Embrace Your Competition – Here’s Why

“I want to be the only one of my profession in the networking or leads groups I attend – if my competitors are there how will I get enough referrals?” 

Ever hear that? Ever thought that? 

No, it might not be said in that exact manner – but, that is what they are hinting at and frankly, it’s what they fear. Not everyone, but we hear similar statements from professionals all the time. 

But let’s take a different look at competition. Let’s see it for what it is…and isn’t. 

Michael Dell said that competition represents the “norm”, the collective industry standard, the history of your profession, and often the box that you have put yourself in. (paraphrased)

Great! So, learn from your industries past, the “norm”, and the standards. Glance over at what your competition is doing occasionally. What is working, what is not? What can you improve upon, and what should you throw out? 

Most important…what are the clients not getting from your competitors and how can you provide that in a unique, compelling, and satisfying way?

That is where success lies, it is your clients you should be primarily focused on. They will provide the new opportunities, ideas, and paths for growth. Being overly concerned with what the competitors are doing wastes the energy you need to innovate and provide exceptional products and services.

 What it isn’t….

•  Competition is not the greedy-boogie-man waiting to take ‘your’ prospects and referral partners.
•  Competition is not why you are not seeing the success you feel you deserve.
• Competition is not about what they do or don’t do, it is about YOU and your mindset, actions and abilities. 
•  Competition is not something to be afraid of. 
•  What the competition is doing is not the mark you want to hit, it’s not the standard you want to achieve…if everyone is simply hitting that mark – then no one stands out.

If someone is in front of you, winning the race, then be “that guy” right on their heels.

 “If you can’t win, make the competition ahead of you break the record.” -Evan Esar

 Make no mistake, if you are ‘losing clients and referrals’ to a competitor it is not simply because you are in the same networking circles or at the same events. Consider WHY they are gaining the business and you are not. F

Figure out what YOU can do different or better and do it!

Set yourself up so that potential clients are faced with comparing pizza to broccoli instead of simply plucking a grape off a crowded vine.

 “To succeed in a spectacular fashion, you have to be spectacularly different.” – Warren Buffett

Do the complete opposite of what your competition is doing.

Break away from the traditional methods and ideas.

Intentionally network with your competitors, embrace the philosophy that healthy competition will encourage you to strive to beyond your best, and remember that competitors can be, and often are, among your BEST referral and collaboration partners.

Tell me this – what can you do THIS WEEK to stand out in your industry?

Let us know – maybe we can make a connection or provide a resource to get you there.