Monday, 19 May 2008
Be different in your industry to stand out
 Many small businesses try and fit in with what the "big boys" are doing. They work hard at adopting the same attitudes, approaches and strategies. But what if the big boys have got it wrong (or at least got it wrong for some largish niches within the industry). Anne from Beauty Banquet talked about the movie "The Devil Wears Prada" and how the movie is very true to life in the beauty industry. Unless you wear the right labels, drive the right car and are seen in the right places you don't fit in. But what about the large bulk of women whose budget is more at the Target/K-mart end of the spectrum? Target has recently started embracing the concept of labels for budget conscious people and are reaping the financial rewards. They very rightly saw a niche that wasn't being served - and promptly set out to fill it. Anne is an image consultant that doesn't blink at adding in Millers clothes to your range if appropriate - a great niche. Another colleage of mine Margaret Sims specialises in image for over 45. Both have chosen smaller niche's that were not being serviced within a larger niche. Many small businesses can fill the niches the big boys leave behind - and make tidy profits as a result. What is your small business niche? exuberantly yours Ingrid Heart Harmony Putting your business into words Labels: small business ideas, small business niche |
You are so right, Ingrid. Those two image areas are really neglected. It is funny, though. You can certainly tell the odd consultants out at any meetings. We are the niche-cool ones. ROFL!
It is true that many stores try to copy cat and don't try to develope or create their own market. We started operating as I personally could not find a store which offered affordable gifts for the whole family. We have develop our own little niche as many stores cater for the expensive gifts or purely for the children's market.