Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – Where Do You Stand in Business

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 11:54:13 +0000

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

Small Business Credit Cards in Today’s Recession

admin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:45:21 +0000

Today’s recession has had an impact on personal and business credit cards. Over the past 1-2 years many any people are receiving letters from their credit card lenders informing them of an increase in interest rates or a decrease in the credit limit.

Small business credit cards can be an additional source of financial income. They also help in keeping other lines of credit open. Using this type of credit card can ensure that suppliers are paid on time while giving the business an interest-free period (float) in order to obtain enough money to pay off the credit card debt. As the recession has begun to deepen, businesses have found that obtaining credit cards for their business has become much more difficult.

The worst thing a new business owner can do is to use their own personal credit card to finance their business purchases. This makes it very difficult to separate business and personal finances, but also makes the individual responsible for the debt of the business. Not a good thing!

Some businesses are using business even credit cards to pay their tax bill, which is tempting as it avoids any fines for late payment. There is however a fee for doing so. Usually, this fee is significantly lower than the penalty would be for not paying taxes on time.

There are still plenty of opportunities out there for small businesses who have good credit record to take advantage of their business’ credit cards. Even though lenders are stricter in their acceptance criteria than in previous years, you should not give up. Before applying for credit make sure that you meet all the requirements for acceptance. Every time your credit is check, the credit score goes down. As a result, only apply for cards when you feel confident that you will be accepted.

By: Ron Lerman

Personal Business Cards » Recession

Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – Where Do You Stand in Business

Small Business Credit Cards in Today’s Recession