A great product or service may lead to profits, but even this may not be enough to keep a small business afloat in today’s competitive market.  According to a recent Business Insider report of several sources, a proper enterprise strategy what kind of strategy may be the difference between expansion or closing up shop.

“In the end, the question is, do you have a strategy to get, keep and build upon the customer base you need and will that strategy work,” said Business Insider.  To reward hard working employees, small businesses should establish mandatory vacations to help them recharge their batteries, the Wall Street Journal stated.

Since the internet is such an integral part of marketing strategies, small businesses should reach out to consumers by giving away products, write guest articles, or even promoting other companies to help promote themselves, according to CopyBlogger.

Other ways small businesses can expand their products or services is to create a powerful message that will resonate with consumers, said Liz Strauss. Also, becoming more trustworthy is one way to not only increase sales in the long run, but to become an industry leader, according to Duct Tape Marketing.

Overall, small businesses should be looking to take charge of their operations and enter the market head-on, rather than standing on the sidelines watching their competition reap the rewards.