It is therefore important for an entrepreneur to know and apply some of these measures in order to grow his or her small business.
You can also segment your market for growth by carving out a new corner of the market. Research your market to identify a viable segment of consumers you can target by searching the Internet and even checking with the local chamber of commerce. Narrow down who your main competitors are, who they are serving, what they are offering and areas that are underserved.
As you develop your marketing plan, try and seek financing for your expansion efforts. To do this, analyse your financial situation to see if you have adequate funds to start your expansion efforts, and also to support ongoing expansion expenditure, such as the cost of maintaining new employees. Apply for financing from the agencies of government and private sector players that give out such support to small businesses, for example, the Bank of Industry, etc.
Common ways businesses diversify include importing or exporting their own or other people’s products; selling complementary services or starting consulting services. Chartered professional accountants, for example, could start consulting or offering financial planning services for business executives. You may also need to open another location to serve your new and existing market better.
However, being the last in your industry to sense where things are going with technology, say you are the last to adopt modern accounting software, can erode your base. So, try to keep up with the latest technology and decide on which types of technology are right for your business. Do not forget to devote part of your business to meeting the needs of the early adopters.
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