Starting small is always encouraged for those who would like to start a business either by first testing how it works or just because of financial limitations.
However, who would like to begin a business just to remain at inception or remain trying for an unreasonable longer period? Of course, none.
There is indeed a need for growth and making progress and learning how to grow your small business in Kenya today is, therefore, a necessity for your small venture’s survival and your economic well-being.
So, what can you do to get your small business to the level of your desire? You can explore the following ways:
Cut your costs
Cutting the cost of running your business will actually determine whether you will go far or fail even before you celebrate its first birthday.
Reducing your operation costs may, one, mean involving family members to help with the labour or ensure that most of the tasks you run yourself.
Also, try using your own tools and equipment if possible so that you can spend less or nothing at all. If you have your own car, for instance, it is advisable to go for public transport to reduce fuel and mechanical costs.
Generally, do all you can to keep your costs down always and improve on revenue.
Ask for referrals
Do not be shy. Once you are convinced that the products or services you are offering are good, always ask your customers to recommend to their friends and relatives who could be looking for the same.
Customers can be good ambassadors of the business especially if you spice up your goods and services with the best customer service.
It is not wrong, during or after every job or sale, ask you’re satisfied customer if he knows anyone else who would be interested in your products or services.
Be Innovative
Innovation is another key thing every business needs to find its way to the top and as the owner, you need to give this some good attention.
This can be done by surveying the marketplace, seeing what is there and that which is lacking then you can introduce new or improved products, services or processes.
You can also do this by discovering and promoting new uses for your products or services to both get existing customers to buy more and attract new ones.
Attend trade shows
Attending trade shows is one way of learning new ways of doing things and you can also attend to showcase your products and services.
However, do not just attend the events for the sake of it, select the trade shows you participate in carefully, seeking the right match for your product or service.
Try diversification of your products or services
This you can do by focusing on the related needs of your already established market or on market segments with similar needs and characteristics.
You can then add features that will make your product or service appealing to a different group of consumers. Just a small change can make a difference you never thought of.
If you are selling a given product, for example, find related products and sell them with yours.
Enlarge your market reach
Finally, try improving your market cover to reach more customers who might be a bit far.
You can just open stores in new locations, such as opening a store or kiosk in a new town. New locations can also be virtual, such as a website with an online store.
You can also do adverts in select media that targets the new market you have identified.
If your new market consists of a younger demographic, you may want to use social media such as Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram and among others for advertising.
