TO win new business it is crucial that as a first step, you take action to identify the best way to present yourself to potential customers.

To be successful you need to learn about your target customers and understand the nature of their individual businesses, their requirements and needs.

Looking for gaps in the market and developing solutions to fulfil any unmet needs you identify is also a powerful way of gaining an advantage over competitors and appealing to potential customers.

Once you have established your own offering, make sure that you can then clearly explain why people should buy from you.

You need to know your field and practise presenting your understanding, creating an image of authority and expertise.

When an opportunity subsequently presents itself, trust in your ability and be proactive to ensure you beat your competitors to the punch.

It is vital that you are confident in pitching for new business because an assured approach will make your targets more likely to consider and accept your advances.

A website is also essential for most enterprises.

Make sure your website appeals to all markets. Use plain English and avoid using jargon wherever possible. Include case studies of your success stories that are relevant to different industries and different areas of the country if you can, as these will demonstrate your ability to deliver results.

You could also try investing in a non-geographical telephone number to give potential customers the confidence to deal with a supplier outside their local area.