One of the biggest challenges that small hospitality companies face is competing with the large chains which seem to attract all of the customers. It can be hard to stand out from the crowd and get noticed when you have a smaller operation, but there are a few tips to follow which should help you to land work and start to build a reputation for yourself – it will then become much easier to find work.
Use Reliable Suppliers
First, it is essential that you are using reliable suppliers for everything that you need. This will be key in delivering a service that can compete with the larger chains so take the time to carefully research each purchase. As an example, if you are looking for wine coolers which catch the eye and maximise impulse purchases then you will want to find attractive units like the ones available from Nisbets.
Personalised Service
One key advantage that a smaller hospitality business holds over the larger companies is that you can provide a more personalised experience. When you are a smaller company you can spend the time getting to know each customer and you must carefully listen to their exact needs and deliver. Following on from this, it is also important to seek feedback after a project – you can use constructive feedback to improve while positive feedback can be used to promote your business.
Online Presence
In today’s internet-driven world, it is essential that you have a strong online presence so that you are easy to find and can compete with the larger chains. This will include having a high-quality company website, being active on social media where you engage with your target audience and using internet marketing to help you to rise through search engine results lists. This will direct a lot more traffic to your website which, if well designed, will turn visitors into customers.
Monitor the Competition
You can learn a huge amount simply by keeping a close eye on the competition. Look at the way that they conduct business and present themselves online and determine what is working well for them and where their weaknesses are. Along with this information, you can also look for gaps in the market to strengthen your position and appeal to a wider customer base.
Expand Knowledge
Leading on from this, it is also helpful to immerse yourself in the industry by staying afloat on the latest news, attending events, following key figures on social media and by speaking with other industry professionals.
Competing with the big chains is tough when you are a small hospitality business. It is possible, however, and with a little hard work and commitment you should be able to excel in this industry.
