In many ways, running a B2B business is not very different from running a B2C business. You still need to solve a problem and provide a quality product or service. However, there are ways in which the approach is different or where there is a greater emphasis on a particular aspect. If you are moving into the sector from B2C, if you are starting your own company, it’s important to understand those differences.

Funding

Whether you are running a B2B or a B2C business, you need funding. If you’re a small company, you might not have access to some of the sources larger businesses do, such as venture capitalists and angel investors. However, you may be eligible for a small business loan, which can provide a range of funding of various sizes with flexible repayment schedules. In addition, you may be able to connect with support networks and coaching resources through them.

Relationships

B2B is built more on customer relationships than B2C is. While B2C businesses often focus on creating the idea of a relationship in their marketing, as a B2B company, you are most likely working with specific individuals within an organization and building a genuine ongoing relationship with them. Within this relationship, you may tailor your approach as you understand their individual needs and quirks. Referrals and repeat business are at the core of B2B success. You need to get to know your customers and what problems they have so that you will understand how best to convey your solutions. This applies to everything from choosing the best help desk software to customizing your policies to match the demands of the market 

The Power of Niche

Fulfilling a niche is much more common in the B2B world, and it can be critical to your success. You really need to have a good understanding of both your customer and your competition so that you can deliver precisely what they need in a way that no one else can. This is where your relationship building skills will also come in handy because you can talk to your contacts about those needs. Better understanding your niche also means that you won’t waste time targeting audiences that are not right for the product or service you’re offering.

Your Sales Presentation

Your sales presentation needs to be impeccable and persuasive because you are delivering it to people who hear quite a few of them throughout the day. In the B2C world, sales pitches are also happening, but they are far less direct. You need to create a presentation that will stand out and give the potential customer a reason to choose you over others.

Complexity of Questions

If you are coming from the B2C world, where only some customers have complex, in-depth questions, get ready for a customer base that only asks complex questions. Consumers in a B2C scenario, even those on a budget, do not need to be experts or ensure that they get the best combination of quality and value for every single purchase that they make. In a B2B transaction, the opposite is true. Organizations keep a close watch on their bottom line and need to justify every purchase.

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