Do start-ups, or maybe entrepreneurs in general, focus on their business, or do they get easily overwhelmed and distracted by competition? Is competition always a threat or can it be an extension to business objectives at times? Whether we make it or break it in this competitive world will depend on the perception that guides our business journey

Businesses have always struggled with the idea of being close to completion and in many cases, they have fiercely tried to find ways to fight competitors. Like any other business concept, things do fall back on how a business owner perceives competition.

Here are 3 ways to perceive competition in hope that readers will opt for the realistic choice:

An Enemy

Continue with the attitudes of the past and stay distant from competitors. If approached, reject and sadistically object their presence and continue to viciously bad mouth and fight them.

A Stranger

Embrace the passive approach. Take the attitude of “I recognize your presence, but stay away”. As long the competitor does not interfere with my business I am safe and I can make gains.

A Lead

Reach out to competitors and meet them face to face. Ease down the perception that you may be a threat to them. Share some best practices of the industry and exchange information that may benefit both parties. Approach competitors with an open mind, be willing to give first so you may build trust. Work on establishing a relationship that will ease down existing boundaries and reshape them into boundaries that are built on respect and that will create a win-win situation for both businesses.

Yes, competitors can be leads and may be very good leads at times. Strategize as you build relationships and stay focused on the objectives that you have set for your business.

Is creativity crucial to small business success? Is it enough to hire creative workforce to design, plan, strategize and implement? What about businesses that adopt the traditional business approach? Do innovative business strategies define the success of a business?

Yes, in order for a small business to stand out in this competitive world of business it requires creativity and innovation. Whether a small business can hire inventive staff or not, creativity has to start in Leadership. When a business owner is not creative, the business becomes very habitual and resistant to change. In a world where change is happening every day, a business that lacks creativity will eventually expire.

Here are 3 goals to drive the creative business owner:

Be a leader in your industry

Competition is on the rise and business owners have to work hard to make their business stand out from other competitors. They find themselves working with an innovative mind rather than moving forward the traditional way. Any small business seeking to become leaders in their own industry finds it fundamental to be creative in their business approach.

Think outside the box

As a business owner myself, I found that anytime I confine myself to one business approach and restrict myself to that school of thought, my success curve will eventually decline. Business owners: stay up-to-date with the latest business trends and feed on the creativity that is presented by the different business experts.

Make creativity your business mark

Competitors are watching the progress of others in their industry; make creativity your mark. When that happens they will find themselves copying your ideas and business strategies and you automatically become the leader in that business trade.

Tag: competitors

PERCEPTION: MAKE IT OR BREAK IT!