Surviving as David
Innovation and customer service are what small businesses need to beat the giants
Atlanta Business Chronicle - November 17, 2006 by Tom Barry Contributing writer
"A small business needs to clearly define who it is and what it does," said Pai, CEO of Planet Synergy, a 21-employee firm that assists companies with offshore outsourcing.
Indeed, the biggest mistake new entrepreneurs make "is not clearly identifying who their target audience is," said Raj Pai, chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber's Ambassador Program, which helps smaller companies in business development.
Pai said an entrepreneur faced with Goliath-like competition can take many steps to get established, including: becoming an expert in the niche, someone executives turn to for help; and developing an effective Web site that carries customer testimonials.
"The Internet has leveled [the playing field] for small companies," he said.
Even large companies sometimes prefer to work with smaller vendors, Pai said. "There's less red tape."
Load that slingshot
Raj Pai, chairman of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce's Ambassador Program, offers tips for small companies competing against big competitors:
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Define your expertise in a compelling way.
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Brand your business to "stand tall" among competitors.
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Clearly communicate the tangible benefits of working with you.
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Make it easy to transact business, such as by developing an effective Web site.
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Provide verifiable references from satisfied customers.
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Offer free trials and flexible contract terms.
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Network as much as possible, including volunteering for nonprofit organizations.
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Offer top-notch customer service.
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Produce high-quality work with meaningful warranties.
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Under-promise and over-deliver.
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Seek constant feedback from customers.
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Keep up with the latest technologies and business practices.
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Update your business plan regularly.
Atlanta Business Chronicle's link to contents on this page: http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2006/11/20/smallb1.html?page=4
Atlanta Business Chronicle's link to the entire article: http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2006/11/20/smallb1.html?
Atlanta Business Chronicle's Print Edition Date and Location of this article:
Issue Date: November 17 – 23, 2006
Location: Section B (Strategies – Ideas for Growing Business)
Pages: Bottom of Page 1B (Title: Load That Slingshot) and Page 4B
To learn more about Planet Synergy's services and client testimonials please visit: http://www.planetsynergy.com
From Business Development to Web Application Development – Planet Synergy is an Atlanta based woman-owned firm that provides the best of both worlds – local management and offshore outsourcing – to businesses of all sizes. Unlike traditional offshore firms that subcontract with third party providers, Planet Synergy owns and operates a family managed development center in India that's open for business 24/7.
Call us today to explore how our weapons of massive business success can help you: 1. Get new clients consistently each quarter…2. Keep customers loyal to your business…and 3. Enhance your competitive edge via information technology!
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