Page 62 - Phonebox Magazine June 2006

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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
OLNEY BRANCH
Help! - Secretary required
If you have the aims and ideals of the British Legion at heart, have ten hours a month you can spare, then perhaps you would like to assist your local branch with the offer of secretarial duties. Detail of requirements are as follows:
a Publication of Newsletter four times a year and distribute to all branch members
a A photocopier would be provided. Access to a computer or word processor would be an advantage
Any expenses would be reimbursed, i.e., stamps, travel expenses, etc. Stationery would be provided on request.
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If you are interested in helping out a worthy cause, then please telephone the Chairman, Olney and District Branch, Royal British Legion on 01234 712432 to arrange an interview.
a Work at home for eight hours per month
a Attend Branch Monthly Committee Meetings and record minutes, meetings last approximately one to one and a half hours
a Attend the AGM in November and record minutes
a Receive correspondence (about ten letters per month) and deal with it in conjunction with the Branch Chairman
For the last nine years, the flat Out Ironing company and Press Gang Ironing Services have been providing a professional ironing service in the area.
The two companies have now merged to offer an improved, more efficient, service of the highest quality. Free collection and delivery is now available from homes and workplaces in all areas of Milton Keynes and the surrounding towns and villages.
With experienced and professional staff, all trained to their exceptionally high standards they now offer a 24- hour or 48-hour turn-around, to all customers depending on their needs.
Customers are safe in the knowledge that their smoke
and pet free environment ensures all laundry is returned in pristine condition.
With this in mind Press Gang’s vehicles are fitted with hanging rails to ensure all hanging garments are hung and returned neatly. Hangers and garment covers are provided in the price.
Press Gang now offer a range of high-quality laundry and clothes care products to customers as well.
Weekly, fortnightly or monthly regular collections are offered and customers regularly comment on the reliable service.
For further details on becoming a regular customer and no longer worrying about the ironing pile growing give Jacqui a call on 01234 240697 or mobile 07956 364260.
ACTION INTERNATIONAL Advice Column – No 4
Question: USP’s . . . What are they and why are they important?
A COMPANY’S unique selling propositions (USP’s) are those criteria that differentiate what it does or sells from its competitors. USP’s are what helps potential clients or customers choose to do business with you over your competitors. Your USP’s define the uniqueness of your business.
One of the deadliest mistakes a small business can make is not to be unique – not to have an edge over your competitors. Indeed, today there has been such an explosion of choices for consumers, that if you want your business to survive & thrive, you must differentiate it in the eyes of your customers or prospects.
The origin of the term ‘USP’ came from Rosser Reeves who wrote the book “Reality in Advertising” in
which he introduced and defined the concept. He said that to be successful in business, you don't have to be the best, you just have to be unique.
It can be very challenging to identify, develop and incorporate your USP or USP’s into everything you, but the rewards are worth it. 'Me too' businesses rarely survive or grow. They usually end up having to resort to price wars because they don't have anything unique which can establish value in the minds of their prospects. The only weapon they have to compete with is price...and unless you have a significant cost advantage over your competitors, this is one battle you will lose.
What Makes a Good USP?
You have probably seen
businesses promote themselves with 'The Best Selection in Town' or 'Service with a Smile' - But these are typical of 'me too' businesses. When deciding in your USP’s, you need to be specific. For example, when Domino's stated that your pizza would be a) fresh, b) hot, and c) delivered within 30 minutes, it was specific and measurable.
Furthermore, your USP must create a real and perceived advantage in your prospect's mind. In the case of Dominos, they put their USP into action by making a very bold guarantee that if they didn't deliver your pizza within 30 minutes of ordering, it would be free of charge. Remember, if your USP includes a promise or guarantee, you must make sure that you can ‘deliver’.
62 Phonebox Magazine