Learning from the big guns

Big brands get all the limelight, have the biggest budgets, and crush little brands every day. That’s probably what you tell yourself anyways. The truth is, the little guy isn’t always so little! Sure, you may not be on the international playing level. Heck, you may not even ship out of your region, but that doesn’t mean you’re just the little kid on the block. 
As a smaller player, you can learn a lot about your business, strategy, brand, and customer service simply by observing what the big brands are doing. And we don't mean you should steal everything they do and try it out yourself. Sometimes it means taking what they do and making it work for you. But, it also means seeing what they aren’t doing or doing wrong and then doing that yourself. The bigger guys are more than likely alienating key demographics. You have the opportunity to swoop in, get their attention, and gain new customers.
Here are a few take aways you can learn from big guys:

1. Innovation is key to growing your business
   When you’re selling products or services, if you aren’t constantly trying to create something new, then your products or services will start to feel stale and boring. Not only that, you can lose passion over time for the things you sell. Try new things... whether it be a fail or success! 
   
2. Own your brand
   The major brands around the world know who they are and they own it. Even if you work from home on your dining room table... doesn't mean you can’t own your brand. Share your story with those that will listen and show off your logo and designs. Your marketing collateral wasn’t created to sit in a closet somewhere. Own who you are and what you represent!
   
3. Follow your target market
   To connect with your target market remember that majority of them are using their phones and computers all day, every day. For some small businesses that means jumping on Youtube and creating funny videos or placing ads for them to see. For others, it means sharing photos of your products being used on Instagram and Facebook. Your presence is key.
   
4. Know your audience
   You can’t go to where your target market is or start creating content for them until you actually know them and what they’re looking for. Figuring out where your audience likes to hang out is a great first step. But, from there you need to discover what problems they're facing and what solutions they’re looking for. When you’ve got that nailed down, even a small business can stand up to a giant!
   
   

​It doesn’t matter if you’re a one-man-band kind of business or have 500 employees working for you, there’s always something to learn from the competition. And, if you don’t think of the huge brands as your competition, then you’re going to end up missing out on sales opportunities.