MARKETING Series: 6 Steps to Successful Target Marketing

A Short Overview to Help Begin the Discussion About Target Markets

DISCOVER * DISSECT * DISCERN * DESCRIBE * DEVELOP * DIFFERENTIATE


Differentiate

I mentioned differentiation when discussing the other “D’s” but this process of developing a positioning strategy and communicating it needs some quick thinking all by itself. What do you provide that is unique, invigorating and compelling to customers? What exactly sets you apart from others providing the same product or service in the same space? What are those attributes that customers tell you drove them to value what you deliver? Have you ever asked a customer?

Differentiation is not simply being different; it is setting yourself apart from the competition in regards to how well you meet customer expectation and deliver value – all within the context of gaining market share. Not every element of differentiation will help move you forward in acquiring market share and not every attribute has the same weight of importance to each target market.

Attributes of differentiation that matter to the target market are those that drive buying behavior and deliver value in a way that the customer is not only satisfied, but they are exceptionally pleased and motivated to share their relationship experience with you to others. They become evangelists for you. They believe in you. You have proven by your behavior that you fulfill your brand promise and they you consistently deliver the value you promise.

This takes effort, leadership, and the willingness on your part to be constantly learning from the results of each customer interaction.

IF you need some objective, 3rd party help in working through differentiation, click here – the initial contact is FREE.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

Please, share your journey of the Differentiate process by using the comment section for this blog. These questions are only thought-starters: you may have something else to share.

Did you discover that you were differentiated – or did you discover you were “just like” the rest in the market messages you were sending? How did that make you feel? What will you do?

Did it change what you think in regard to the value you deliver?

What did you learn in the process?

What was the result (what changed)?

What advice do you have for others who need to do this?


Copyright ©2009 by P. Griffith Lindell