My grandfather was a tulip grower during the last century and times were difficult in post-war Holland. They lived with 7 children - all girls - near a town that was bombed over 100 times during the war. But him and his brother managed to make a success of their business as they developed  half a dozen unique tulip varieties.

Now, some 65 years later, these beautiful tulips are still exhibited at the famous yearly Keukenhof Flower Show in Holland and are sold world-wide.

You can imagine my surprise when I saw this variety - Flaming Parrot - in a garden centre here in Queenstown, New Zealand. (I actually got tears in my eyes..). I planted them last autumn and this is the result. 
I have given these bulbs to several friends as a present - with the story of my grandfather who developed this variety. It makes it much more personal and my friends love them too..

By telling a story, you can add value to your product or business. Whether it's the history, the people or whatever the background, it adds an extra dimension, something to remember you by and an emotional connection. Just like with these tulips.

So, what are the stories you can tell about yourself and your business/products?

Till next week, Marijke

Over the last few weeks I’ve been doing research into buying a particular type of specialised software. I narrowed the choice down to two options. I’ve tested both programmes and have been in touch with the two companies who develop this software, both large corporates.

I’ve asked both why I should buy their product and not their main competition’s, as they are both very similar. Both of these companies gave me unsatisfactory answers and I am still in limbo about which programme to buy.

What I am trying to say with this example is: customers will compare your product or service with other ones (you do the same when you make a buying decision). It is very important you know your own unique selling points and why people should choose you.

But from a customer’s perspective, it’s also important to know what your competition offers and what their strengths & weaknesses are.

If you know this, it’s much easier to sell your own product! This doesn’t mean you need to put down your competition, just highlight what makes you unique and why the customer should buy from you.

Ways to research your competition are:
-    Google them and see where they pop up!
-    their website & promotional material
-    talk to customers
-    review sites such as Tripadvisor
-    social media pages
-    keep an eye on how they are perceived in the media (you can set up a Google alert for this: www.google.com/alerts )

NOTE: registrations are now open for the 2016 Marketing for Success Programme. Click here for more info! Limited spaces!

Till next week, Marijke

Most businesses have competition. If you don’t, you’re lucky as you are the only one offering a particular product or service.

But if you have competition, you need to stand out (more). What are the reasons your customers choose you instead of someone else?

These reasons are your points of difference.

Here in Queenstown, we have a new (very large) supermarket, competing directly with the existing ones. As a result, another local supermarket recently started doing something a bit different.
As you enter the supermarket, there is a table with pieces of fruit. There is a sign that says: Free fruit for kiddies.
How cool is that! That certainly creates goodwill from customers and gives them a point of difference.

So have a think about: what is it that you do particularly well, what do you specialise in, why do your customers choose you ? And make sure you communicate these points of difference with your customers!

Till next week, Marijke