10 Crucial Things You Need For Your Business To Stand Out And Thrive in 2024

Hey there, fellow business owners! Picture this: it’s 2024, and the world of entrepreneurship is buzzing more than ever. Everywhere you look, there are brands vying for attention, trying to stand out in a sea of competition. 

As a small business owner, you’ve probably noticed that the landscape of business and marketing is constantly evolving, somewhat this year more than ever, and it’s crucial to adapt to these changes to succeed. 

In 2024, standing out is more important than ever. With the increasing saturation of the market, it’s vital to carve your unique identity and make a lasting impression on your audience. Embracing innovation, harnessing the power of digital marketing, and prioritising customer experience will be the keys to thriving in this dynamic era of business.

But fear not, because we’re diving deep into the art of personal brand and brand photography to help you not just survive, but thrive in this dynamic landscape.  If you are a small business owner or a creative soul hustling, this one’s for you.

Let’s strategize and differentiate ourselves to make our mark in 2024!  

So, grab your favourite cup of coffee (or like me,  iced matcha with oat milk, if that’s currently your jam) and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how to elevate your business, attract your dream clients, and position yourself as the unstoppable force you truly are.

1. Personal brand/good brand

I’m not at all surprised by the overwhelming importance of personal branding in 2024. It’s no longer just about fonts, colours, and logos; it’s about weaving together compelling stories, captivating images, resonating messaging, and evoking genuine emotions to captivate your audience. 

Our personal brand is the ultimate tool for navigating and conquering the ever-changing business frontier. It’s our unique story and the essence of who we are that sets us apart, establishing an emotional connection and cultivating strong relationships with our audience. 

As we delve deeper into the year of personal brand, let’s embrace the power of authenticity, vulnerability, and connection in crafting our personal brand. Let’s infuse our stories, visuals, and messaging with genuine emotions and relatable experiences, building a brand that resonates and leaves a lasting impact.          

Turning insight into action: revisit your brand, not only your fonts, colours, messaging, but also the mission statement, your values, 

2, Showcase Your Expertise

Ok let’s talk about expertise. As a small business owner or creative entrepreneur, you’ve got skills and it’s time to flaunt ’em. If people are parting with their time or money, people want the best of the best… 

Whether it’s through blog posts, tutorials, or speaking engagements, don’t be afraid to showcase your expertise and position yourself as the go-to authority in your niche. Trust me, when you confidently own your expertise, clients will be knocking down your door to work with you.

Insight into action: Sharing valuable insights and success stories through blog posts, webinars, or social media can help small businesses showcase their expertise in a tangible way. By offering practical tips, advice, and solutions to common challenges in their industry, small businesses can build trust and credibility with their audience, positioning themselves as knowledgeable leaders in their field.    

     

3. Know Who Your Target Market Is

Alright, let’s kick things off with some market savvy talk. Knowing your audience is like having a secret weapon in your back pocket. You’ve gotta know who they are, what makes them tick, and how you can swoop in and save the day with your stellar services or product. In 2024 talking to the masses really doesn’t work. Your client needs to feel like you are talking to them only, that you get them, understand their issues and are standing shoulder to shoulder with them.

Back in the day when I was just starting out as a brand photographer, I spent hours diving into market research. I’m talking late nights, empty coffee cups, the whole shebang. But let me tell you, it was worth it. Understanding my clients inside and out helped me tailor my services to meet their wildest dreams (okay, maybe not wildest, but you get the idea).

Turning insight into action: revisit and update your ICA and create ICA vision board (if you need help with this read blog post here and here…)

4. Serve, serve, serve – Add Value, but Also Know Your Value

Ah, serving with a side of self-worth, my favourite combo. Look, we all love giving back and adding value to our clients’ lives. But here’s the kicker: you’ve gotta know your own worth too.

When I first started out, I was guilty of underpricing my services because I thought that’s what I had to do to compete. But let me tell you, that’s a one-way ticket to Burnout City. Once I started valuing my expertise and charging what I was worth, everything changed. Clients respected me more, and I could actually afford to buy more than just ramen noodles for dinner. Win-win!

And don’t be fooled. Even your customers struggle with information overwhelm and the constant bombardment with options/information and trying to keep up. In 2024 it’s important to focus on contributing to the wellbeing as a success factor, of your clients and potential clients. Serve them well and focus most on the human impact – create positive impact when they engage with you.

Turning insight into action: Imagine you are your client, how would you like to experience the engagement with you – from social media, to client journey… revisit the process and think how you could be making things easier for your client and contribute to their wellbeing. 

5. Show Up Where They Are – Consistently & Engage with Them

Consistency is key, my friends. You can’t just sprinkle a little magic dust on your social media profiles and call it a day. You’ve gotta show up, day in and day out, and engage with your audience like it’s nobody’s business. You don’t have to spend hours on all social media platforms. Be where they hang out. Are they on Linkedin – be active and posting there. Is instagram their playground… well you know where to be :). 

I’ll never forget the time I decided to up my SEO game (you see my brides were ‘googling’ ‘destination weddings in Jersey CI. I started posting consistently, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of my photo shoots, super useful advice and guess what? The engagement went through the roof and all my enquiries were my dream clients! 

