The Donald Trump Effect

Along with millions of Americans, I’ve been avidly following the 2016 election process. It’s been a wild, turbulent spectacle, and has commanded everyone’s attention.

We’ve seen how one man took the entire political system and threw it into a complete frenzy. I’m referring, of course, to Donald Trump.

Now, don’t worry – I’m going to steer clear of the political arena, and in no way is this an endorsement. However, I feel there are always valuable business lessons to be learned from current events.

Agree with him or not, there is no denying that Trump has positioned himself as the odds-on favorite to win the GOP nomination. To many, this has been nothing short of an astonishment. Astute businesspeople will notice, however, that he has simply applied a couple of basic, winning business concepts to his campaign:

• Commitment to the Brand – Long before he made any serious political run, Trump spent decades building up his brand, and always remained true to it. Even people who oppose his candidacy find themselves grudgingly admiring the consistency of his brand.
• Knowing the Target Audience – Trump has zeroed in on who his target audience is, and has shown an uncanny ability to connect with them by speaking their language.
• Unique Selling Proposition – Trump’s USP is that, unlike his counterparts, he is not a career politician. This appeals to the many voters frustrated with the current political state, as they view him as “one of their own”.

Just like the political rat-race, today’s hyper-crowded business climate has businesses all vying for that precious customer “vote.”

With so many options for them to choose from, it’s critical to somehow stand out above the crowd.

So how can you rise above the crowd and make yourself heard? Here are a few (uncontroversial) Ptex Practical Pointers to help put your business at the forefront:

• Survey the Scene – Look at what your competitors are doing, take note of their methods, see what has worked for them and what hasn’t. This is known in the industry as a Competitive Analysis. This will help you anticipate what trends are around the corner, and how you can use it to get yourself noticed.

• Know and Listen – Far too often, businesses try to connect with everyone, trying to make products they think everyone will want. Simply put, that is impossible. Successful businesses, on the other hand, know they must target a specific audience and listen to what they need. This ensures that their product is refined and will resonate with potential buyers.

• Be Authentic – When a client comes to you with an issue, don’t start diagnosing with “industry-speak”. In your head you might sound important. In real-life, you just come across as robotic. Be authentic, understanding. Doing so will help you build the absolute key to sustained success: a loyal base of brand advocates.

Above all, never be afraid to revolutionize. History is chock-full of stories of successful entrepreneurs who defied all odds, ignored the naysayers, and persevered all the way to the top. Stay true to your brand, your values, your ideas and keep that end game firmly in sight.

Onward and Upward,

Meny Hoffman

P.S. Let’s talk politics: Who has your vote come November? Feel free to comment below with your pick, and why.