Successful business strategies that small businesses can learn from:

1. Focus on Customer Experience

Companies like Amazon and Zappos have built their businesses around providing exceptional customer service. Some key tactics:

• Offer free shipping and hassle-free returns to reduce risk for customers
• Invest heavily in customer service training for employees
• Proactively reach out to customers for feedback and quickly address any issues
• Personalize the customer experience with product recommendations, etc.

By focusing relentlessly on customer satisfaction, these companies build loyal customer bases that drive growth through repeat business and word-of-mouth.

2. Find an Underserved Niche

Identifying an underserved market segment and tailoring your product or service to meet their specific needs can be very effective. For example:

• Lefty's, a retail store, focused solely on products for left-handed people, an often overlooked niche
• Drybar built a successful business around just blow-drying hair, no cuts or color
• Divvies bakery specialized in vegan, nut-free, and gluten-free treats to serve customers with dietary restrictions

By narrowing their focus to a specific target market, these businesses were able to stand out and attract a dedicated customer base.

3. Form Strategic Partnerships

Partnering with other businesses can help you expand your reach and capabilities without heavy investment. Some examples:

• Spotify partnered with Uber to allow passengers to control the music during their ride
• Pottery Barn Kids partnered with designer Margherita Missoni on an exclusive collection to attract new customers
• Smaller local businesses often partner together for joint promotions and events to cross-promote to each other's customers

The right partnership can provide mutual benefits and help fuel faster growth than going it alone.