Glebe Chamber of Commerce

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Robyn Simon says....

Robyn Simon is our new City of Sydney Precinct Co-ordinator. We share her with Pyrmont-Ultimo Chamber and Hay Market Chamber of Commerce.
Robyn comes with a wealth of experience and some great idea's to help each precinct develop and grow.  
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Stand out from the crowd

posted Oct 5, 2010 8:20 PM by The Editor

Stand out from the crowd
One thing that the global financial crisis has helped many businesses do is review their direction and refocus again on their customers.
It often takes challenging times to get us to see our business more clearly. However at the same time as many businesses are trying to come to grips with the changing economy, consumers too are changing, becoming more savvy, more selective and considered in their purchasing decision making.
Despite this unpredictable environment some businesses seem to flourish. So what is it that these businesses do differently?
Check out the following list and consider how you can apply these principles in your business.
1. Be clear about what you are selling – make a statement, be bold – get them talking about you.
2. Be passionate, be better at what you do than anyone else – most businesses operate on mediocrity.
3. Connect with customers in all ways – use window displays to sell your unique story, suggest add-ons, sms out special offers.
4. Be proactive, plan your marketing approach to be constantly in the minds of your customers.
5. Be resolute and determined – traits found in 98% of all successful business people.
It is worth bearing in mind that repeat or referral clients are the most profitable because there are no acquisition costs.
Howard Saunders, the UK based globetrotting trend watcher who spoke recently at the Westfield Breakfast Seminar Series, sees three trends for the future.
1. Push for Posh – value is critical. People want the best for less. Cheap stores are going upmarket, posh stores are focusing on value.
2. Anti Big – overseas department stores are struggling. Be innovative and creative in how you present your products or services to customers.
3. Einstein Time – Look after your customers. Give them reasons and time to love you. Offer surroundings that people will appreciate.
Globally there is a big shift to Made Local and Buy Local. So define the opportunities presented by the local market – 18,000 people live in Glebe, with nearby educational facilities pulling a further 50,000 students into the area 5 days a week.
Explore opportunities to connect with Glebe Brand. Opportunities exist to consolidate your business in terms of Glebe’s brand.
Think charming, eclectic, bohemian, alternative and holistic, and remember that Glebe is one of Sydney’s oldest Victorian villages.
If you would like an electronic copy of the Glebe Business Precinct Strategic Branding, Marketing and Communications Plan and Glebe Brand Style Guide to consider how this might assist your business, please contact the Glebe Chamber of Commerce by emailing admin@glebechamber.com.au.
Robyn Simon
 

Robyn Simon Says......

posted Apr 5, 2010 4:54 PM by The Editor

Gain the Edge
We are bombarded daily with a range of information on consumerism.  How the big guys are getting bigger, how the small independents just can’t compete and to a degree it’s all true.  So as one of the little guys, how can your business get the edge in today’s ultra competitive environment?
Having been an avid shopper for some years now, I gravitate to stores where I am made to feel welcome and where someone takes an interest in me and values my custom.   Department stores, and some of the smaller national chains, are not always renowned for offering this kind of personalised service, so this provides an opportunity for specialty independent retailers.
Most successful businesses know the real value of a customer does not stop with one sale.  They invest time and effort to ensure that every shopper experience is one of value.  They have a consistent high quality offering which entices a high level of repeat business.  It is amazing that even years later, I will make the effort to revisit a business in another city where I had a great experience on an earlier trip. 
These successful retailers also know how to stay ahead of the pack and have a number of things in common.
 
Communicate regularly with your customers
Collect the email addresses of your customers and stay in contact regularly.  Large stores such as Myer and David Jones have remained in business through good times and bad by staying in touch with consumer needs.  They regularly offer solid incentives that entice their customers to visit their stores.
 
Keep your eye on the ball
Have a business plan and operate with good business tools to ensure you stay in touch with key trends happening within your business and your precinct.  Precincts are constantly changing and good business tools enable you to spot trends and respond as location and customer needs change.

Treat your staff well
Your staff are the face of your business.  They represent the values of your business, your brand.  Adopt a happiness mantra to build staff morale.  Supportive bosses, enjoyable workplace and being part of a successful team are what all workers want.  Identify strengths and allow employees to use them every day.

And finally ..
In Glebe, there are 18,500 local residents and 7,300 local employees on your doorstep.  The number of new businesses opening in the area over the past few months indicates that business confidence in the area is certainly strengthening.
So all the best for a successful year in 2010.  Remember, successful businesses are constantly fine tuning their business to ensure their success and sustainability.  If every single business in Glebe lifted their turnover by just 5%, that would have an amazing collective impact on Glebe as a whole.  Are you ready for the challenge?
Robyn Simon
CoS Business Precinct Coordinator
 
 
 

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