Friday 20 March 2009

Back in my day

A hundred years ago life was so much simpler, steadier and less competitive. In 1909 if you had a job or any occupation that allowed you to feed your family you were to consider yourself lucky. There were no fall backs and no social services; so what little you had was a blessing. Obviously the mind set of the rich (much like their love of port) wasn't so different from today, being ‘the more the merrier’. Imagine people being happy just buying what they can afford today!

The world has changed more in the last two centuries than in the previous five millennia. People are so much more aware of the way others live. My Grandfather was explaining to me recently that as a child in a mining village; they thought everyone was struggling to make ends meet. The main priority was survival and with a job they could manage that. They didn’t have many opportunities, because the infrastructure wasn’t in place to provide them. Fast forward to the present and the possibilities available are almost endless. Even the poorest families can make the most of public education and go on to achieve in their desired field.

Everybody agrees that equal opportunities are a great thing; but the consequence is fierce competition. Every area of modern life is competitive, be it trying to land a multi-million pound contract or just getting through the checkout in the local supermarket. So, what point am I trying to make? Well, let’s avoid trying to beat the competition at their game. Companies and professionals alike have refined their craft to such an extent that unless you invent a successor to the wheel, you’re in danger of falling into obscurity. Something that distinguishes you from the crowd is a ‘unique selling proposition’. 

What do you have to offer that’s unique? It doesn’t have to be a product; it can be a service that people really appreciate. Putting yourself in the customers’ shoes is an easy way to think of your ‘USP’. What would you like if you needed the service or product? There’s no shame in listing the basics, after all it may be one or all of those things that you can do better than anybody else... 

Want some advice from me? Respect people's time! If you can deliver a great product, stick to your quote and look after the customers time; then you’re going places.

1 comment:

  1. I agree with these sentiments Dan, it's all good stuff.

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    My internet name is Bestpay and i've created a site that will post a new Site of the Day each and every day!

    ReplyDelete