Rewind the clock a few months back and you may remember that I was involved in doing the Big Small Business Survey with other remarkable thought leaders in Australia.

The results of this survey were varied.  Some were not surprising at all and others were “really, seriously?” moments.

But it’s not enough to just do the survey, it is now up to me, and the others to use the data to help make change.

One way I can help make change is through this podcast – talking to the few thousand that listen in.

So over the next few weeks, maybe even months or the year, I am going to pick parts of the survey and hone in on what I can do to help.

So, this blog is going to knock off the big one!

The top challenge, for business owners, according to the survey was “understanding the best way to grow their business” – 36.54% chose this from the list of “challenges” in the survey.

So, let’s dig in – what are the best ways to grow your business in 2023?

1.Focus on building a strong online presence.

Having a professional website, active social media accounts, and positive online reviews can help attract new customers and build trust with existing ones.

2. Network, network, network!

Attend local business events, join industry groups and associations, and connect with other small business owners. Building relationships with other business owners can lead to new business opportunities and valuable partnerships.

3.Continuously assess and improve your products or services.

Listen to customer feedback, stay up to date on industry trends, and make changes as needed. By constantly striving to improve, you’ll stand out from the competition and retain customers for the long-term.

Remember, growing a business takes time and effort, but by implementing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to success.

And here’s are two more ways to grow:

4. Utilise digital marketing strategies.

Invest in targeted advertising on social media platforms, search engines, and websites to reach new customers. Consider using email marketing, SEO, and paid search to generate leads and drive more traffic to your website.

5. Consider expanding your product or service offerings.

Diversifying your offerings can help you reach new customers, increase revenue, and reduce your reliance on a single source of income. This could include developing new products, adding new services, or entering new markets.

Remember to always keep an open mind and be willing to adapt and change as needed. The business environment is constantly evolving, and by staying flexible and responsive, you’ll be able to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

There’s no magic bullet, no startling idea, thought or strategy I can give you – unfortunately – it’s consistency, patience, self-belief, being adaptable and flexible, that will keep you alive in any climate.

In the words of Peter Drucker, there’s only two things in business – MARKETING and INNOVATION – the rest is just stuff.

So make marketing a priority and innovate where you can (by listening to your customers and prospects).

Got questions or thoughts? Get in touch – head to my Facebook group – Like Minded Business Owners or email me at jenn@jenndonovan.com.au.

As always, if you want to chat about your business marketing, goals, planning or direction, book a discovery call with me http://bit.ly/Discoverwithjenn and let’s do that together.

And we can always hang out and get social on social – you’ll find me on Instagram, Facebook and my fave LinkedIn.

CONTACT JENN:

Don’t forget, you can book a free discovery call with me to talk about how I can help your nail your business goals, planning, strategy and marketing! Simply click the link and grab a spot!

My Like Minded Business Owners Facebook group is also a great community to join – full of awesome people in small business!

Or you can DM me on Instagram or send me an email jenn@jenndonovan.com.au

I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Yorta Yorta People, on which I conduct my business today and pay my respects to their Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples reading this blog post today.

About the Author:

Jenn Donovan of Social Media & Marketing Australia.  Jenn’s an expert marketing coach and mentor from rural NSW. She is all about empowering business owners to earn what they’re worth so they can make a bigger difference in the world.  The Founder of Buy From a Bush Business, Co-Founder of Spend With Us – Buy From a Bush Business Marketplace and host of the very popular podcasts Small Business Made Simple and Stories from the Bush. Jenn is all about community and humans interacting with humans!  H2H Marketing – human to human marketing. Jenn talks the talk but importantly walks the walk! Jenn’s online community is over 320,000 with her famous Facebook Group currently at almost 370,000 members and still growing every day.  She’s the mayor of her own little online city!

Get in touch – www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

On Instagram – @jenndonovan_

On Facebook – Jenn Donovan

Or on LinkedIn as Jenn Donovan