It’s a new year full of new ideas, changes, and opportunities. When you’re a part of a small business, you have to pay attention to the big world and what’s going on around you. Keeping up with what’s happening and becoming a part of it is how you’ll grow as a business. We can’t predict what the new year will hold, but we can see some emerging trends beginning to surface, and the sooner you jump into it, the better it will be for you and your business. So keep an eye out for some of the emerging trends of 2012
1. GoMo. Going mobile is something that began in 2011, and will continue into 2012 and into the future. You can do almost everything you do on your PC at home on your smartphone wherever in the world you are. You can surf the web, check your email, and even video chat – not to mention the hundreds of apps you can download and enjoy. iPhone, one of the worlds leading mobile devices, has attracted more customers than ever before, with a more than 100% increase in sales since 2010. Going mobile with your website and online business can help keep you connected with the thousands and millions of mobile phone users around the world, not only through your website, but also through blogs and social networking platforms like Twitter and Facebook. Make sure your web design is compatible with mobile settings to make it faster and easier for mobile users to view your site on the go.
2. Relationships matter. With many different ways to communicate through technology, consumers are starting to get sick of it. Tired of calling a machine operated hotline host, tired of sending an email and receiving an automated response; the machines have taken over and consumers want to go back to dealing with human beings, like in the olden days. Being a small business, you have a greater opportunity to interact with the customer, through the phone, email, and even face-to-face. Make the customer happy and give them what they want, don’t fall into the same pattern as the big corporations, stay hands-on and build up a relationship with your customers and keep them coming back to a business they know isn’t run by robots.
3. Treats for the loyal! With so many competitors, even if you’re not in a big market, it’s important to keep your customers your customers. You’ll start to gain some loyal customers that keep coming by, but you never know when they’ll leave you for the sexier business next door. So you have to give them something every now and then, to reward them for being loyal, just like any other relationship; show them you care about them too! Making your customers an offer they can’t refuse will really keep them hooked (and also boost your sales), and you’ll even fish in some new costumers that want to be a part of your deal. Everyday we’re seeing special sales and discounts that are open and also exclusive to members-only type customers. You don’t have to go all-out with expensive jewelry, but it’s worth giving a try maybe with a 10% discount every now and then. A relationship isn’t just a one-way street!
