Don't be afraid to market yourself

One of the hardest things to do at all is to undertake self promotion.

Even if you are undertaking a job interview, selling yourself to others appears embarrassing and if you are not a born sales person or extrovert, it can seem extremely hard work.

And the same applies in the business world.

Most companies don't say how good they really are

Have a look around at companies you come across. Do they really try hard at selling you the benefits of their company? or do they simply say "here are our products for sale" ?

Even on the internet, a lot of companies have headlines such as "Welcome to our site...we have been in business for 1,000 years"

So what - how does that help you make a buying decision?

The most successful companies focus on how they are going to help you, their potential customer, in your current situation (and the same applies in job interviews - you are the saviour for the new company)

It's all about SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis stands for Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

In this article we are looking for your strengths or your company's strengths.

Most people find it difficult to find strengths but easy to find what they don't do so well.

The trouble is we are all successful in something. All companies sell; maybe not at the level they want, but they sell -- so they are doing something right.

It won't take long to find 5 or 6 real strengths - that's all you need, not 150, just 5 or 6.

And the key to having "real" strengths is that they should be relative to your competition - that is, a strength your competitors do not have (because if your strength is the same as your competitors then you are all equal and you will not stand out from the crowd). Here are some strengths you could use for you and your company

• Local company
• Better choice of products to chose
• Qualified member of a trade body
• Free delivery
• Lowest prices
• Next day delivery
• All products are fairtrade
• 24 hour service
• All local produce
• National awards (builds trust)

And if your competitors don't have any of the above - wow, are you in a great position - you know that, I know that, but do your customers ?

Now go and tell your customers about your strengths - because they might not know.....

Develop your SWOT

We have developed a 5 step method to generate your own personal swot - see our SWOT course for more information

Get "one to one" answers to your business questions today

You can get advice like this specifically tailored for your business from our panel of experts. click here to learn more

Sample Business Plans
Download a fully completed business plan for your industry online right now.
Includes narrative, financials and support