The benefits of running your own small business are numerous, but when faced with competition from big players and global brands, it can be easy to feel disheartened. If you’re finding yourself in this predicament then it’s time to get back to basics; remember your business’ purpose and get started on the following tasks.

1. Maintain a Flawless Professional Space

Just because you don’t have the money for a modern office re-vamp, or to purchase your own commercial space, doesn’t mean you can’t have one. What you can do, is hire a serviced office in a central location so you have a professional base to operate from and invite clients to, with all the facilities a budding business needs. In fact, there are various advantages you will only experience with a serviced office; you don’t need to pay to furnish them or cover the bills and can use them for as long or as short a time as you need.

2. Nail Your Business Niche

“There is no such thing as a new idea,” so goes the infamous Mark Twain quote. Rest assured, If your business is in an overpopulated market or industry, it’s not necessarily a lost cause. Many forget the end of the quote where Twain expresses that we “take old ideas” and make them new by turning them around. So, get to work on finding your niche to help you separate your business from all the noise and attract the right leads. What separates your business from competitors big and small? Once you find the answer to this, you can localize or amplify your unique selling point and voilà, this is your niche!

3. Personalize Your Customer Service

In most cases, small businesses actually have the upper hand when it comes to personal customer contact. Consumer loyalty comes as a result of customers feeling their needs are catered for consistently, and it results in better quality leads and referrals by word-of-mouth for your business. So, keep your clients close and make sure delivering excellent customer service is a priority for all your staff. Keep records of names, ask for feedback (either in person or through quick surveys), and treat your returning customers well so your community can flourish!

4. Treasure Your Staff

Yes, customers are very important and should be treated like royalty – but never at the expense of your staff. Without personnel to run it, your business will not stay afloat, no matter how great your product is. If you have a hard-working team you can rely on, you need to make sure they are aware of how much you value their efforts. Aside from saying thank you, share your gratitude with treats like team lunches, family discounts, corporate gifts, freebies of your business’ services, or healthy treats like a staff spa day or a mobile masseuse.

5. Win Them Over With Your Personality

Give your store a sense of character and charisma so strong that it simply cannot be ignored! This can be achieved through face-to-face customer interactions, décor, ambiance and the voice behind your social media posts and web presence. After you have identified your niche, make sure your business’ “personality” is distinct and relatable for your customers and target audience. You will need to check that all communications or copy representing your business is on-brand. While this can get tedious, it will ultimately pay off by establishing your unique identity.

By following these five tips and braving the crowds of your competitors, your business won’t just stay afloat, it will soar!