7 SIMPLE TIPS THAT

7 Simple Tips that are Proven to Help You Stay Ahead of the Competition

So you’ve created a successful business, congratulations! You probably did it by providing an unsurpassed level of customer service that not only meets customer expectations but exceeds them in a way that has made you stand out from the rest. As anyone can tell you, starting a successful business is not easy. Now comes the even harder part. Not only sustaining that high level of performance, but continuing to grow and outpace the competition. There is no resting on your laurels in a competitive business market. Companies that stay successful for the longterm, make an active effort to keep on top. Here are just a few ways you can do the same.

1. Know the competition

It’s not enough to know what you excel at or what makes you unique, you need to know what your competitors are offering that makes them stand out. This serves two purposes: it will allow you to more clearly define your differences, or it may help you identify an area that you hadn’t considered before, opening up a potentially new way in which you can excel above the rest.

2. Know your customers

You might know your clientele very well, but as economic conditions change, so does your

customer’s needs. What might have been a priority a year ago, won’t be if we are in the midst of an economic downturn, for example. As a business owner you should always be evaluating your strategies in every area constantly, knowing what your customer wants and needs from you is key. In fact you should be using your expertise to analyze potential market changes and anticipate those needs to stay ahead of the curve.

3. Have a strong understanding on what makes you unique

Once you accomplish the first two, you should have a clear idea of what unique advantage you offer people. This needs to be clear to everyone, so you can then take that idea and run with it. Find your niche and then market yourself with a focus on that idea. If you have a clear thing you’re selling, it is well worth the investment to market yourself to the hilt with that in mind.

5. Think like your competitors

One way your competitors looks to gain customers is by potentially taking yours. It goes without saying, you don’t want to let that happen. You’ve probably built great relationships, so really maintain those relationships by not only providing great service, but service that truly goes above and beyond. Find ways to give more to your customers. You might even want to start offering surveys, where your clients can tell you exactly what they’d like to see.This makes your clients not only feel heard, but blown away when you implement any changes they suggest.

6. Look for untapped markets

Don’t settle for maintaining what you have, there could be untapped markets out there. If you don’t get to them, your competitors will. So even if they come eventually, hopefully you’ll already be the dominate force in that market.

4. Keep up to date

This goes for everything from technology to systems, marketing, and even your own personal image. If you have a brick and mortar location, you want to also keep things looking fresh and modern there, as well. First impressions are important for a reason. Everything about your business should tie into your marketing and branding. What are you selling and does everything line up to support that, from your business cards to your social media pages. Remember the key to branding and marketing is a consistent message.

7. Be a great boss

One of the best things you can do to keep ahead of the rest, is by being a company where top talent and motivated newcomers want to be. Be the company that offers more than a competitive paycheck. Be a place that fosters talent, and offers scheduling and compensations packages that appeal more to people who think outside of the box. This will attract more innovative thinkers who value flexibility. Not only will you benefit from their talents, more importantly, your competition won’t.

LAURENCE MCDADE

Prior to real estate, Laurence McDade served in corporate America, relocating to Atlanta to accept a position as Safety Director and HR Manager for a prominent road construction company. However, once the business downsized, Laurence found himself searching for a new career that better spoke to his passion for helping others and entrepreneurial spirit, so he decided to attain his real estate license. He hasn’t looked back since.

Today, Laurence is a Realtor® at the Lindsey Marketing Group, where he assists clients throughout South Fulton County and the greater Metro Atlanta area. By applying his eighteen years of professional experience and in-depth knowledge of both new construction and general real estate, he has cultivated a process to meet the ambitions of any buyer or seller.

When listing a property, Laurence utilizes the full promotional resources offered at the Lindsey Marketing Group, along with digital and social media advertisements, to reach a wide network of prospective buyers. But through it all, he maintains close contact with all his clients. “I answer or return every call,” he says. “In this digital age, we can get away from that personal touch, so it’s so important to maintain open channels of communication throughout a transaction.” $500,000 on their homes, and they deserve to trust who they’re working with. As such, I look out for my clients’ best interests as if they were my own.”

