Hey! Hey! Look over here! My business is unique!

As I was just browsing around town a few days ago, it was amazing to see so many unique / one-of-a-kind businesses. Then when looking for just the right gift for someone online, these fabulous products were so interesting like things I had never considered. My thoughts immediately went to the business owner and how in the world do they get this fast-paced generation to stop and look and buy? 

What makes your business exceptional and what makes a certain product unique? Offering these types of items or services is not easy and definitely takes some educating of your audience. Taking the necessary steps to create an awareness of why this unique item or service is essential. Think about an item that you purchased recently that was special order or provided by only one business locally. Why did you buy it? How did you find out where to buy it? At some point, the supplier took the time and spent the money to create awareness of the product. This is the main focus for those many unique opportunities I saw while shopping.

There is power in numbers. When several unique suppliers come together it creates a community of marketing as a unit and shared cost is one of the benefits. Think about Etsy, and craft guilds, craft shows, and even sections of downtown with similar unique shops. These crafters and suppliers pool resources to generate awareness and traffic. It becomes a combined effort and usually provides a more sustainable business for each owner in the group.  Running solo when you are a unique business can be exhausting and often time unfruitful.

Fyr has provided workshops for groups of business owners as a means of developing a strategy for growth and product awareness. Business owners have the freedom to learn new techniques and discuss problems with professional there to help strategize. The workshops can easily be customized to meet the immediate and long-term needs of most business owners. The goal is to build awareness, integrity, relationship, and good stewardship with your customers as well as fellow business owners. It is important to promote each other along the way.

You may be unique; however, that should never stop you from being a part of a joint effort related to business ownership. Relationships with like business owners no matter the distance is powerful. Sharing ideas and resources is just a small part. Encouragement and best practices make a tremendous difference. Educate yourself on what is out there for you and bring your business uniqueness to the party.