November 27, 2007
Build A Following To Your Business
Do you have a favorite company you like to buy from? Do you know why you like to buy from them?
Does it have something to do with how the company provides value to you?
There are a couple of companies that come to mind as my own favorites: Apple Computer & Subaru. Apple is legendary fro having a fanatical following. Why is that? Well you'll find a lot of places that will give you a detailed analysis, but it basically comes down to providing a great product and paying attention to the detail of aesthetics. And Steve Jobs is a marketing genius, but we can't all be Steve Jobs. 
Subaru is on my short list for similar reasons. I've driven one of their vehicles for over 10 years with hardly anything more than routine maintenance. Also, ten years ago, there was nothing on the road quite like the Outback, which again plays into aesthetics. That's a lesson that US car makers are only recently applying.
I'm using the term "aesthetic" pretty broadly, taking to mean not only style & appearance, but customer service, long term value and overall quality. Apple and Subaru have used these qualities to build their businesses by developing a dedicated following.
With this in mind, what can you think of that you're doing in your own business to build a following? What makes you stand out in your market?
What is your aesthetic?
When you communicate to your audience, whether that's through email, blog posts or article submissions, you are (or should be) communicating in a voice that conveys your own personality. Your personal experiences color and enhance what you have to share with people, even if it's only a variation on knowledge that is already "out there". The way you communicate it can really help someone understand a subject in a new light.
This is why being yourself in your business is so important: it will help you build a following that really wants to your perspective on a subject, even if they are hearing about it from other sources. So listen to your audience and help them understand. Your biggest fans will help you spread the word and bring even more business your way.
Comments on Build A Following To Your Business »
Hi Roger,
Great post! I couldn't agree more. I'm not sure if it is because I am getting older or if it is because the internet has made life so convenient that we miss out on the day to day personal interactions with business owners, shop keepers, and even the teller at the bank, but I REALLY look for businesses and associates that I can connect with and online that means a business owner needs to be willing to put themselves out there a bit.
BTW - I'm a Subaru fan too! I've only owned mine for 5 years but I don't think I'll ever own another car. Though I may opt for a WRX next time:-)
Glad you liked the article!
Isn't Subaru the State Car of Colorado?
When i first started reading this article, i almost closed it because i have no interest in cars except for getting from point a to point b but i read a little further because i was curious what cars have to do with Network marketing.
It became clear to me that they do have something in common
When i go to a car lot to buy a car, i want something with personality, with some class, something that catches my eye.
Why did i keep reading? Because something cought my eye!
Next time i post a blog, i will want it to catch your eye