Also, people want to see the face behind the brand, so don’t be shy about showing up and being your awesome self.

Insight into action: Show up consistently. Schedule 15 minutes a day to spend some ‘quality time’ with them – respond to their comments, engage, answer any questions and be helpful.

6. Excellent Customer Service – everyone wants to be VIP

Okay, buckle up because we’re about to talk about the unsung hero of business in 2024 – especially in the Czech Republic : customer service. I’m not just talking about answering emails promptly (although that’s important too). I’m talking about going above and beyond to make your clients feel like the rockstars they are.

In 2024, everyone wants to (and expects to) feel like a VIP. I mean, if I’m parting with my hard earned money, I want to feel it’s been worth it and I was valued… and feel pampered.

I’ll never forget the time I had a client who was feeling super nervous before her photo shoot. She was messaging me at 11 at night, and then again a few times during the night.  Instead of brushing off her concerns (in the morning of course – this girl needs her beauty sleep hashtag lackofsleepmakesmecranky), I took the time to chat with her, reassure her, and even brought her favourite snacks & prosecco to the shoot. Long story short, she left feeling like a million bucks, and that shoot ended up being one of my favourites to date.

In a competitive market, going above and beyond for your clients can set you apart from the competition. Take the time to really understand your clients’ needs and preferences,  evaluate your customer journey, and tailor your products or services accordingly, making the experience as amazing as checking into a 5 star hotel.

Turning insight into action: Imagine you are your customer, go through the process of working/engaging with you.  How you could take your client journey and their experience to the next level. What would make your service 5 star so they rave about you and recommend you everywhere. Gosh you can even survey your previous clients and ask them

7. Connection & Authentic Storytelling

Now, let’s get real for a minute. People don’t just buy products or services; they buy stories. That’s why authentic storytelling is the secret sauce to building a brand that stands the test of time.

When I first started sharing my own journey as a brand photographer, I was hesitant. Would people really care about my struggles and triumphs? Turns out, they did! I posted about my struggles about being an extroverted introvert… and guess what, one lady booked me because she needed photography services and was also an extroverted introvert struggling with the same stuff.

By opening up and sharing my authentic self, I was able to connect with clients on a deeper level and build relationships that lasted long after the final photo was snapped.

Insight into action: review and work on your stories, messaging, images and emotions that you are sharing. Are they on brand, but also are they likely to connect, are they interesting, relatable, inspiring, personable and relevant    

 

 

8. Bespoke Proposals & Pricing

Okay, confession time: I used to be a one-size-fits-all kind of gal when it came to proposals. I had three wedding packages, and of course some extra add ons for upselling. But let me tell you, that approach didn’t fly for long. Every client is unique, with their own dreams, goals, and quirks. That’s why I now swear by the bespoke proposal method.

When I take the time to sit down with a client, listen to their vision, and tailor a proposal specifically for them, magic happens. They feel seen, heard, and valued, and that’s when the real fun begins.

Insight into action: Revisit your pricing, and see how you could incorporate bespoke proposals

9. Show Your Face

Alright, it’s time to get up close and personal. No, seriously. If you want to stand out in a crowded marketplace, you’ve gotta put your face out there for the world to see.

I have to get something off my chest, and it’s a major pet peeve of mine. Have you ever visited a website or social media page and found it nearly impossible to identify the person behind the brand? It’s frustrating, isn’t it? I firmly believe that seeing the face behind a brand is essential. It’s hard to connect and build trust when there’s no face to put to the business name. 

I want to do business with a person, not just a company name. When I see the person behind the brand, it feels like I’m connecting with a real individual, making the business more relatable, approachable, and trustworthy. 

So, if you’re a business owner, consider putting your face out there. Show the world who you are and let your audience connect with you on a personal level. It can make all the difference in building meaningful connections and fostering trust.

People want to connect with real humans, not faceless corporations. So, don’t be afraid to show off those pearly whites and let your personality shine.

I used to be (and still am to be honest) totally camera-shy (believe it or not I’m a fellow camera dodger), but once I started incorporating personal branding elements into my visual content, everything changed. 

Insight into action: start consistently posting photos of yourself – headshot, lifestyle photos,

10. Know Your Long-Term Vision

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about having a vision. No, not the kind you see after staring at your computer screen for too long (that’s me now lol). I’m talking about a long-term vision for your business that guides every decision you make.

Ultimately, how do you know what road to take if you don’t know where you are going?

When I first started out, I’ll admit, my vision was a little fuzzy. But over time, I’ve honed in on what I want my brand to stand for, the impact I want to make, and the legacy I want to leave behind. And let me tell you, having that clarity has been a game-changer.

Action point: Revisit your personal and business goals, pin them on the wall so you have constant guidance whenever you have to make any decision. 

Alright, my friends, that’s a wrap! I hope you’re feeling inspired to take your business to new heights in 2024 and beyond. Remember, you’ve got what it takes to stand out in a crowded market, so go forth and conquer!

And as alway, please get in touch if you have any questions, or any other good points to share. 

Always routing for you.

Tereza x