For Laurence, the transaction doesn’t end at the closing table; instead, he prefers to remain in touch with his clients well after the deals are done to ensure they are thriving in their new homes. Because of this attentive service, he has earned a tremendous reputation throughout Atlanta, with the entirety of his volume coming from either repeat clients or referrals. But rather than focusing on the numbers, Laurence remains committed to the relationships. “I love the excitement of helping clients, setting them up with lenders, and guiding them along the transaction. At the end of the process, when they’ve gotten into their dream home—or even their first home—it all becomes worthwhile.”

Outside his career, Laurence is tremendously active in his community. On top of serving in his church, he is also a member of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. When he’s not with clients or giving back, he can be found enjoying his favorite hobby, motorcycle riding.

Laurence has strong plans for the future. As his volume continues its steady growth, he intends on further diversifying his business and delving into rental properties in the months ahead. Most of all, though, he looks forward to the new clients and transactions that await in the community he loves. “Metro Atlanta is a great place to be,” he says. “We’ve got a wonderful culture and terrific opportunities. If you’re looking at relocating here, come quickly—and be sure to give me a call.”

Elsewhere, Laurence is just as attentive and focused when assisting his buyers, carefully guiding them through their deal from start to finish. Through integrity and an expert knowledge of the Atlanta market, he makes sure each client finds the right house for their needs. “This is a deeply personal business,” he says. “We have people spending anywhere from $300,000 to

For more information about Laurence McDade, call (678) 886-1583, email laurence.mcdade@jefflindseycommunities.com, or visit mcdadelauren.georgiamls.com

MARC NILSON

Top Agent Marc Nilson – Broker/Owner of the Navigator Northwest Team in Spokane, Washington – is a hardworking, conscientious and dedicated real estate professional who strives to provide his many grateful clients with top-notch customer service. Marc’s focus on creating a smooth and easy transaction process for his buyers and sellers has translated into a business that is based nearly two-thirds on referrals and returning clients, a sure indicator of the amazing service he and his team provide.

Marc began his journey in real estate in 2004 after reading the seminal real estate investment book Rich Dad, Poor Dad. “My brother and I both read it, and we decided to start investing. We started buying homes and then I decided to get my license and began doing real estate full-time.” Marc found success quickly, and currently oversees an equally dedicated and talented team that consists of three other agents and an administrative assistant. Navigator Northwest is now one of the most respected teams in the Pacific Northwest, based on a large number of factors.

“We try really hard to make sure the transaction is a smooth process for our clients,” says Marc, by way of explaining the exceptional level of trust and loyalty his team inspires amongst those they work with. “We’re very systems-oriented, we don’t do anything just from memory. For each listing, for example, we have 206 tasks that we know we need to complete in a certain order, thirty or forty of which we know we need to communicate to our clients. We send them a report every week of all the things that we’re doing to help them. I think we do a really good job with communication and really trying to make the process as painless as possible, and I think they appreciate that.”

Another factor that comes into play when assessing Marc’s stellar success would be his thorough and comprehensive approach to market analysis. Marc and his team involve their clients closely with this process, spending hours to ensure that they and their clients are on the same page regarding listing price, whereas much of his competition might spend only fifteen or twenty minutes. Another reason for Navigator Northwest’s success would be their intelligent and highly professional marketing strategies – including unparalleled photography and an omnipresence on social media – that result in fast sales for top dollar, not to mention happy clients.

When he’s not working, Marc enjoys nothing more than spending time with his family, particularly at their tiny, remote cabin on Lake Roosevelt. He is also an ardent philanthropist who supports multiple charitable efforts, donating a portion of every sale to an organization that provides funds for those requiring corrective eye surgeries.

Marc’s plans for the future of Navigator Northwest are to continue growing his business while maintaining a small but highly effective team. Above all, however, remains his unwavering, constant objective: to provide his clients with the unmatched customer service that has long been his calling card.

For more information about Marc Nilson, please call 509-893-2001 or email Marc@NavigatorNW.com