It’s a big world out there, and sometimes it can feel as if your little specialty boutique just doesn’t have the resources to compete against nation-spanning mega-conglomerates. But just because you run a small shop, it doesn’t mean you can’t make a big impact. Let’s look at a few ways you can set yourself apart from the competition by finding your niche, leveraging the power of your personal story and rocking your social media feeds.
STEP ONE: FINDING YOUR NICHE
Today, more and more companies are expanding to become one-stop-shopping experiences. Don’t go in that direction. Instead, double down on your awesome qualities. When you’re a small business, you have the freedom to narrow your scope and carve out a niche for yourself. Pick one thing and do it better than anyone else. Provide your customers with stellar customer service and conduct your business with honesty and integrity. After all, it worked for our founder, Marty Lott, back in 1971.
STEP TWO: LEVERAGE YOUR PERSONAL STORY
The cynics say that everything has been done before, that there are no new stories to tell, but the cynics always miss one important detail—you. You haven’t done everything yet, and your story hasn’t been told. After you’ve found your niche, find your story. Ask yourself why you pour your heart and soul into your small business.
Then when you’ve answered the question, ask why again.
And then do it one more time.
Drill down through at least three levels of “Why?” noting each reason on a scratch pad. That’s the seed of your personal story. When you’re done, take some time with your notes and develop your story using an authentic voice. Again, speak honestly. In today’s Millennial market, the authentic why behind your what is one of the most important stories you will tell to the world.
STEP THREE: ROCK YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEEDS
If you’re a social media novice, the Fabric Blog has an entire series of posts to help you get your social media strategy up and running. You can find links to the articles a little further down.
Twitter can be a great place not only to spread awareness for your brand but also to look for help and support. Follow the conversations happening under hashtags such as #shoplocal, #promochat, #MicrobizUS, #BrandChat and more for a wealth of helpful, engaged, like-minded individuals who are more than willing to help you navigate hurdles.
Branch out, as well. Look for hashtags that specifically apply to your niche and then use that story you developed in step two to show yourself to the world. Make sure you bring that authentic voice to your feeds and you’ll be sure to kill it.
Helpful Links
- How to Perform a Quick and Easy Social Audit
- How to Create (and Automate) a Social Content Calendar
- How to Engage Your Community
- How to Livestream
- How to Choose Images for Social Media
- How to Handle Yourself When Things Go Wrong on Social Media
- How to Network Using Social Media
But what do you think? Did we miss anything? Let us know on social media. Leave a comment for us on Facebook or Twitter and keep the conversation going.