trouble promotion-wise because they’re bored and want to try something new – or they’re new to the game and they want to make a splash. Simply by identifying and then leading with their customers’ core needs instead, they could make a much stronger and long-lasting impact.
Even during a recession, your business can still grow and take advantage of opportunities if you know how. To learn more about winning at promotion, listen to the latest episode of “It’s a Good Life”.
