Established in 2009, P2P Mailing is now working with well-known retailers and going from strength to strength. The mailing and distribution solutions provider recently featured in the London Stock Exchange Group’s (LSEG) 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain, a landmark report identifying the UK’s most exciting and dynamic small and medium-sized businesses. This achievement came as the company announced increased revenues from £29.3m during the twelve months from April 2013 to March 2014, to £33.5m for the nine months between April and December 2014.
In this article, Paul Galpin, Managing Director of P2P Mailing offers some top-tips for business growth.
Have a unique service
If you’re setting up a new business it’s important to be clear exactly what you’re offering and what makes you stand out from the competition. You then need to relate this to your potential customers and be able to explain clearly how your offering will benefit them.
A sustainable business plan
Any new business launch comes with risks, but these will be significantly reduced if you are operating in an area that you are familiar with. Likewise, no one can predict the future, but it’s advisable to fully research the sector that you will be operating in to get an idea of whether it is experiencing growth, and if this is likely to continue.
Develop a team with the required skillset
There is no substitute for experience of the market place. It provides a solid foundation from which to build solutions that are innovative and properly support the expectations of your customers.
Network
Be sure to mine your address book and use any connections you have to your advantage. You never know who might introduce you to a useful partner, a supplier, or even your first customer.
Customer relations
A consultative approach can inspire loyalty, and this is key – especially when starting out. The better you serve your customers, the more likely they are not only to remain loyal, but also to spread the word about your company and help you to grow.
A knack for numbers
Do not grow so fast that you cannot keep pace with the demands of that growth. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing! Be clear about your target market and what it is you are offering. Listening to feedback from your customers will enable you to improve your business.