Small Business - How to Succeed in Changing Markets
December 8, 2017
A Delicate Balance of Adapt and Differentiate
Adapt through Adopting Adopting the strategies of the prevailing market to the degree that they fit your business's mission can be helpful. As an example, if your business is a brick and mortar retailer, you could move into eCommerce by developing a proprietary website, and/or move into selling your products on the Amazon marketplace via the Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA) program.
Adopting main stream strategies and technologies effectively answers the question of “How will my customers buy from me in the face of dramatic changes” by keeping your business aligned with the current business models with which you customers are familiar. Blaze Unique New Trails Through Differentiation Differentiation, on the other hand, means developing and effectively marketing the factors that differentiate your business from others, and may result in establishing a niche’ or specialty market that is intentionally less influenced by the current of main stream retail commerce. Developing, organizing and communicating differentiation could be summarized as creating and marketing your business's Unique Selling (or Value) Proposition (USP or UVP). There are several online tools and guides to assist with the development of a USP, one of which is here: Differentiation effectively answers the question of “Why will my customers buy from me in the face of dramatic changes” Lastly, stay abreast of current trends and take time to think in terms of “What will my vertical be like in 5 years, in 10 years?”. Looking forward and organizing your business planning around well-informed expectations for the future may eliminate the need to play catch-up.
Stop Relying on Word-of-Mouth Alone — Here's How Smart HVAC Businesses Win Online
This May, MMDC is proud to support The W.O.W. Project, a New York City-based organization dedicated to protecting and celebrating Asian American culture, intergenerational storytelling, and community empowerment through creative activism.
Stop guessing what to post. This platform-by-platform short-form video guide gives small businesses real strategies, content ideas, and posting schedules for Reels, Shorts, and TikTok in 2026.
This April, MMDC is proud to support Jed Foundation, a nonprofit focused on mental health and suicide prevention for teens and young adults. In honor of Stress Awareness Month, we’re highlighting the importance of emotional well-being and the power of community support.
This March, MMDC proudly supports the Global Fund for Women, a leading organization fueling ender equality movements worldwide. In celebration of Women’s History Month, every donation will be matched up to $50,000; doubling the impact for women and girls everywhere.
This February, MMDC proudly supports Vincent House, a community-centered hospice organization dedicated to compassionate end-of-life care and meaningful support for families.
Consumers trust other consumers more than they trust brands. User-generated content (UGC) turns your customers into storytellers, advocates, and marketers, building credibility, boosting engagement, and driving conversions at scale. This article explores how businesses can encourage, collect, and leverage UC to grow th
As Google’s AI Overviews transform how search results are displayed, local businesses are facing a new reality for “near me” searches. This article explores how local SEO is evolving in 2026, why AI-powered search is changing the rules, and what brands can do to maintain visibility and drive local engagement.
Digital marketing in 2026 will be smarter, faster, and more competitive than ever. From AI-enhanced websites to intent-driven SEO, immersive social media, and advanced PPC automation, small businesses must embrace the next wave of trends to stay visible and grow. Here are the essential shifts shaping success in 2026.
MMDC is honored to continue its annual donation to The Magic of Christmas organization.
