3 Things

Shari Waters shares some simple but brilliant ways to stay ahead in this tight economy environment. She writes to retailers but the ideas are effective for the transportation industry as well. I edited this a bit to apply to our biz.

By Shari Waters, About.com

It's inevitable that your business will have some form of competition. And while you can't control what your competitors do, yhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifou can minimize their impact on your business. Here are three ways to rise above the competition.

1. Reduce Expenses, Not Advertising

Take a look at your Profit and Loss statement, or itemize all of your expenses, and ask yourself how each line can be eliminated or reduced. Find out where you can cut back. A little here and a little there will soon add up. However, the one expense you do NOT want to reduce is advertising. In fact, many increase their marketing efforts during slower sales periods because there is more competition for fewer dollars.
2. Get Creative

Get creative and use unconventional marketing methods to distinguish your business from the competition. A unique marketing campaign attracts more attention and lands more sales. Also, look for some new untapped market you and your competitors overlooked. You may uncover a niche market you can dominate with little or no competition.

3. Provide Outstanding Customer Service
By going the extra mile to provide good service, outlast the competition. Make dealing with your company a memorable experience. People like to do business with those they feel comfortable and where they feel the owner truly cares about their wants and needs.


I was rewarded some new business recently that I will blog about soon. I got creative and offered my customer something unique. I also rolled out many red carpets to serve the specific needs of this shipper. We live in a great land where opportunity still abounds for the diligent. Working hard and serving another's need feels great.

Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com
www.justintimefreight.com (online classes)
www.transportationtraining.com(live classes and more)