The X-Factor isn’t just a popular prime time television show, it is a term that has now come to mean someone or something that is interesting, exciting and unforgettable.

Get Back to Basics

Firstly, you need to get back to basics and ask yourself why you went into business in the first place. Make a list of the things you are most passionate about and any goals you want to achieve. I guarantee that it will be about more than just the cash. Sharing your passion is what makes you stand out from the crowd.

Work on Building your Brand

Firstly, is your brand visually consistent? It’s not just about having a logo! A unique and consistent look builds brand recognition.Finding and using your uniqueness within your brand is really important. Your brand is a constant reminder to current and potential customers of why you are the better choice in comparison with the competition.

Look at your Small Business through a Customer’s Eyes

You need to think about what people say about your company what makes it unique in their eyes. Why would they choose your business over others?

Think about:

• What you want people to think when they hear your name.
• What you want prospects, customers, suppliers and competitors to think about your business.
• What words you want people to use to describe your small business.

It is a good idea to reduce your findings down to one finding, one brand concept.

For example:
Cashflow Manager – The Simplest Bookkeeping Solution on the Planet; or Google – The Top Internet Search Engine.

Get a Business Mentor

In the X Factor each contestant has a mentor. Yours probably won’t be Ronan Keating or Redfoo, but the concept is the same. Having a business mentor is a great way to set clear career path initiatives and establish goals. It also makes you accountable for those goals. Mentoring is also great for helping you gain perspective and for expanding your networks.

Blog – Tell Your Story

X-Factor contestants have a story, so that the viewers at home engage with them on another level. So get blogging – it is inexpensive and in the age of social media there is huge opportunity for it to go viral. Blogging about product or service information, sharing stories, and providing tips are a great way to engage and communicate with your customers.