Business Software

For many years, the concept of quality has turned into a matter of consideration by the majority of businesses. Large corporations, thanks to their extensive means, have been working on quality for over 30 years. However, with SMBs, it is more recent and some still don’t give it the importance that it deserves.

The concept of the SMB includes a wide spectrum of organizations, ranging from freelance employers to companies with hundreds of employees and companies with very few employees that manage gigantic businesses, although, this last example is difficult to classify. quality is important for all of them.

Every day it’s more important for SMBs to invest in the concept of quality as this is the way that will help them to be more competitive, reduce costs and be more efficient. The goal should be to eliminate manual, disorganized and disjointed processes, which comprise a cultivating mix for errors, poor production, unsatisfied customers and, definitely less business.

The easiest thing to do is to blame the government and public agencies for all the bad things we complain about. I won’t be the one to defend the government, not only because it doesn’t provide help for businesses, but because we’re its favorite source of revenue, an area where it demonstrates surprising efficiency. However, taking on our problems and confronting them with same enterprising spirit that led each of us to start our businesses should be the goal that permits us to create new opportunities, a future and hope. If we put our focus on optimizing our processes, avoiding repetitive work, decreasing simple manual and low quality work, and taking it to higher levels in order to provide new developmental opportunities for our employees, then we’ll be achieving real efficiency based on an optimized system, free of errors and executed by people who feel part of a common adventure.

Quality, how it’s considered by the auditing and certifying companies, is meant to assure the continuation of the business and guarantee the same level of efficiency and quality, independent of people and circumstances. However, the biggest benefit of quality comes from achieving the maximum optimization we can when we analyze the internal administration of our businesses and, with a critical spirit, we attempt to eliminate unnecessary work, improve procedures and, what’s very important, utilize technology to perform and control repetitive work which usually is the cause of the majority of problems as it is usually performed very frequently and sometimes by people not familiar with it. It’s mainly in this area where information technology can be an invaluable tool for improving the administration of our businesses.

In my case, for many years I’ve put great effort in optimizing our processes, in correctly using the technology that’s available to us today, and I can assure that such effort has produced excellent results.

I have no doubt that the medium-size businessman thinks that the cost of technology is too high and that it’s a luxury that can wait. This idea is erroneous since the cost of technology can quickly pay for itself with the great savings it provides.

From my modest position, I encourage the small and medium size businessmen to dedicate one day, behind closed doors, to analyze their business processes, to try to imagine how they can be optimized and then to look for the technical accessory that will permit them to transform their new ideas into a successful reality.

By: Julio Olivares

Your USP is your product or service’s most powerful benefit along with your strongest unique aspect of your business. Rosser Reeves was the author of the phrase, “unique selling proposition,” or USP, which is a unique message about itself versus the competition that each business or brand should develop and use consistently in its advertising and promotion. Your USP is that component in your business that makes you different from, and therefore, seemingly superior to your competitors. It is what makes your product or service different and more valuable to potential clients, and it is the main reason they will choose you over your competitors. Your USP is basically your sales message summarized in one concise statement. It is a tool for positioning your business in the minds of your prospects and customers.

Business

Without it, you’re just another company in the business market. Would you believe only 5% of the businesses develop one. It’s a major reason why many businesses fail or never reach their full potential. Creating one will help your business rise above and set you apart from your competition. In a recession, every small business is in the customer service business, it’s when customer service counts the most. So, if a small business keeps in contact with their leads, they will most likely walk away with the sale.

Unique

Thus, a Unique Selling Proposition becomes a Relevant Service Proposition or RSP a totally different concept, and one that echoes throughout your communications. What is unique about your product and/or service. You need to define just what makes you special and unique. Take a look and you’ll probably come up with several ideas of your own on how you can apply your unique experience to a niche that only you can effectively dominate. It is absolutely important that you find something which your business has or does which is truly unique in your field. For years, business trainers have stressed the importance of “USPs” (Unique Selling Propositions).

Service

One explanation maybe that we are in a recession and small businesses once again might fight for every dollar and that means they must deliver excellent customer service. In a recession, every small business is in the customer service business, it’s when customer service counts the most. “Whatever type of loan product or service a customer needs at the time, your USP should be so strong it instantaneously brings you into their thoughts whenever they think or talk about it.

Your USP is your “Unique Selling Proposition” — a simple statement of the specific advantages you bring to your clients — a clear statement of what sets you apart from your competitors. Discovering your USP is critical, but not as easy as it might seem. Consumers will verify your USP is accurate, and base future purchases on your ability to fulfill that promise. It is vitally important that your USP is translated through all of your marketing literature so existing and potential customers know what makes you different. The simplest test of your USP is how well known it becomes and how well it sells for you…

By: Robert Flowers

Joining several organizations and associations such as Chamber of Commerce, trade associations, and actively participating in them is a way to get the word out about your business. As a member of the organization, you can do networking with other members to promote your business. These are the people that you can depend on to buy your product or service. They will be your loyal customers, because they know you.

You will need to contact the right people and organizations that are related to your needs just like any other successful venture. For example, if you want to attend the meeting of an association to network with others to get the word out about your ideas and projects, then contact them and make plans to do it. Take time to review the various organizations and associations to see if there is one you would like to contact for information and membership.

Networking with others at trade shows can be a great advantage to you regardless of whether you are obtaining information or trying to sell your products. Many associations distribute monthly newsletters to keep their members informed about important issues in their field. The organization may give them information on topics such as the best color to use this year, the best place to market your product, software to keep up with inventory, updated equipment, and places to find supplies.
Many associations offer their members small business benefits such as discounts on rental cars, hotels, and health insurance. They tell you everything you need to know to become successful in what you are doing. You have the chance to learn from the professionals how to increase your production and decrease your cost. If you join the association that supports your project, they will encourage you to attend seminars on your topic. They will also teach you how to succeed at trade shows. It is to your advantage to get a calendar and keep a schedule of the trade shows in your area.

By: Dr. Mary E. Waters