Why don’t people buy from you?  Does your industry have a negative reputation? If so, why?  What is the No. 1 complaint you hear from your customers?

These questions hold the answers to improving your business and separating yourself from the pack.

People often tell me that when it comes to photography they don’t want to pay for work they can do themselves.

Digital technology makes it easy for a beginner to pick up a basic SLR camera and create images with sharp focus and proper exposure.

This means you as the professional photographer have to work harder.

Maybe you’re in a different creative industry.  Chances are your business has been affected by technology, too.  It doesn’t always take the new technology to improve a business model hurt by current technology.  Sometimes the ability to deliver quickly and on time will set you apart.

Don’t fall for the lowest price trap.  Everyone wants a lower price. Lower prices will quickly drive you out of business. It is often better to add value before reducing prices.

The answers are found in other industries, too. What have those sectors done to add value to their products and services?

The solutions are all around you, but you won’t hear them from your happy customers. Satisfied customers already are sold on you. They are not the key to rising above your competition.