How to strategically grow your customer base
A useful tool to consider where your business growth is going to come from is the Ansoff Matrix (see above). Developed in 1957 by Igor Ansoff. The intention of the tool was to help organisations to identify and explore opportunities for growth. It also is a reminder of the potential risks within the different strategies; with diversification being the highest risk to growth and market penetration being the least risky.
Market penetration
This is primarily a strategy to increase market share within your existing customer base. So this could be selling more of your existing products to existing customers or finding new customers in already established market places.
Market development
This involves looking for new markets to sell your existing products to. This could be new industry sectors, new geographic locations (possibly overseas) or a combination of the two.
Product development
This strategy to develop new products or services to your existing customer base can be the most lucrative in terms of the potential for business growth. You already have a relationship with your current customers and therefore you are in a better position to develop something of value for them.
Diversification
This strategy is going to stretch most organisations as both new product development and new marketing strategies are going to be required.
His experience and knowledge of 20 years being employed by someone else and to date, working with 100s of business owners, gives him the confidence and ability to offer business advice, coaching and training when given the opportunity to do so.
Having experienced the trials and tribulations that face a small business on that entrepreneurial journey, he is passionate about making sure businesses don't make the same mistakes that he made en route! He is a big believer in collaboration and encourages businesses to work together to grow their businesses; as well as offering help and support to each other for mutual gain.
